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. As a result of whereas there are tons of enjoyable household sights and issues to do in Niagara Falls with youngsters, this can be a journey that the adults beloved too!
In truth, we made this a multi-generational journey and we took alongside her grandmother on a Canadian street journey with stops in Niagara Falls, Toronto, the Thousand Islands, and Montreal. Visiting Niagara Falls with youngsters is a fairly traditional household trip vacation spot and we needed to verify it off our bucket record.
Niagara Falls is without doubt one of 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 dashing water, the spray of mist in your face, and the thrill of seeing the falls up shut are all a part of what makes Niagara Falls such an thrilling vacation spot for households — in reality, my daughter even wrote a poem about our expertise (which I’ll share on the finish!)
However with a lot to see and do, the place do you begin? On this information, we’ll discover the whole lot you’ll want to find out about visiting Niagara Falls with youngsters, together with how lengthy to remain, which facet to go to, one of the best issues to do on each the Canadian and US sides, family-friendly motels, and extra.
How Lengthy Do you have to Spend in Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls is a kind of locations that provides a variety of flexibility relying on how a lot time you’ve and what number of sights you wish to go to. For these visiting Niagara Falls with younger youngsters, or those who don’t care about among the thrill-seeking sights, you may 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 either side of the border). This additionally provides 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. That is positively doable if you wish to additionally spend time making some day journeys to different sights and cities close by (Buffalo for instance!) Nonetheless, you probably have that a lot time, personally I feel you might be higher off pairing Niagara Falls with a couple of days in Toronto or taking a full Canadian street journey.
Which Aspect Do you have to Go to: USA or Canadian?
One of many first choices you’ll have to make when planning your journey to Niagara Falls with youngsters is whether or not to go to the USA or the Canadian facet. Whereas either side supply spectacular views of the falls, there are some variations to think about.
However 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. After we visited Niagara Falls, we determined to remain on the Canadian facet, since we have been planning on persevering with on into Canada anyway. Nonetheless, 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 observe about crossing the border: if each mother and father aren’t on the journey you will have the opposite mother or father to finish a minor baby journey consent type. 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 virtually 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 business, with loads of eating places, retailers, and vacationer sights 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 climbing trails, fishing spots, and picnic areas. There are additionally historic forts, parks, and wineries to go to close by.
Simply take into account that the Canadian facet of the falls is usually thought-about to have one of the best views of the falls and I concur! I’m very comfortable we determined to remain on the Canadian facet throughout our journey. From the American facet, you might be form of straining your neck to see the Horseshoe Falls and you might be primarily proper on the prime of the American Falls and might’t see them except you might be on a ship. In the meantime, after a brief stroll right down to the falls from our resort on the Canadian facet, we have been wanting dead-on on the American Falls, and simply down the river and in full view are the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
Issues to do in Niagara Falls with Children
Regardless of which facet of Niagara Falls you select to go to, there are many family-friendly actions to maintain you busy. Listed below are among the prime issues to do in Niagara Falls with youngsters, damaged down by facet.
Canadian Aspect:
If you cross Rainbow Bridge you might be proper close to the Sheraton Fallsview and the Clinton Hill space of Niagara Falls — assume Vegas meets Occasions Sq. meets NJ Boardwalk. This space is chock filled with theme eating places, arcades, waterparks, and different kitschy leisure corresponding to Ripley’s Consider it or Not. Very entertaining for teenagers in case you are staying multiple or two days.
You’ll want to begin by viewing the Falls from Queen Victoria Park. Then begin out with one of many following sights:
Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour
Should you solely have time to do one factor when you find yourself in Niagara Falls with youngsters, make it the Voyage to the Falls boat tour by Niagara metropolis cruises (from Metropolis Experiences anchored by Hornblower –what was often known as the Hornblower Niagara Cruises. Maid of the Mist is on the U.S. facet). This 20-minute boat experience takes you proper as much as the bottom of the falls, the place you will have to shout to be heard over the roar of the water and anticipate to get moist — particularly close to the falls.
On the cruise, you get to see the Niagara Gorge, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and, after all, the shut of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. They supply a memento recyclable mist poncho however should you actually don’t wish to get moist, you will have higher rain safety. Extra about our expertise on the Maid of the Mist is beneath. This usually runs from early Might to late November, however you’ll want to verify the schedule on the web site to search out the opening dates and hours. It’s best to buy a timed-entry ticket upfront.
