Erie County is absolutely spoiled when it comes to family-friendly outdoor spaces. From massive county parks with toboggan chutes and sensory trails to hidden village gems with splash pads and inclusive playgrounds, there's a park for every age and interest. Whether you're looking for a weekend adventure or a quick afternoon escape, these are the spots that local families keep coming back to.

Key Takeaways

• Erie County's five heritage parks now all feature inclusive playgrounds, ensuring children of all abilities can play together.
• Chestnut Ridge Park opened a new Sensory Trail in July 2026 with interactive play zones, musical instruments, and a tribute to Hunter Kelly.
• Over $3.1 million has been invested in Como Lake Park improvements since 2012, including an accessible playground with a We-Go-Round Spinner.
• Delaware Park's new inclusive playground was a $507,000 investment, opened in October 2024.
• Cazenovia Park's inclusive playground cost $850,000, funded by the City of Buffalo and Erie County.
• Erie County's newest park, Willowdale Park, is a 171-acre development coming to Amherst.

Erie County's Heritage Parks — The Crown Jewels

Erie County's five heritage parks are the backbone of the system, and they've all received significant upgrades in recent years. The county has made a major push to install inclusive playgrounds in all five parks, ensuring children of all abilities can play together. As Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera put it: "Accessibility and inclusion are key priorities for Erie County, and by creating spaces for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy, we enrich our communities".

Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park spans 1,151 acres of year-round family fun. In summer, you'll find playgrounds, grills for picnicking, lighted tennis courts, softball fields, and an 18-hole disc golf course. The park's southwest section features the famous Eternal Flame Falls, a waterfall grotto with a naturally burning flame behind it. In winter, it transforms into a snow sports destination with downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, sledding, and toboggan chutes.

New for 2026: A Sensory Trail opened at Chestnut Ridge in July 2026, featuring sensory-friendly elements, interactive play zones, sensory play panels, musical instruments, a crawl tunnel, and a balance beam. Erie County committed close to $200,000 for the project. The trail also includes a tribute sign honoring Hunter Kelly, the late son of Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly.

Como Lake Park in Lancaster has seen over $3.1 million invested since 2012. The park features an accessible playground, exercise area, and dog park. The inclusive playground includes a We-Go-Round Spinner designed for children using wheelchairs, a Cozy Dome climber, and a Rollerslide that provides a tactile and auditory experience. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz says the playground is "welcoming to children of all ages and abilities".

Ellicott Creek Park in Tonawanda sits along Ellicott Creek and offers paved trails for walking, cycling, and rollerblading; sports fields for soccer, tennis, and pickleball; a seasonal kayak and canoe launch; and an 18-hole disc golf course. It's also home to Ellicott Island Bark Park, an off-leash dog area accessible via footbridge. Winter brings sledding and cross-country skiing.

Wendt Beach Park in Evans is a 164-acre waterfront park along Lake Erie, about 20 miles south of downtown Buffalo. Recent improvements include newly paved roads, parking areas, and improved curbing. While swimming is prohibited due to rocky conditions, the beach is a peaceful spot for walking and enjoying lake views. Facilities include soccer fields, kids' playgrounds, clean restrooms, picnic tables, and walking trails.

Buffalo's City Parks — Olmsted Gems

Delaware Park, Buffalo's crown jewel designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, now features a brand-new inclusive playground at Colvin Avenue and Amherst Street. The $507,000 project, opened in October 2024, offers a safe, accessible play space for children of all ages and abilities. As Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera noted: "These playgrounds are hugely popular at our Erie County parks and having one here at Delaware Park will certainly bring more families here to enjoy this great natural space".

Cazenovia Park in South Buffalo celebrated the opening of a new $850,000 inclusive playground in April 2025. The City of Buffalo contributed $400,000 in American Rescue Plan funds, and Erie County partnered to make it happen. The playground features modern equipment designed to accommodate children of all abilities. Mayor Christopher Scanlon called it "a symbol of what we can achieve when we work together to make our city more welcoming for everyone".

Frontier Park offers a playground with unique slides, well-maintained walking trails, tennis courts, and a soccer field. It's also known for its painted rock scavenger hunt — a fun activity for families.

