Nowadays it seems like there is less and less you can do with $20. But, we’ll let you in on a little secret: there ARE still a bunch of fun ways you can step out without draining your bank account. From hitting up snow tubing to dancing your heart out at a silent disco, you might be surprised by just how much you can do in WNY. If you’re working on building up your savings but still down for a good time, well my friends, this will be your new favorite guide.
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1. Boozy Bingo
Incase you didn’t know, WNY has a traveling boozy bingo company –BB’s Bingo! These bingo events involve drinks and dancing and make for an overall fun time for only $10-$20. Check out their upcoming events below.
2. The Screening Room
The Screening Room is a local cinema and arts cafe featuring movies, live music, poetry readings, plus trivia and comedy nights. Most events fall between $5-$10 so you’ll even have a little cash leftover to grab a drink or snack off the menu.
3. Dueling Pianos @ Rec Room
Rec Room is a center for all things entertainment which is why it’s the perfect place to catch a Dueling Pianos show live in action. This show is 21+ but only costs $10 for admission!
4. Niagara Climbing Center
Looking to test out your rock climbing skills? Head to the Niagara Climbing Center to grab a day pass which ranges from $7.50-$18.
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5. Silent Disco
Dance your heart out as you jam out to your favorite tunes at a silent disco. WNY’s local company SE2 Silent Disco hosts events all over the region and they typically go for $10-$20 depending on regular/pre-sale. Check out their upcoming events below.
6. Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens
In the winter months, it’s nice to see some fresh green gardens at the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens. General admission ranges from free-$15.50 and slightly varies depending on special events. Some of their special events include Family Nights, Gardens After Dark, and The Orchid Show.
7. Gather & Game
This is a great group activity to get all your friends together for a game night. Gather & Game offers a huge variety of games to choose from and the best part is it’s only $4 to play or free for store members!
8. Canalside
Canalside is constantly a hub for all things fun in WNY, but especially during the winter months. Enjoy ice skating, ice bumper cars, ice bikes and more. All of these activities range between free-$15.
buffalowaterfront.com/canalside
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9. Niagara Falls State Park
Niagara Falls gets pretty touristy in the warmer months which is why it is a great place to take advantage of during the winter. You’ll find all the trees are covered in a sheet of snow and ice that really make the blue tone of the falls pop. If you’re looking to park on Goat Island, rates range between $5-$10. Cave of the Winds is also open year round so if you can brave the cold, admission during the winter is between $7-$12.
10. PAUSA Art House
If you are looking to enjoy some live jazz music, PAUSA Art House is an award winning jazz venue in Allentown, bringing an intimate art and concert experience to Buffalo. The relaxed atmosphere is great for enjoying a glass of wine or beer, and tapas. Most events range from $10-$20.
11. Buffalo Zoo
The Buffalo Zoo is open year round which means you can check out your furry friends even during the winter months. Admission to the zoo ranges from free-$17.95 and is open Friday-Sunday.
12. Explore Buffalo Tours
If you’ve been living in Buffalo all your life and haven’t taken the time to truly explore our city, Explore Buffalo Tours is a great way to do so. Most tours go for $17 general admission, $7 for students, and free for Explorer Pass Members. Their tours cover everything from historic villages, Delaware’s Mansions, Sacred Places, and even a look over the city from Seneca One.
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13. Snow Tubing @ Peek’n Peak
Believe it or not, you can go snow tubing at Peek’n Peak for under $20! The trick is going on a weekday where rates are only $15. This is fun for all ages and a good way to enjoy the snow while we still have it.
14. Ice Skating
With all the rinks we have in WNY, there are plenty of opportunities to break in some skates during the winter. Whether you prefer indoor or outdoor rinks, most offer skating rates that range from free-$8 and an additional few dollars if you need to rent skates as well. Check out our guide to popular rinks in WNY for some inspo below!
15. Roller Skating
Roller skating is an ideal activity during the colder months of the year since it is indoors. From the retro feels to the dance music, this makes for a great group activity and it is super friendly on the bank account with most admissions being under $10. Check out our guide to roller rinks in WNY below!
16. The Stage
For all you country lovers, get your hoedown on at The Stage in Williamsville. Line dancing lessons are held on Thursdays at 7pm followed by live music from West of the Mark. Outside of line dancing they also host classic rock and other themed nights throughout the week. Tickets are typically $5-$10.
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17. Selfie Luxe
Get some fresh new pics for your Instagram with a photoshoot at Selfie Luxe in the Fashion Outlets Mall. Here you’ll find a variety of themed rooms set up to get you that perfect selfie. Tickets for one hour of general admission is $18.
18. Buffalo Beauts Game
Cheer on Buffalo’s women’s hockey team by heading to a Buffalo Beauts game at Northtown Center. Tickets typically go for $18 for general admission.
19. M&T Fridays
M&T Fridays offers free admission once a month to the following WNY arts, cultural, and historical institutions. This is a great way to check out the latest exhibits at no cost!
- AKG Art Gallery (First Friday, Temporarily on hold due to Construction)
- Burchfield Penney Art Center (Second Friday)
- The Buffalo History Museum (Third Friday)
20. Bowling
Knock some pins with your friends for some friendly competition with a night of bowling. Most places are less than $10 per game with some additional specials as well. Here are some local bowling alleys to check out:
- Transit Lanes
- Manor Lanes
- Spare Time Bowling Center
- Tonawanda Bowling Center
- Mister’s Bar and Lanes
- AMF Lanes
- 500 Pearl Spare Lanes
Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
