Get ready for a fantastic cosmic experience! This guide is tailor-made for families gearing up to witness the grand solar event in and around Western New York. Directly in the path of totality, this region is a family-friendly haven to catch the total eclipse scheduled for April 8th. With a plethora of viewing options scattered across the area, deciding on the perfect spot for your family might prove to be a bit of a challenge. Let’s navigate through a few of the choices together and ensure your family’s eclipse experience is nothing short of stellar!
State Parks and Historic Sites
Niagara Falls, NY– Niagara Falls is expecting over 1 million visitors for this event and they are going all out and gearing up with all kinds of fun family-friendly eclipse related activities. They have a fantastic lineup including presentations by NASA astronauts, guided solar strolls, galaxy cookie decorating, fireworks and lots of other activities to choose from. The fun kicks off on April 4th and keeps going until April 8th.
Old Fort Niagara (Youngstown, NY)- Visit Old Fort Niagara for a unique view of the solar eclipse with centuries of history as your backdrop. Enjoy special programs including musket and cannon firings, 18th-century soldier life, Native American stories, and more. Explore science exhibits like telescope viewing, solar activities, and a high-flying weather balloon camera launch by Lewiston Porter Schools. NASA presentations at the Officers Club will also be available with limited seating. Grab food onsite, and find solar eclipse glasses for sale at the museum shop!
Ganondagan Historic Site (Victor, NY)- View the total eclipse from this unique historic landmark. Ganondagan is the site of an original 17th century Seneca village which existed there more than 350 years ago. The site offers a unique vantage point for observing the event with educational programming and presentations before and after viewing the total eclipse. Enjoy traditional games, Native American storytelling, and a discussion of the shared experience of witnessing totality.
Genesee Country Village and Museum (Mumford, NY)- Enjoy viewing the solar eclipse from the largest living history museum in New York state! GCVM is preparing for a large celestial event including three days of celebration leading up the the total solar eclipse (April 5-7). On April 8, the GCVM is offering hospitality packages that include a spot in one of their buildings, a drive-in option, and an individual ticket option.
Aquariums and Zoos
Aquarium of Niagara– Head over to the Aquarium from April 6th to 8th for a weekend packed full of interesting activities including educational demonstrations and eclipse related crafts. on April 8th, “Sea the Eclipse” from the outdoor plaza then catch two free after-hours talks by NASA scientists. Make sure to snag your tickets early, though, as space is limited!
The Buffalo Zoo– Experience the total solar eclipse from the zoo! Be there to witness how the animal kingdom reacts to this natural phenomena. Guests will receive solar glasses upon entrance (only 500 available per day) from April 6th-8th. Don’t forget to say “hi” to Luna, the zoo’s resident polar bear that was born during a lunar eclipse!
The Rochester Zoo– Visit the Zoo on Eclipse Day for a fun experience! Be a citizen scientist, observing animal behavior during the eclipse. Share your findings with the community and the Zoo’s media channels. Visit the Nature Cart to build a pinhole camera, learn about the eclipse, and grab free eclipse viewing glasses, available while supplies last. The Zoo will also be hosting special programs throughout the weekend leading up to the main event, including meeting an Astrophysicist on April 7th!
Other Viewing Venues
The Buffalo Naval & Military Park– Get exclusive front-row access to the spectacular Great North American Eclipse. For the ultimate experience, go on board the USS Little Rock at the Buffalo Naval Park by securing a Day Pass and partake in the Eclipse Overnight Youth Encampment. Please note, the Naval Park will not be accessible for regular tours on April 8th so purchasing a Day Pass or partaking in the Eclipse Overnight is the only way to come on board on this special day.
Rochester Museum and Science Center– Join the RMSC at the “ROC the Eclipse” three day festival! Enjoy hands-on activities, solar telescope viewing, planetarium shows, guest speakers, live stage entertainment, food trucks, and much more! The RMSC has gone all out to not only provide entertainment for the days and hours leading up to the eclipse, but they have a whole after party planned also!
Great Gates, NY Eclipse 2024- Total Sports Experience, The Town of Gates, the Gates Library, and DPW are all teaming up to offer a fun FREE family event! The event will include games, activities, a DJ, and food trucks. It will take place form 1-5 PM at 880 Elmgrove Road, Rochester NY.
Springdale Farm (Spencerport, NY)- Your admission package comes complete with four sets of officially certified solar viewing glasses (ISO 12312-2:2015) for your safety and enjoyment. Plus, enjoy a range of educational activities, games, a bounce house, temporary tattoo booth, photo ops, petting zoo, tours of the Riedman Robotic Milking Center, live music, and much more! Need extra glasses or want to grab some delicious treats, beverages, or event souvenirs? No worries, they’re available for purchase at the event.
SUNY Brockport Campus– The southeast campus is perfectly situated on the center line of the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse, guaranteeing an extended totality period. SUNY Brockport will enjoy an additional five seconds of totality compared to other nearby locations, making this campus one of the world’s premier viewing areas. Whether you prefer to gather with others near the center line or find a peaceful spot on the vast 464-acre campus, your experience is sure to be unforgettable. The event pass includes a designated parking spot, four pairs of solar eclipse glasses, commemorative stickers, access to food trucks, and live entertainment starting at 11 am.
Stokoe Farm (Scottsville, NY)- Experience the “Dark Side of the Farm” with a live DJ, foam parties, petting zoo, zip line, face painting, and monitor the moon’s journey on a giant screen LIVE!
There are many options to cater to various preferences for viewing this solar eclipse. Whether you choose to join a bustling event or opt for the tranquility of one of Western NY’s multiple parks, there is an option for everyone. So, mark your calendars, plan your preferred viewing space, and don’t forget those essential viewing glasses!
Hotels and accommodations are filling up fast, don’t forget to book your stay as soon as possible!
Planning a road trip to see the eclipse? Check out this helpful post on fun Budget Friendly Road Stop Ideas.