If in case you have thrill seekers in your loved ones, you could wish to strive the open-top jet boat expertise as a substitute (observe that children must be at the very least 44 inches tall.)
Journey Behind the Falls
Journey Behind the Falls provides you a chance to discover the tunnels and out of doors remark 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. Sadly, I discovered it fairly disappointing. I feel I used to be anticipating a guided tour of types however actually your timed-entry ticket simply bought you down the elevator and from there you have been by yourself. If you’re visiting either side, the Cave of the Winds is likely to be a greater substitution.
First, you are taking an elevator right down to the tunnels that result in two remark decks — these have been cool as the primary viewing platform could be very near the falls and you’ll see what it’s like from the facet. From right here we have been capable of see the Maid of the Mist heading immediately right into a rainbow. Aside from that, you simply adopted a tunnel to 2 portals, which look out behind the falls to a haze of water and mist. You’re feeling 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 experience on the Niagara SkyWheel, which is the most important of its form 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 should you don’t have a worry of heights although.)
Skylon Tower
If you wish to see among the greatest views from above, e book a ticket to the Skylon Tower remark deck. You’ll experience a glass-enclosed elevator for a “Experience to the High” in simply seconds. The remark deck is situated 775 ft above the falls with glorious views of the Horseshoe and American Falls, the Nice 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 Eating Room or the Summit Suite Buffet and keep to take a look at the seasonal fireworks shows.
Zipline to the Falls
Should you really need some heart-pumping enjoyable with teenagers or older youngsters, you may also Zipline to the Falls. You’ll glide 2,200 ft from the platform throughout the falls. The minimal age is seven and all youngsters have to be accompanied by an grownup (no taking flight!). The utmost weight is 275 lbs. Along with the Zipline to the Falls, WildPlay affords a Whirlpool Journey Course that includes three ranges of thrills making your approach throughout tightropes, cargo nets, ziplines, rope swings, swinging logs, and wobbly bridges.
Clifton Hill
If you’re 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 Journey Golf, mini-golf, bowling, eating places, and extra for teenagers of all ages. That is the place one can find the Niagara SkyWheel, Ripley’s Consider It or Not! museum, and the Movieland Wax Museum too. That 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 find yourself in Niagara with youngsters however make them comfortable?
Should you plan on spending a while in Clifton Hill, I’d encourage you to buy the Enjoyable Go, which incorporates admission to 6 sights.
Fallsview Indoor Waterpark
Whereas we’re on the subject of retaining the children comfortable, what child doesn’t love an enormous indoor waterpark? The Fallsview Indoor Water park is unfold out over two acres and affords 16 water slides, a wave pool, and an enormous play space for teenagers. You should buy a resort bundle or purchase particular person day passes for tons of household enjoyable.
Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens
We didn’t go to the Botanical Gardens (we have 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 Automobile
Close to the Botanical Gardens, one can find the Whirlpool Aero Automobile. 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’ll truly cross the worldwide border 4 occasions, however no worries a few passport, it truly begins and ends in Canada.
White Water Stroll
If you wish to see the ability of the river with out the crowds of the Falls, Niagara Parks additionally affords a White Water Stroll (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.
Chook Kingdom
Chook Kingdom is a enjoyable alternative for teenagers that love animal encounters and it’s also good for cold-weather visits, when most of the different sights are closed for the season. Only a five-minute stroll from the Falls, Chook Kingdom is the world’s largest free-flying indoor aviary.You’ll be able to heat up within the multi-level rainforest and uncover a whole bunch of tropical birds together with parrots and playful lorikeets.
Tip: A few of these sights require advance ticket buy, particularly throughout peak vacationer season, so you should definitely plan forward and buy your tickets on-line to keep away from lengthy traces and potential disappointment. Additionally, remember that some sights could have age or top restrictions, so verify forward of time to verify they’re acceptable to your youngsters. For some actually EPIC recollections, strive a helicopter tour over the falls!
U.S. Aspect:
Okay, now you see why I mentioned that the Canadian facet has it occurring. There’s lots to do to fill your go to to Niagara Falls with youngsters. Nonetheless, 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 world sufficient credit score as a result of there isn’t as a lot that’s walkable from the Falls.
