North Tonawanda, NY Indoor Activities

In 1965, a small group of scientists gathered to create artificial seawater at the Aquarium of Niagara. They wanted to open an inland aquarium that could host the same types of sea creatures found on the coast, and so they applied their technology on a large scale. Today, the Aquarium of Niagara pumps this synthetic seawater through tanks hosting a variety of indigenous salt-water dwellers, including sea horses, harbor seals, sea lions, and Navy SEALS. While visitors marvel at both the salt-water and freshwater creatures, they learn about diverse aquatic terrain and conservation efforts. A weekly schedule of animal activities allows guests to witness animals in action, from California sea-lion and goldfish training to penguin and shark feedings.

Kenmore Lanes is a safe haven for pin-pummeling patrons as they relish strikes and avert gutter balls on the stable of slick lanes. Participants can practice their rolling skills during open-bowl sessions or within the intergalactic realm of Friday and Saturday night moonlight bowling, where the lanes remain open until 2:30 a.m. and are entirely illumined by glowing blocks of radioactive cheese. Tykes celebrating their birthdays can launch orbs alongside friends during 90-minute party sessions, which include pizza, soda, and a gift for the guest of honor. A pro shop supplies attendees with custom-fit balls, bags, and shoes, and 10-week leagues encourage team camaraderie and passive aggressive celebrations after every strike. Kenmore Lanes' restaurant reenergizes postgame rollers with abundant eats, and visitors craving more competition can chalk up cues at the pool table or take on classic games at the arcade such as skee-ball.

Dr. Nicole Bishop's signature Mommy and Me Pilates classes were born the same time as her son, Reza, as a way to connect with him while helping women balance their fitness regimens with their brand new bundles. During the 90-minute Mamilates classes, two instructors—one for mom and one for baby—guide participants through short bursts of challenging Pilates exercises. During these drills, fun activities such as singing, massage, and dance keep growing minds entertained while women bolster their muscles. With regular practice, women may notice a reduction in physical tension around the neck and shoulders, stronger abdominals, sturdy backs, and weightlessness despite carrying 15 sacks of lead. The team strives to achieve these results specifically to aid in the recovery from the strain of carrying a baby or to make common postnatal lifting easier. The staff makes careful modifications for women still recovering from Cesarean sections.

Dr. Bishop earned her PhD in comparative literature at the University of Michigan, an academic track that involved a focus on mindfulness, meditation, and reading methodology. She incorporates these disciplines in her budding practice, along with her specialty in African and Caribbean dance, the spark for which ignited at the ripe old age of 5 years. As a kicker, Dr. Bishop also boasts certification in mat Pilates instruction and the ability to fashion a yoga mat out of a napkin.

The Historic Palace Theatre's own in-house production company, Curtain Up Productions, performs beneath the gilded proscenium of a venerable historic auditorium. The playhouse and movie theater was considered the jewel of downtown Lockport on its 1925 opening and still bustles today under the watch of volunteers committed to its preservation.

Dave and Buster’s decks out 40,000 square feet and three storeys with a wall-to-wall array of more than 200 games ranging from arcade classics to interactive video platforms. To give thumbs a breather, visitors can escape into Captain Jack’s Pirate’s Cove, a pirate-themed complex of mini golf and laser tag. Cannons and sea creatures thwart revellers in the glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course. Patrons duck and weave through a hide-and-seek-style laser-tag arena teeming with fog tendrils, or hunt for a hidden treasure chest in the depths of the Lazer Maze. Patrons who can’t photosynthesize can refuel at the full-service bar and restaurant, whose menu ranges from burgers to other hearty classics such as fish ‘n’ chips and chicken tenders.