All aboard

Local attractions for the whole family

BY GIO BATTAGLIA

Learn all about trains at Arcade and Attica Railroad

View historic carrousel horses at the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum Slippery snakes are only a few of the exciting delights of Prehistoric World

Don’t miss out on experiencing the zoo under the stars this summer. As the temperature continues to creep up, the desire for things to do increases as well. Luckily there are dozens of activities to add to your calendar that will keep your family occupied for the summer.

An historic experience awaits at the Arcade and Attica Railroad. First opened in the1880s, today it is the last operating shortline railroad in New York State. These trips are powered by the railroad’s steamer and other trips by World War II-era dieselelectric locomotives. During the trip, the Curriers Depot allows for interactions with the crew and a closer look at the engine of the train. Ninety-minute excursions run every weekend until the last full weekend of September. Head over to aarailroad.com for more information.

Enjoy a blast from the past at Prehistoric World. This hands-on experience will bring species from the past and present together, including bearded dragons as well as other reptiles and amphibians. The critters are from both forest and tropical environments. Don’t miss Turtle Town, an entire exhibit focusing on turtles. Visit prehistoricworld.org for more information.

Your perspective of glass will change at the Corning Museum of Glass. The wide range of objects on display cover an extensive timeline of history from ancient Egyptian glass to contemporary sculpture. There is also an interactive educational factor touching on the science and technology of what is displayed in the gallery. Visit cmog.org for hours and other details.

There are more history lessons at the Buffalo Zoo. First opened as a deer park, The Buffalo Zoo was established in 1875. The Rainforest Falls features a two-story waterfall as well as ramps and overlooks to enable visitors to view dozens of colorful free-flight birds. There is also a train and carousel to enjoy between animal exhibits. Visit buffalozoo.org for more information.

If you like history continue to Youngstown and visit Old Fort Niagara. First established 300 years ago, this fort at the mouth of the Niagara River controlled important access to the Great Lakes. Today visitors can step back in time and learn about the life of Native American, French, and British soldiers. Interpreters demonstrate what daily life was like in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. You can even experience a live musket demonstration and tour the fort buildings. To learn more visit oldfortniagara.org.

Feel like taking a spin on a classic carousel? Take a quick jaunt to North Tonawanda and visit the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum. This is the only carousel museum in the world housed in an original factory that was built in 1915. Visitors can browse exhibits devoted to carousel history, then go for a merry-go-round ride! Visit carrouselmuseum.org for more details. [“Carrousel” is a traditional, alternative spelling of the more common “carousel.”—Ed.]

The warmest months are full of endless opportunities for fun, so make sure to add some of these attractions to your summer bucket list.