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Daytime

Canalside Play and Harbor Views

Start with hands-on discovery at the children's museum, then grab a bite by the water before walking off the energy at the reclaimed nature preserve.

Best time: noneAbout 210 min

Timeline

  1. 10:00

    Explore & More

    Arrive at Explore & More when it opens at 10:00 AM. Beat the midday rush and let the kids explore the miniature Erie Canal and interactive exhibits while the morning light is bright and clear.

  2. 11:30

    Liberty Hound

    Walk two minutes to Liberty Hound for lunch. Located inside the Naval Park, it offers a lakeside setting with a menu of seafood. The 10:00 AM start allows you to arrive here by 11:30 AM, well within its opening hours of 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM on weekdays.

  3. 12:30

    Times Beach Nature Preserve

    Take a short walk west-southwest to Times Beach Nature Preserve. This 50-acre site on former industrial land offers a peaceful stroll along the harbor. The reclaimed landscape provides a quiet contrast to the museum's activity.

  4. 13:30

    Templeton Landing

    End the outing at Templeton Landing. Located at the Erie Basin Marina, it is a popular spot for people-watching and offers stunning views of Lake Erie from its patio. It is a convenient final stop for a drink or dessert as the day winds down.

Local tip

Check the route for Metro Rail access via Erie Canal Harbor if you are not driving. Liberty Hound is open daily from 11:30 AM, so timing your museum visit to finish just before lunch ensures you catch it at its opening.

Check before you go

  • Explore & More opens at 10:00 AM on weekdays. Arrive early to avoid crowds.
  • Liberty Hound opens at 11:30 AM. Plan your lunch accordingly.
  • Templeton Landing's patio is open seasonally; verify access if visiting in colder months.

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Buffalo (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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