When my daughter was a toddler, she was obsessive about waterfalls and we used to go on day-long waterfall hunts that I’d analysis and map out to falls throughout Rhode Island. Years later, we went on the largest waterfall hunt of all to go to Niagara Falls, and it wasn’t simply her that was enthralled. Because whereas there are tons of enjoyable household points of interest and issues to do in Niagara Falls with youngsters, it is a journey that the adults liked too!
In truth, we made this a multi-generational journey and we took alongside her grandmother on a Canadian highway journey with stops in Niagara Falls, Toronto, the Thousand Islands, and Montreal. Visiting Niagara Falls with youngsters is a reasonably basic household trip vacation spot and we wished to test it off our bucket record.
Niagara Falls is among the most iconic pure wonders on the earth, and it’s an expertise that you just and your loved ones will always remember. The roar of speeding water, the spray of mist in your face, and the joy of seeing the falls up shut are all a part of what makes Niagara Falls such an thrilling vacation spot for households — in truth, my daughter even wrote a poem about our expertise (which I’ll share on the finish!)
But with a lot to see and do, the place do you begin? In this information, we’ll discover the whole lot you have to learn about visiting Niagara Falls with youngsters, together with how lengthy to remain, which facet to go to, the most effective issues to do on each the Canadian and US sides, family-friendly motels, and extra.
How Long Should you Spend in Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls is a type of locations that gives quite a lot of flexibility relying on how a lot time you have got and what number of points of interest you wish to go to. For these visiting Niagara Falls with younger youngsters, or those who don’t care about among the thrill-seeking points of interest, you possibly can simply hit the highlights in only one full day.
Ideally, you’d keep in Niagara Falls for 2 days to have the ability to expertise extra that the vacation spot has to supply (maybe on each side of the border). This additionally offers you a bit extra flexibility in case of unhealthy climate or rain. I do know many households go to Niagara Falls for his or her household trip of 5 to seven days. This is certainly doable if you wish to additionally spend time making some day journeys to different points of interest and cities close by (Buffalo for instance!) However, you probably have that a lot time, personally I believe you might be higher off pairing Niagara Falls with a couple of days in Toronto or taking a full Canadian highway journey.
Which Side Should you Visit: USA or Canadian?
One of the primary choices you’ll must make when planning your journey to Niagara Falls with youngsters is whether or not to go to the USA or the Canadian facet. While each side provide spectacular views of the falls, there are some variations to think about.
But the largest consideration is whether or not or not everybody in your loved ones has a present passport that doesn’t expire inside six months of your journey. When we visited Niagara Falls, we determined to remain on the Canadian facet, since we had been planning on persevering with on into Canada anyway. However, my brother and his household determined to fulfill us in Niagara Falls, however since they didn’t have passports, they stayed on the U.S. facet and we walked throughout the Rainbow Bridge to fulfill them for a part of the day. One different notice about crossing the border: if each dad and mom should not on the journey you will want the opposite dad or mum to finish a minor baby journey consent kind. Canadian border safety is kind of strict about this. I as soon as took my teen daughter to the Canadian Rockies on a mother-daughter journey they usually nearly wouldn’t allow us to into the nation.
If passports aren’t an issue, listed below are another issues to think about:
The Canadian facet of Niagara Falls is thought for its gorgeous views of the Horseshoe Falls, which is the most important of the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls. It additionally has a extra developed tourism trade, with loads of eating places, outlets, and vacationer points of interest inside strolling distance of the falls. The U.S. facet of Niagara Falls, then again, affords extra pure magnificence and out of doors actions, with mountain climbing trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas. There are additionally historic forts, parks, and wineries to go to close by.
Just remember that the Canadian facet of the falls is mostly thought of to have the most effective views of the falls and I concur! I’m very completely satisfied we determined to remain on the Canadian facet throughout our journey. From the American facet, you might be sort of straining your neck to see the Horseshoe Falls and you might be basically proper on the high of the American Falls and might’t see them until you might be on a ship. Meanwhile, after a brief stroll all the way down to the falls from our resort on the Canadian facet, we had been trying dead-on on the American Falls, and simply down the river and in full view are the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
Things to do in Niagara Falls with Kids
No matter which facet of Niagara Falls you select to go to, there are many family-friendly actions to maintain you busy. Here are among the high issues to do in Niagara Falls with youngsters, damaged down by facet.
