The Buffalo Parks System has a long history. In the 1800s, Frederick Law Olmsted envisioned Buffalo to become a "City of Trees" and planned a system of six parks, today know as the Olmsted Parks. The Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy is involved in maintaining and preserving this network of parks. Probably the most visited of these is Delaware Park. It consists of 350 acres of trees, museums, the Buffalo Zoo, public tennis courts, walking/biking paths, lakes, and more. It is a great place to go for a day of walking and picnicking. Other park activities include Shakespeare in the Park, a free summertime event from late June until late August. You can bring a picnic and relax on the hill while enjoying a performance. For more information, visit: http://www.shakespeareindelawarepark.org/.
The Buffalo Zoo is located in Delaware Park. I have never been here personally, but I have heard it is a nice place to take kids. A popular zoo event is "Polar Bear Days at the Zoo". If the temperature reaches 32 degrees or below, admission to the zoo is just $2. Visit http://www.buffalozoo.org for more information.
Delaware Park is also a great spot for an architectural tour. Frank Lloyd Wright had a lot of influence in Buffalo, and many Wright buildings are here in the park. (Note: some under restoration). Delaware Avenue is home to "Millionaire Row", a street lined with turn-of-the-century mansions.
The Albright Knox Art Gallery is located in Delaware Park, as well. It houses works by artists such as Monet, Edward Hopper, Rembrandt, and many others. Exhibitions are scheduled throughout the year. Gusto at the Gallery is a free event on Fridays from 3 to 10pm, featuring free museum admission, cocktails, talks, and more. For more information, visit: http://www.albrightknox.org/index.html.
The Buffalo History Museum, across from the Albright Knox, is a great place for exploring Buffalo’s rich history. Buffalo was a booming town at the turn of the century. It was home to the Pan-American Exposition, many millionaires, and was at the center of industrialization. The museum also explores the lives of three presidents linked to Buffalo’s past: Fillmore, McKinley, and Clevland. Free admission on Fridays from 3 to 10pm. For more information, visit: http://www.bechs.org/index.htm. On the topic of history, Buffalo is also known for the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site www.nps.gov/thri/index.htm. This is covered in entries by other writers.
Chestnut Ridge Park is another area park. It is located in a suburb outside the city of Buffalo. It has nice areas for walking trails, biking, a great hill famous for sledding (and no, you don’t have to be a kid to participate), playgrounds, and picnic areas. A nice-sized stream runs through this park along the walking trails. Chestnut Ridge is also home to the Olmsted Winter Carnival, where you can participate in winter sports tournaments, go sledding, ice skate, and watch fireworks with a hot cup of cocoa. www.erie.gov/parks