If you've never taken a trip north to Lockport, it's definitely worth checking out! Pack a picnic, sneakers, sunscreen, bug spray (we didn't need it, but just in case), your masks (if you're reading this and COVID-19 is still a "thing") and head about 45 minutes north from Buffalo. This is what I recommend:
Start at the Town of Lockport Nature Trail. Believe it or not, it's one of the best family-friendly nature trails around. The trails are clean, tidy, and pretty level. It's even jogging stroller friendly! There's a small waterfall and babbling brook that is super relaxing. The tree cover provides plenty of shade on warmer days and would also be spectacular in the fall with the leaves changing. There are many trail options, so I recommend downloading the "All Trails" app onto your smartphone. It will show you were you are on the trail map at all times, just in case you lose your sense of direction. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/lockport-nature-trail
If you'd rather bike it or stay on paved surfaces (maybe due to a stroller), check out the Erie Canal Heritage Trail and Upside Down Bridge! https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/37822
Either throw down a blanket under the 2-3 shade trees near the parking lot, or drive towards the Erie Canal walking trail (6 minutes away) and find a picnic table near the small boardwalks (people use them for fishing) or just a shady spot.
If your kids like to feed ducks/geese, be sure to bring along some baggies of plain oatmeal. You're sure to find some along the canal! (I recently learned that bread is bad for wildlife, so we've switched to keeping a canister of oatmeal in the trunk) :)
Next, you're about 0.8 miles away from the Lockport Locks. This is a great learning experience for the kiddos, especially if you get lucky and a boat is using the locks to move up/down the river. https://eriecanalway.org/find-resources/case-studies/lockport-locks
The Lockport Caves are literally right across the street (it was closed when we were there, but it looks fun!) This might be a good break from the sun if you go on a really hot day. https://lockportcave.com/
If you're into amazing, creative, delicious artisan ice cream, you HAVE to check out Lake Effect Ice cream (also located basically across the street). There are really creative choices for just a scoop or an insanely good sundae. (You just hiked a couple of miles, so treat yourself, right?) The prices aren't crazy, either. My kids each got one scoop (it was huge) and my husband and I split a *small* sundae and we paid $15. The smalls are BIG, so come with an appetite! http://www.lakeeffecticecream.com/menu
If the kids aren't sugared up enough, right across the bridge you'll find Chenez's Popcorn. It's a little pricey, so if you have younger kiddos it's not really worth spending $6-10 on a *small* bag of popcorn. https://www.chenezspopcorn.com/
All in all, it's a fun place to do on a sunny day!