Canadian Side:
When you cross Rainbow Bridge you might be proper close to the Sheraton Fallsview and the Clinton Hill space of Niagara Falls — assume Vegas meets Times Square meets NJ Boardwalk. This space is chock filled with theme eating places, arcades, waterparks, and different kitschy leisure comparable to Ripley’s Believe it or Not. Very entertaining for youths in case you are staying multiple or two days.
You will wish to begin by viewing the Falls from Queen Victoria Park. Then begin out with one of many following points of interest:
Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour
If you solely have time to do one factor when you’re in Niagara Falls with youngsters, make it the Voyage to the Falls boat tour by Niagara metropolis cruises (from City Experiences anchored by Hornblower –what was once often called the Hornblower Niagara Cruises. Maid of the Mist is on the U.S. facet). This 20-minute boat journey takes you proper as much as the bottom of the falls, the place you will want to shout to be heard over the roar of the water and count on to get moist — particularly close to the falls.
On the cruise, you get to see the Niagara Gorge, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and, in fact, the shut of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. They present a memento recyclable mist poncho however in the event you actually don’t wish to get moist, you will want higher rain safety. More about our expertise on the Maid of the Mist is under. This typically runs from early May to late November, however you have to test the schedule on the web site to seek out the opening dates and hours. It is finest to buy a timed-entry ticket prematurely.
If you have got thrill seekers in your loved ones, you could wish to attempt the open-top jet boat expertise as an alternative (notice that children should be at the least 44 inches tall.)
Journey Behind the Falls
Journey Behind the Falls offers you a chance to discover the tunnels and out of doors statement decks behind the falls. I had heard this was a tremendous expertise and I used to be thrilled to have an opportunity to see what it’s like behind these highly effective falls. Unfortunately, I discovered it fairly disappointing. I believe I used to be anticipating a guided tour of kinds however actually your timed-entry ticket simply bought you down the elevator and from there you had been by yourself. If you might be visiting each side, the Cave of the Winds is likely to be a greater substitution.
First, you are taking an elevator all the way down to the tunnels that result in two statement decks — these had been cool as the primary viewing platform may be very near the falls and you may see what it’s like from the facet. From right here we had been capable of see the Maid of the Mist heading instantly right into a rainbow. Other than that, you simply adopted a tunnel to 2 portals, which look out behind the falls to a haze of water and mist. You really feel the pounding percussion in your ears as you stroll alongside the tunnel, taking within the poster shows that designate among the historical past of the falls.
There are additionally choices to get a combo Voyage to the Falls boat tour plus Journey Behind the Falls reserved entry.
Niagara SkyWheel
Take a journey on the Niagara SkyWheel, which is the most important of its variety in Canada. This 175-foot-tall wheel affords wonderful views of the Falls, the Niagara River, and the city. My husband has a extreme worry of heights so we needed to skip this and the Skylon Tower on our go to as simply the stroll throughout the Rainbow Bridge gave him main anxiousness (strolling throughout the bridge isn’t in any respect scary in the event you don’t have a worry of heights although.)
Skylon Tower
If you wish to see among the finest views from above, e-book a ticket to the Skylon Tower statement deck. You will journey a glass-enclosed elevator for a “Ride to the Top” in simply seconds. The statement deck is positioned 775 ft above the falls with wonderful views of the Horseshoe and American Falls, the Great Gorge, and the Niagara River. If you wish to mix the view with dinner, go to at night time for a meal on the Revolving Dining Room or the Summit Suite Buffet and keep to take a look at the seasonal fireworks shows.
Zipline to the Falls
If you actually need some heart-pumping enjoyable with teenagers or older youngsters, you can too Zipline to the Falls. You will glide 2,200 ft from the platform throughout the falls. The minimal age is seven and all kids should be accompanied by an grownup (no taking flight!). The most weight is 275 lbs. In addition to the Zipline to the Falls, WildPlay affords a Whirlpool Adventure Course that includes three ranges of thrills making your means throughout tightropes, cargo nets, ziplines, rope swings, swinging logs, and wobbly bridges.