Buffalo Harbor State Park, Buffalo's first state park, offers stunning Lake Erie views, a marina, and a nautical-themed playground. It's a hub for boating, fishing, and family fun. Visitors praise the sunset views from Gallagher Pier.

Towpath Park features a water-themed accessible playground that showcases the beautiful views of the Niagara River. It's one of several accessible playgrounds installed in Erie County parks.

Amherst's Best Family Parks

Amherst has an incredible network of parks that make it one of the most desirable places to live in Erie County.

Eggertsville Community Park is a small but cozy park in Amherst with accessible parking, a pavilion, playground, basketball court, swings, bike racks, and a semi-paved trail perfect for walking or biking.

Walton Woods Park is a peaceful and scenic spot with a paved walking trail that loops around a quiet pond — perfect for a calm family stroll, jog, or bike ride. The park also features playgrounds, a disc golf course, and a dog park.

Amherst State Park is a peaceful preserve that combines open meadows, wooded trails, and the serenity of Ellicott Creek. A favorite for nature walks and seasonal foliage.

Williamsville Village Parks

Williamsville has invested heavily in its parks through the "Picture Our Parks 2025" initiative, replacing outdated features with state-of-the-art playground equipment.

Island Park is a charming park that combines classic playground fun with serene natural beauty. Features include a well-maintained playground suitable for various ages, basketball courts, shaded picnic areas, and scenic Ellicott Creek views with opportunities to watch ducks and wildlife.

South Long Park features a playground with obstacle course-style equipment including an expansive net climbing structure. It also has a new pavilion that can be rented for family events, plus new tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts. "Great parks make for great neighborhoods" is the philosophy behind these upgrades.

Garrison Park offers a leisure playground, wading pool, basketball court, and scenic routes for walking.

A Note on Accessibility

Erie County has made accessibility a priority across the park system. All five heritage parks now feature adaptive playgrounds, and all shelters are equipped with universal picnic tables that accommodate wheelchairs. The county has also installed accessible playgrounds at Towpath Park, Sprague Brook Park, and Isle View Park. Beach matting has been installed at Bennett Beach Park to ensure waterfront access for all.

FAQ

Q: What's the best park for toddlers in Erie County?
A: Glen Park in Williamsville is a top choice with its splash pad and multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups. Billy Wilson Park also has an excellent inclusive playground with foam padding and a zip line that older kids love.

Q: Which parks have inclusive or accessible playgrounds?
A: All five Erie County heritage parks now have inclusive playgrounds — Chestnut Ridge, Como Lake, Ellicott Creek, Akron Falls, and Emery Park. Additional locations include Towpath Park, Delaware Park, Cazenovia Park, Billy Wilson Park, Sprague Brook Park, and Isle View Park.

Q: Where can we go sledding or tobogganing in winter?
A: Chestnut Ridge Park has a dedicated sledding hill and toboggan chutes. Billy Wilson Park also has a great sledding hill.

Q: What's the Sensory Trail at Chestnut Ridge Park?
A: It's a new trail that opened in July 2026 featuring sensory-friendly elements, interactive play zones, musical instruments, a crawl tunnel, and a balance beam. Erie County committed close to $200,000 for the project.

Q: Are there any splash pads or water features for summer?
A: Yes! Glen Park in Williamsville has a popular splash pad. Cazenovia Park also has a splash pad.

Q: Which parks are good for hiking with kids?
A: Chestnut Ridge Park offers trails including the famous Eternal Flame Falls. Amherst State Park has wooded trails and meadows. Walton Woods Park features a peaceful paved loop around a pond. Ellicott Creek Park has paved trails perfect for strollers and bikes.

Q: Are dogs allowed in these parks?
A: Many parks allow dogs on leashes. Ellicott Creek Park has a dedicated off-leash dog park (Ellicott Island Bark Park), and Smith Road Paw Park in Amherst is another great off-leash option.

Q: What's the newest park in Erie County?
A: Willowdale Park in Amherst is currently under development — a 171-acre property that will become the first county park in the Town of Amherst. It is expected to open in 2027.