Niagara Falls is one of the most popular natural attractions in Canada. With so much to see and do, it’s hard to narrow it all down into a manageable family vacation. There are several must-see sites and activities on any family vacation to Niagara Falls, whether you’re looking for breathtaking views, thrilling activities, or just some good old-fashioned family fun.

We have even included the best attractions, how to get around, and where to stay on the Canadian side. We have rounded up this list of the Best things to do in Niagara Falls with kids.

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How to plan a family trip to Niagara Falls

The first thing one needs to plan a great family holiday is to decide how long they want to stay at the destination. While Niagara Falls is immense and there is so much to do, it only takes 4-5 days to accomplish everything, including a day trip to Fort George National Historic Site in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Yes, Niagara-on-the-Lake is different than Niagara Falls. This is where you will find a series of other Waterfalls, Vineyards, and a handful of Touristy restaurants.

Vacationing families will enjoy these best things to do in Niagara Falls with kids

There are so many things to do in Niagara Falls, that it might be hard to narrow the list down. Here is our list of the Best things to do in Niagara Falls with kids, to help you decide what is best for your family on this incredible holiday.

Fort George

Fort George is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is technically located in Niagara-on-the-lake. This means you will have to drive there, even though we are huge fans of “park it and walk”.  Fort George was built between 1796 and 1802, Guests can tour the Blockhouses, Officers’ Quarters, Artificers Shop, and Guard House. Guests up to 17 years old can enter free of charge, which makes this adventure easy on a budget.

Oakes Garden Theatre

Walking from Clifton Hills towards the falls, you will find this incredible garden feature. The Hardrock Cafe also faces these gardens. It can be easy to miss but you will want to dedicate at least a few minutes to stop and look around. With plenty of shade and seating, it’s also a great way to take a break between activities. Enjoy a snack or a packed lunch.

Butterfly Conservatory

The Butterfly Conservatory of Niagara Falls is one of the largest glass-enclosed butterfly conservatories in North America. Over 2,000 butterflies are flying freely around their enclosure, which features lush vegetation and waterfalls. The facility includes an 11,000-square-foot conservatory, while the pathway itself is 180 meters (590 feet) long and was built in 1996.

Zipline

The Zipline is quite the adventure that this mum is not capable of doing on her own. If you read my post from Montreal, you will know that 2/3 of us have a great aversion to heights. Thankfully, a friend of the family was also on holiday with us and they were more than happy to take Girl-Child on the Zipline. You will need to sign a waiver before heading up the tower, and the line can reach 1 hour or more since only one group is allowed to Zip across at a time.

Clifton Hill amusements

There are way too many attractions to list here, but Clifton Hills Amusements is a must-see for anyone visiting Niaraga Falls. The Skywheel, for example, is technically within the limits of Clifton Hill, as is the Speedway, Dino golf, and many novelty restaurants that your children will no doubt ask to visit. If you are staying at any of the “off-site” hotels, you will undoubtedly walk through Clifton Hills to reach the Falls, take a few minutes, and check out the map while having a meal nearby. There is something for everyone here.

Skylon towers

Guests don’t have to stay for dinner to experience Skylon Tower’s amazing views. Visitors can purchase tickets to ride to the top Observation Deck or purchase a combo ticket for a 3D movie about Niagara Falls. According to their website:

Skylon Tower Fun Facts

•  The Revolving Dining Room rotates 360 degrees in one hour
•  You can see the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, The American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls all from our restaurants and observation deck. 
•  Visibility from the Observatory on a clear day is up to 80 miles (125 km).
•  Height of the Tower above Niagara Falls gorge is 775 ft. 
• The actual height of the Skylon Tower from the base is 520 feet.

Journey Behind the Falls

Since the Tunnel at the Power Station opened, I have mixed feelings regarding Journey Behind the Falls. There are 3 sections to this activity; 2 windows behind the falls themselves and 1 observation deck with incredible views of Niagara Falls. We thoroughly enjoyed this attraction but I would suggest only visiting if; 1 – you don’t plan to do the Power Station and/or 2 – you have the Niagara Falls Pass through Niagara Falls tourism.

Evening fireworks

Granted my iPhone 13 was not designed to capture Fireworks, but this is still a pretty amazing sight to see. Every night at 10 pm from the May long weekend until Canadian Thanksgiving (the First Monday of October), the 3 waterfalls that makeup Niagara Falls are illuminated into a variety of unique colors, and then fireworks are set off above them.