Clifton Hill
If you might be in search of some family-friendly enjoyable, head to Clifton Hill, which is an leisure district with carnival rides, go-karting on the Niagara Speedway, arcades, Dinosaur Adventure Golf, mini-golf, bowling, eating places, and extra for youths of all ages. This is the place you will discover the Niagara SkyWheel, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum, and the Movieland Wax Museum too. This is the place we gave in to our drained ft, hungry bellies, and keen baby and had an costly and unappetizing lunch at The Rainforest Cafe as a result of hey, what else are you able to do when you’re in Niagara with youngsters however make them completely satisfied?
If you intend on spending a while in Clifton Hill, I’d encourage you to buy the Fun Pass, which incorporates admission to 6 points of interest.
Fallsview Indoor Waterpark
While we’re on the subject of holding the children completely satisfied, what child doesn’t love a large indoor waterpark? The Fallsview Indoor Water park is unfold out over two acres and affords 16 water slides, a wave pool, and a large play space for youths. You can buy a resort package deal or purchase particular person day passes for tons of household enjoyable.
Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens
We didn’t go to the Botanical Gardens (we had been saving this for Montreal), however the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens affords over 99 acres of landscaped gardens, together with a butterfly conservatory. The Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory options over 2,000 butterflies from all over the world.
Whirlpool Aero Car
Near the Botanical Gardens, you will discover the Whirlpool Aero Car. This retro, vintage cable automobile carries you throughout the Niagara River and the swirling waters for the Niagara Whirlpool as you journey 3,500 ft throughout the Niagara Gorge. You will truly cross the worldwide border 4 instances, however no worries a couple of passport, it truly begins and ends in Canada.
White Water Walk
If you wish to see the facility of the river with out the crowds of the Falls, Niagara Parks additionally affords a White Water Walk (open seasonally), which affords a quarter-mile-long boardwalk alongside Niagara River’s Class 6 whitewater rapids, among the wildest in North America. There are a number of platforms to soak within the roar of the river.
Bird Kingdom
Bird Kingdom is a enjoyable alternative for youths that love animal encounters and it’s also good for cold-weather visits, when most of the different points of interest are closed for the season. Just a five-minute stroll from the Falls, Bird Kingdom is the world’s largest free-flying indoor aviary.You can heat up within the multi-level rainforest and uncover a whole bunch of tropical birds together with parrots and playful lorikeets.
Tip: Some of those points of interest require advance ticket buy, particularly throughout peak vacationer season, so make sure to plan forward and buy your tickets on-line to keep away from lengthy traces and potential disappointment. Also, bear in mind that some points of interest might have age or top restrictions, so test forward of time to ensure they’re acceptable to your kids. For some really EPIC recollections, attempt a helicopter tour over the falls!
U.S. Side:
Okay, now you see why I mentioned that the Canadian facet has it occurring. There is lots to do to fill your go to to Niagara Falls with youngsters. However, that isn’t to low cost the U.S. facet (an excessive amount of). I’m truly due a return journey to discover extra of this facet as a result of I really feel like I don’t give the realm sufficient credit score as a result of there isn’t as a lot that’s walkable from the Falls.
Maid of the Mist
Just like on the Canadian facet, the Maid of the Mist boat cruise to the Falls is actually a must-do. Plus, in case you are solely visiting the New York facet, it’s actually your finest solution to even see the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. This was really a spotlight of our journey (see Hannah’s poem down under). But let me let you know in the event you assume the skinny poncho they provide you on the boat goes to maintain you dry you might be fully mistaken. You get completely soaked, particularly within the entrance. Also, the wind blows the mist and water into your face a lot it’s nearly laborious to look instantly into the falls and get some good footage however we did seize a number of. It was a tremendous expertise and an entire thrill. It might sound cliche and too touristy however you don’t go to Niagara to be intellectual so go and luxuriate in it — the Maid of the Mist is a must-do!
Cave of the Winds
The Cave of the Winds is a not-to-miss attraction on the U.S. facet of the Falls and I actually want I had chosen this over Journey Behind the Falls. This attraction takes you all the way down to the bottom of the falls, permitting you to really feel the facility of the water up shut. You are first outfitted in rain gear after which transported down by elevator to the bottom of Bridal Veil Falls. From there you possibly can climb over a sequence of staircases proper on the backside of the falls. Just notice that you’re going to get moist regardless of the rain ponchos! Well-fitting, non-skid footwear are important.