Maid of the Mist
Similar to on the Canadian facet, the Maid of the Mist boat cruise to the Falls is really a must-do. Plus, in case you are solely visiting the New York facet, it’s actually your greatest strategy to even see the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. This was actually a spotlight of our journey (see Hannah’s poem down beneath). However let me inform you should you assume the skinny poncho they provide you on the boat goes to maintain you dry you might be utterly improper. You get completely soaked, particularly within the entrance. Additionally, the wind blows the mist and water into your face a lot it’s virtually onerous to look immediately into the falls and get some good footage however we did seize just a few. It was a tremendous expertise and a whole thrill. It might sound cliche and too touristy however you don’t go to Niagara to be intellectual so go and revel in it — the Maid of the Mist is a must-do!
Cave of the Winds
The Cave of the Winds is one other 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 right down to the bottom of the falls, permitting you to really feel the ability of the water up shut. You’re first outfitted in rain gear after which transported down by elevator to the bottom of Bridal Veil Falls. From there you may climb over a sequence of staircases proper on the backside of the falls. Simply observe that you’re going to get moist regardless of the rain ponchos! Properly-fitting, non-skid sneakers are important.
Niagara Falls State Park
Acknowledged because the oldest state park in the USA, Niagara Falls State Park affords climbing trails, picnic areas, and spectacular views of the falls. The park accommodates the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and a portion of the Horseshoe Falls. That is additionally the place you will discover the Statement Tower, Cave of the Winds, the Aquarium, and extra. It’s open year-round and at all times free to stroll round. In season, the Niagara Scenic Trolley additionally affords 30-minute excursions by means of the park.
Aquarium of Niagara
This small aquarium is a rescue facility and a sanctuary for blind seals. Guests may also see Humboldt penguins, grey seals, harbor seals, sea lions, and lots of species of fish. Younger youngsters will particularly get pleasure from interacting with the shark and sting ray contact pool.
The place to Keep when Visiting Niagara Falls with Children
Notice: This submit could include affiliate hyperlinks. Should you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I could obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.
There are positively extra resort choices should you select to remain on the Canadian facet of Niagara Falls for a household go to. On our journey, we stayed on the 4 Factors by Sheraton on Fallsview Boulevard in Niagara Falls, ON. The resort was nicely situated close to the Fallsview On line casino and only a brief stroll right down to an ideal view of each the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls. We loved our keep, particularly as a result of we discovered a fantastic deal. If you’re in search of one thing much more centrally situated, these are additionally nice choices. In fact, the Nice Wolf Lodge close by is one other nice choice for a household journey:
Ideas for Visiting Niagara Falls with Children
- If you’re 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 10 pm and there was little or no line in comparison with different border crossings we made on that journey.
- Ensure you convey raincoats or ponchos and put on non-slip sneakers, particularly when doing actions near the falls. These light-weight plastic ponchos don’t do a lot for retaining you dry! (However they make for cute picture mementos!)
- If you’re contemplating day journeys, I extremely advocate the charming city of Niagara on the Lake. Whereas it’s identified for its many wineries (a few of that are kid-friendly), you may also hire bikes to experience 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 supply nature trails, fowl watching, and picnic spots.
- Should you go to within the winter, you should definitely go throughout the Falls Illumination on the Canadian Aspect, which takes place from mid-November by means of mid-February. This options six-minute lighting shows, taking part in 3 times on the prime of the hour, starting at 6 pm, 7 pm, and eight pm throughout the Winter Pageant of Lights. There are additionally fireworks featured on weekends throughout the Winter Pageant and over the Christmas Holidays at 8:00 pm, in addition to two reveals on New Yr’s Eve at 8:00 pm & 12:00 am. The Niagara Falls fireworks shows could be considered 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 “Impressed 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 3 times on the half-hour, starting at 9:30 every night, with further reveals at 10:30, 11:30, and 12:30 a.m. You’ll be able to verify the complete illumination and fireworks schedule on the web site.
Maid of the Mist Poem, by Hannah Gruber
That is the poem my daughter wrote when she was 9, about her expertise on the Maid of the Mist as a college writing task. 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 clean 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 a complete new world
of mist.
The dashing 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 means of the thick haze.
An imposing world of water,
sheet upon sheet
dashing 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.
PIN THIS FOR LATER
