How Long Does Buffalo Zoo Take? (New York, Niagara Falls: 2014, home, restaurants)

[Tat2d Bald Dude]

My wife and I are going to be visiting in a few weeks and we're huge fans of Zoos. We don't stop and stare at every single animal on exhibit, but we do like to take our time at each new zoo we visit. We're setting aside a whole day (9-5, at least) as we normally do, but about how long should it take, on average to see the Zoo? Would we be hard-pressed to find stuff to keep us at the Zoo all day or will we definitely need most of that 9-5 time slot?

[Q44]

I'm not familiar with the Buffalo Zoo but if you can handle about a 2 hour drive each way, the Toronto Metro Zoo is a really good one. We're zoo fans as well, members of the NY Zoological Society (Bronx Zoo) and we love the Toronto Zoo. You would need a passport or enhanced license though to cross the border. Just a thought. There's also a brand new Aquarium in Toronto we have not visited yet.

[Tat2d Bald Dude]

Originally Posted by Q44

I'm not familiar with the Buffalo Zoo but if you can handle about a 2 hour drive each way, the Toronto Metro Zoo is a really good one. We're zoo fans as well, members of the NY Zoological Society (Bronx Zoo) and we love the Toronto Zoo. You would need a passport or enhanced license though to cross the border. Just a thought. There's also a brand new Aquarium in Toronto we have not visited yet.

Thank You for the suggestion, but we're really looking to visit just the Buffalo Zoo, since our Summer Vacation this summer is specifically Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

[laldm]

Hi,

Just wanted to write that I'm happy that you're coming to Buffalo and Niagara Falls for your summer vacation! I haven't been to the Zoo myself, but from friends that go there a lot I've heard it's a great smaller zoo. They recently had tons of press because of a polar bear cub named Luna -- there were little lines of cars for a mile going to see her. Luna has grown up a bit now, but the zoo had a good year because of her. Based on its size, time-wise it seems like you could get through it in a morning, maybe a little longer if you go leisurely. If you do ending up having extra time in the afternoon afterwards, it's right in the middle of Buffalo's big urban park, Delaware Park, which is really beautiful with lakes and forested areas and little bridges and stuff. The park also has one of our art museums and our history museum in it as well, and is home to Shakespeare in the Park, which is free and runs most nights all summer long.

Here's a recent blog post of the city's attractions:
Hipster City Travel: Buffalo, New York
I heartily recommend Food Truck Tuesdays from 5-8pm at Larkinville, when there are around 25 food trucks to choose from. Also, if you are coming in late June, there is City of Night (a giant art show held in our historic grain elevators) or in late July, there is the GardenWalk, which is the biggest in the country.

As for Niagara Falls, of course you have to go there!! It's really nice. Truthfully, the Canadian side of the Falls is a bit nicer because you can see the horseshoe falls from the Canadian side. The American side is kind of behind the falls, so there is less of a view. The American side is more naturalistic and not as commercial, whereas the Canadian side is more touristy. Honestly, outside of the immediate Falls area, which is nice, the city of Niagara Falls, NY is pretty run-down, but there are some good restaurants - The Why is a well-known breakfast place, for example.

Enjoy!!

[BigD_JT_14221]

Originally Posted by Tat2d Bald Dude

My wife and I are going to be visiting in a few weeks and we're huge fans of Zoos. We don't stop and stare at every single animal on exhibit, but we do like to take our time at each new zoo we visit. We're setting aside a whole day (9-5, at least) as we normally do, but about how long should it take, on average to see the Zoo? Would we be hard-pressed to find stuff to keep us at the Zoo all day or will we definitely need most of that 9-5 time slot?

Hi Tat2d,
When my son was younger, the (ex)wife and I would take him and typically spend 3-4 hours there. You should be able to see just about everything and not feel to rushed. It's a nice zoo. I think you and your family will enjoy it.
Thanks,
Big D JT

[Tat2d Bald Dude]

Thank You for all of the helpful information! We're very excited about coming next week!

[jenny S]

Hi. You'll be able to get through the zoo in 2-3 hours. It's a smaller zoo and it's very manageable.

Have a great time during your trip. There's a lot to see and do in Buffalo.

[bmd69]

Nice zoo, see many of the animals up close.