Niagara Falls State Park
Recognized because the oldest state park within the United States, Niagara Falls State Park affords mountain climbing trails, picnic areas, and spectacular views of the falls. The park incorporates the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and a portion of the Horseshoe Falls. This can also be the place you’re going to discover the Observation Tower, Cave of the Winds, the Aquarium, and extra. It is open year-round and at all times free to stroll round. In season, the Niagara Scenic Trolley additionally affords 30-minute excursions by the park.
Aquarium of Niagara
This small aquarium is a rescue facility and a sanctuary for blind seals. Visitors also can see Humboldt penguins, grey seals, harbor seals, sea lions, and plenty of species of fish. Young kids will particularly get pleasure from interacting with the shark and sting ray contact pool
Where to Stay when Visiting Niagara Falls with Kids
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There are positively extra resort choices in the event you select to remain on the Canadian facet of Niagara Falls for a household go to. On our journey, we stayed on the Four Points by Sheraton on Fallsview Boulevard in Niagara Falls, ON. The resort was nicely positioned close to the Fallsview Casino and only a brief stroll all the way down to an ideal view of each the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls. We loved our keep, particularly as a result of we discovered an ideal deal. If you might be in search of one thing much more centrally positioned, these are additionally nice choices. Of course, the Great Wolf Lodge close by is one other nice choice for a household journey:
Tips for Visiting Niagara Falls with Kids
- If you might be driving throughout the border, be ready for doubtlessly lengthy traces on the border crossing. It helps if you’ll be able to cross at off hours. For instance, we crossed at 10pm and there was little or no line in comparison with different border crossings we made on that journey.
- Make positive you convey raincoats or ponchos and put on non-slip footwear, particularly when doing actions near the falls. Those light-weight plastic ponchos don’t do a lot for holding you dry! (But they make for cute picture mementos!)
- If you might be contemplating day journeys, I extremely suggest the charming city of Niagara on the Lake. While it’s recognized for its many wineries (a few of that are kid-friendly), you can too hire bikes to journey previous the vineyards or go to Fort George the place youngsters can work together with interpreters in interval costumes.
- Dufferin Islands Park is one other good escape from the hustle and bustle of the primary space round Niagara Falls. These scenic, man-made islands are about half a mile from Horseshoe Falls and provide nature trails, chook watching, and picnic spots.
- If you go to within the winter, make sure to go in the course of the Falls Illumination on the Canadian Side, which takes place from mid-November by mid-February. This options six-minute lighting shows, enjoying thrice on the high of the hour, starting at 6 pm, 7 pm, and eight pm in the course of the Winter Festival of Lights. There are additionally fireworks featured on weekends in the course of the Winter Festival and over the Christmas Holidays at 8:00 pm, in addition to two reveals on New Year’s Eve at 8:00 pm & 12:00 am. The Niagara Falls fireworks shows could be seen from many vantage factors together with out of doors areas in Niagara Parks, excessive above on the Skylon Tower and Niagara SkyWheel, and indoors on the many motels and eating places with views of the Falls.
- Niagara Falls USA additionally holds a nightly illumination present “Inspired by Nature,” which is able to showcase pure colours and actions, together with dawn, aurora borealis, rainbow, and sundown. The five-minute lighting show will play thrice on the half-hour, starting at 9:30 every night, with extra reveals at 10:30, 11:30, and 12:30 a.m. You can test the complete illumination and fireworks schedule on the web site.
Maid of the Mist Poem, by Hannah Gruber
This is the poem my daughter wrote when she was 9, about her expertise on the Maid of the Mist as a faculty writing project. I discovered it so lovely and true to life that I needed to share it:
As we glide by the American Falls,
Spray hits my face with a easy contact.
The droplets carried on the wind,
glowing within the golden daylight.
As we sail near Niagara Falls,
the thundering crash grows to a roar.
As a splash of river water
like ice
sprays my face,
we slide into an entire new world
of mist.
The speeding waters
of the good falls
greet us with open arms.
The spray,
gushing out of the falls,
makes a crashing sheet of water that appears to be
falling from the sky.
I gaze in marvel by the thick haze.
An imposing world of water,
sheet upon sheet
speeding over rocks,
leaping like a dancer
over moss and stones
because it falls to the underside of the river.
We flip and glide out of the mist.
The white foam of the American Falls
slides over rocks
and comes from stone to stone.
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