Western New York Playbook

05/30/2026

is a non profit that was founded in 1987. It is one of the largest raptor centers in the East and more than 80 resident animals call Hawk Creek home! Not to mention the grounds are beautiful! They have a trail with a kids play area, photo ops and so many cute things hidden amongst their landscaping.

Hawk Creek is open for visitation by appointment for private experiences and for their scheduled open house events only. They do not have daily “walk-in” hours. All of their upcoming events can be found on their website.

05/30/2026

I am always looking for ways to get my kids to try new things. One of the best ways that I’ve found is letting them pick items themselves. We love farmers’ markets and the CSA at for this! CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It is a model where the community buy “shares” of a farm’s harvest. We not only receive a regular box of farm-fresh, seasonal produce directly at the farm but, the kids get to walk around and “shop” for the box. This helps to make them feel involved in the selection and helps them to learn to follow the directions of what item and how much. Not to mention that Greg’s has some great additional membership perks!

Do you participate in a CSA?

05/28/2026

Welcome to Destination Dinosaur at the 🦖

Prepare to be transported to a prehistoric world with this new exhibition. Even better, it is included free with a general admission ticket!

There are over a dozen moving, animatronic dinosaurs, hands-on activities and their daily Dino Show. It is sure to thrill any dino lover!

05/27/2026

Dino parade!

05/26/2026

There is really nothing better for us than a farm visit and some locally grown produce!

05/25/2026

Dino ROAR🦖 is BACK and there is only one weekend remaining! We highly recommend this immersive experience for the dino lover in your life. It’s sure to be unforgettable! We couldn’t wait to go back this year!

🔍What Awaits You:

🚙Dinosaur Capture - Your car is your expedition rover as you help capture the elusive beasts using your NERF Blasters and Darts.
🦴Legends of the Lost World- discover the exhilarating world of prehistoric wonder with a theatrical dinosaur experience filled with music, movement, and unforgettable prehistoric moments. This interactive production invites families to roar with delight. Dinosaurs and their handlers will delivers high-energy excitement, audience participation, and larger-than-life fun for all ages. Shows run on the hour, with a fresh, exciting show every time.
🪵Dinosaur Discovery Trail - Explore where some of the smaller dinosaurs might be lurking. Climb the tree house to find the Pterodactyl and friends.
🛝Activities - Soar like a raptor down the Bee Zip Lines, Bounce Pillows, Giant Slides, gem mining and so much more!
🌭 They do have food on site - hot dogs, cheeseburgers and fries to name a few. The condiment cow 🐄 is the star of the Old Barn Grill.
🎟️ Tickets and more information available at: https://stokoefarms.ticketspice.com/dino-

05/23/2026

Free family fun!! Not to mention that the visitor center is adorable!

Something exciting is always happening at the refuge — and the best part is that our programs are completely FREE! 🌿🦅🎨

🐢World Turtle Day Craft May 23rd, 10am-3pm
🐤Warbler Painting Class May 30th at 1pm
🎣Family Fishing Day June 6th, 10am-2pm
🎣Veterans Fishing Day June 13th, 10am-2pm
🌳A Walk in the Woods June 13th at 1pm
🧘🏽‍♀️Outdoor Meditation June 20th at 10am
🙆🏼‍♀️Yoga In Nature June 20th at 12pm
🌾Evolution of Land in Genesee County June 27th at 2pm
🌅Native-Led Sunset Walk June 27th at 7:30pm
🪳Underwater Monsters of Onondaga Pool June 28th at 10am
🦅4th of July Eagle Craft July 4th, 10am-3pm
🎶Rhythms of the Refuge: Part 2 July 18th, 4pm-6pm

These programs would not be possible without the incredible support of our volunteers, community partners, and the Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. Their passion, dedication, and generosity help bring meaningful experiences to our community and make the refuge a welcoming place for everyone. Thank you for everything you do to help connect people with wildlife and the outdoors. 💚

Take a look through our upcoming schedule and mark your calendars — there’s something for all ages and interests! We can’t wait to see you out on the refuge this season. ☀️🐢🌼

05/23/2026

A rainy Saturday makes the perfect day for art! We spent this afternoon making watercolor tie dye with Ms Vanessa Then we drove around East Aurora and made stops at several little free libraries and even the Fairy Garden trinket exchange! Not a bad Saturday after all!

05/23/2026

Support a local, family farm while having access to fresh, local produce throughout the growing season for your family! Not to mention all of the additional, amazing benefits below!

CSA Member Benefits Include:
• Weekly barnyard access during pickups
• Invitations to members-only events like their CSA Family Night and Spring Welcome Night
• Discounted pricing for special events
• Fall pumpkins and Back 40 access for your immediate family
• 10% off additional produce purchases
• Access to U-Pick fields and flower cutting
For those looking to add even more sweetness to the season, fruit shares are available as an add-on to your vegetable share—bringing you the best of summer fruit alongside your weekly veggies.

05/22/2026

Dragon 🐉