It is an incredible Free activity, and there are tours on the Hornblower (Canadian side) and Maid of the Mist (American side) to watch the Fireworks from the water.

White Water Walk

Travel by elevator down 70 meters to reach the base of the Niagara Gorge and walk the quarter-mile boardwalk along the Niagara River while enjoying the 410-million-year-old rock layers of the Niagara Gorge. There are many viewing platforms along the boardwalk where guests can enjoy the sights and sounds of 48 km/hr water rushing next to them. The White Water Walk claims to only be partially accessible to strollers and other mobility devices so I would call ahead to make sure your family can be properly accommodated before booking tickets.

The Tunnel At The Niagara Parks Power Station

Taking the glass elevator 180 feet beneath the main generating floor, explore fascinating exhibits to find out how it was remarkably excavated in 1901. The tunnel served as an exit point for the water used in generating hydropower for over a century.

Currents: Niagara’s Power Transformed is the evening lightshow that takes you back to the settling of Niagara Falls and the subsequence history of the Power station through Music and Lights. Currents: Niagara’s Power Transformed typically begins one hour after General Admission to the Power Station ends and is not included in the general admissions ticket. If Purchasing the Niagara Falls Pass or General Ticket at the doors, be sure to purchase an upgrade to the Current-Combo ticket. It is well worth the return and lasts 30 minutes.

Fallsview Indoor waterpark

The Fallsview Wndoor Waterpark is directly connected to Falls Avenue Resort featuring three hotels and spans 3 Acres. There are 16 waterslides, an indoor wave pool, hot springs & outdoor sundeck.

Hornblower Niagara City Cruises

Despite its name’s popularity, Maid of the Mist no longer services the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.

During a typical season, the Hornblower runs in late April or early May and until mid to late October. Reservations are not needed, and tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket booth on-site. Ponchos will be provided free of charge before boarding the ship. There are no reserved seats on the Hornblower and it is strictly first-come-first serve. Those on the top deck will be closer to the Niagara Falls spray and therefore much more likely to get soaked as a result. Choose your placement, and outfit, wisely.

Marineland

I hesitate to include Marineland on this list because it can be a polarizing topic amongst many. We did take the time to visit, at the behest of our traveling guest. While the children did have a great time watching the Penguins play and the Dolphin show, the Orca enclosure was a little distressing, to say the least. We ended the day at the water park and the kids got to run around and cool off from a hot day walking around without much shade.

I will simply say, to each their own. But if we do end up in Niagara Falls again, this is not an activity that we will be repeating.

Funiculaire – Falls Incline Railway

This was an incredible way of reaching our Hotel from Horseshoe Falls. While this is included in the Niagara Falls Pass, it can be purchased separately for $3 per person. the Niagara Parks Falls Incline Railway boasts spectacular views of the Horseshoe Falls and Table Rock Centre.

Ripley’s Believe it or not

There are 26 locations of “Ripley’s Believe it or Not” around the world so be sure to select the right city when searching their website if this attraction is best for your family. Some of the 6000+ wonders showcased at “Ripley’s Believe it or Not” were too scary for Girl-Child (yes, the one that zipped across the falls and demanded the Ferris Wheel) so we didn’t stay long. There are many hands-on options, moving tunnels, and optical illusions that make any adventurous traveler question their reality.

The Selfie Studio is incredible and makes for some great memories with your kids.

Table Rock Welcome Centre

Located 3/4 of the way between Niagara City Cruises and Niagara Parks Power Station, the Table Rock Welcome Centre is a completed restored original building and hosts the Ticketbooth for the Journey Behind the Falls experience.

The  Table Rock House Restaurant can be found on the top floor and has incredible views of Horseshoe Falls. Reservations are needed and it is not easy getting a window-view. We tried and were less than successful, but all seats still have a great view nonetheless.

Whirpool aero car

Travel across the Niagara Whirlpool and the river’s Class 6 rapids as you soar 3,500 feet across the Niagara Gorge…is not for the weak. I exaggerate, but heights were involved and the stairs on the cliff-side that we needed to walk to get from the parking lot to the Aerocar required great concentration on my part.

There are two sections within the car, for those who fear life itself like me; the outermost railing that circles the inside of Aerocar, and an inner section that is directly at the centre of the car and is encircled by the more daring folks in the outermost railing. The kids and I were the only ones in this section, as everyone else wanted to hang their heads over the railing; to each their own, but not for me. This scardy cat was perfectly happy being in the middle.

