Buffalo winters are long, and even the best of us homebodies can start to feel a little stir-crazy come February. Don’t believe me? Ask your grandkids. Thankfully, Western New York offers a diverse menu of cold weather gems, from indoor museums and playgrounds to snowy outdoor adventures. Here are a few ideas to keep the kids — and you — occupied all winter long.

Flurrious!: Saturday, January 21st at Delaware Park, Buffalo

Last January, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy debuted an exciting new event called Flurrious! and year two looks even better than the first. A festival of sorts, it’s open to the public and admission is free.

Delaware Park is the venue-to-be for traditional activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice-skating, as well as some more interesting twists on typical warm-weather games like snow tennis, volleyball, softball and yes, Harry Potter fans, Quidditch.

A “stews and brews” sampler is available for purchase the day of if you intend to eat and drink as you go, or you can always save that hot cup of cocoa for the end when you’re ready to retire to the warm, cozy indoors.

Remember, Flurrious! is a one-day event, come snow, sleet, hail, ice or rain — you never know what a Buffalo winter day may bring. So bundle up and get ready to brave the weather, or you’ll have to wait another 12 months to enjoy this festive winter wonderland.

For more information, call 838-1249 or visitwww.bfloparks.org.

Explore & More Children’s Museum: 300 Gleed Ave., East Aurora

Not every bit of winter fun has to be outdoors. One of WNY’s best-kept secrets can be found tucked away on a quiet side street in East Aurora.

In fact, many of my fellow parents of little ones are shocked to learn of the existence of Explore & More Children’s Museum, even though it’s been going strong for the last 17 years.

The museum features more than 5,000 square feet of pure exploration and discovery. Hands-on exhibits such as “Let’s Figure It Out,” “Building Curiosity” and “Culture Corner” allow children to use their senses, creativity and problem-solving skills to interact with the world in a fun and stimulating way.

It’s the kind of place where you could easily blow through an entire Saturday afternoon, or bop in and out for an hour at a time. Depending on the age of your grandkids, after all, they may only last so long.

Entrance is a reasonable $5 per person (free for babies under one), or you can purchase a year-long membership, with different admission levels available. There’s even a grandparent membership category, which allows two grandparents and kids unlimited access for the year.

Explore & More is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., on the first Friday of the month from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on select school holidays.

For more information, call 655-5131 or visit www.explorenandmore.org.

Tifft Nature Preserve: 1200 Furhmann Blvd. Buffalo

Part of the Buffalo Museum of Science, the Tifft Nature Preserve has been dedicated to conservation and education since 1972, growing year after year in public accessibility and free programming.

Located on more than 250 acres of protected land, the preserve features miles of open nature trails, fishing and bird-watching areas, not to mention knowledgeable guides who host a variety of structured adult and children’s activities. While many enjoy Tifft during the warm months, it’s also a great place to spend time during winter. 

A few years ago on a cold January evening, my mother and I decided to give snow-shoeing a try, so we, along with a few other adults and families in tow (young children included) went on a guided tour of the preserve, ending the night with a cup of cocoa in the lodge. To this day, it’s one of my favorite wintertime memories.

Visit Tifft Nature Preserve’s online calendar at sciencebuff.org/tifft-nature-preserve to check dates and times for a whole range of outdoor activities such as Family Snow Stomp, Full Moon Stroll and Tifft Trekkers, to name a few.

The visitor’s center is open and staffed Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

For more information, call 825-6397, or, to register for Tifft programs, call 896-5200, extension 338.

More Picks for Kids and Families

From the Amherst Museum and the Buffalo Zoo to sledding at Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park, the options are virtually limitless.

In addition, winter festivals like the Buffalo Winterfest and Powder Keg Festival (February 11 and 12) offer chances for the entire family to do something Buffalonians do so well — embrace winter.

Keep checking the pages of Forever Young and Buffalo Spree, as well as buffalospree.com, for more great family options throughout winter 2012.