Originally built in 1916, the Whirlpool AeroCar has been recently removed and given a facelift. Due to the angled nature of the gorge and the International border that runs through it, guests are technically taken across the USA/Canada border twice in each direction. And since guests are not permitted to leave the Aerocar mid-journey, Passports are not required to experience this attraction.

Bird kingdom

Bird Kingdom is the World’s Largest Free-Flying Indoor Aviary. There is surprisingly plenty of parking available at this location, as we decided to visit on our last day of travel and needed to check out of the hotel. Children are asked to be mindful of their little hands and not touch the birds, even if they land fairly close.

Within the Bird Kingdom experience, there is a Lorikeet Feeding section. This is an enclosure, with 2-3 staff members, providing little containers of food, and the Lorikeets are encouraged to land on Guests’ hands for feeding. Pictures are allowed for purchase only, and therefore personal devices are not allowed within the enclosure.

The Bird Kingdom is open all year and it takes approximately 45 minutes – 1 hour to tour. The entire experience is Wheelchair Accessible.

Family-Friendly places to eat in Niagara Falls

Table Rock Restaurant

Located on the top floor of the Table Rock Welcome Centre, this restaurant overlooks Horseshoe Falls with floor-to-ceiling windows that allow every table a great view. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Note that this isn’t the most expensive restaurant that we have eaten at (we’ve been to Disneyworld) but it is by far not for everyone’s wallet. It was on my list of must-do’s and we made it work for our family but don’t feel like you are missing out if you choose not to dine here.

Rainforest cafe

Having first come across the Rainforest Cafe at Disneyland Paris, we weren’t sure we would see one again in Canada. Niagara Falls happens to be its only location within Canada so the children decided we had to eat there our first night.

Make reservations far in advance and don’t get stuck in the long line waiting to get served. While I don’t mind a line or two, the entrance to the restaurant is inside an arcade, and having to defend my wallet from hangry children tired of waiting, was not my idea of fun.

The animals “come to life” at least once during your meal and you are encouraged to walk around the restaurant to see all the animals hiding in the forest. A “thunderstorm” also finds its way into the restaurant during your meal, so be prepared for that if you have little ones who don’t appreciate loud/sudden noises.

Hardrock cafe

We’ve made it a habit of visiting every Hardrock Cafe that we can get our hands on while traveling in Europe. It only seemed fair that Niagara Falls was no different. Sure the entourage was different, but the kids wanted it just the same, and so I was more than happy to oblige.

Their meals are consistent across all locations, they are quick to serve and delicious. I knew that after a large breakfast, we wouldn’t be hungry again for a few more hours (bringing snacks anyway, cause that’s what we do), a large lunch at Hardrock Cafe, maybe a packed snack after that, then boom dinner reservations at Table Rock Restaurant. A few large meals saved us the time and money from snacking on local street vendors or gift-shop candies all day.

Yes, these are not cheap restaurants, I accept that. But as I told my traveling partner – “Girl Math”.

Cippy’s Place

Such a random local dinner that brings back the feel of “the good ol’days”, their meals are huge, their prices are low and the coffee is endless. They serve quickly and are a delight to chat with, especially with 2 hungry children in the morning.

Note – they do not take plastic; Cash only, so stop by the bank (several on that street surprisingly) because I know I don’t carry cash with me.

Where to stay in Niagara Falls

Sheraton Fallsview Hotel

When booking reservations for the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, be sure to check out the combo packages being offered for access to the Fallsview Indoor waterpark. If your ticket seems to be costing you a fortune, maybe you have access to the waterparks the entire time. Check with your booking agent or call ahead to make sure you have booked the right package for your family.

Great Wolf Lodge

Located 4.6 km from Niagara City Cruises, a single night stay offers free admission to the on-site indoor and outdoor water parks, 3 hot tubs, and indoor and outdoor pools. Great Wolf Lodge also has several restaurants on campus. According to Booking.com “Shops and a games room are available to guests. The hotel offers babysitting and has a children’s spa.”

Rooms average $300 per night, or $400 per night for a child-themed room.

Ramada by Wyndham Niagara Falls near the Falls

Located 1.6km (1 mile) from Niagara City Cruise and even closer to Clifton Hills, we found the Ramada by Wyndham to be the best bang for your buck. The public access pool, free parking, and coin-operated Arcade at the front lobby, it is a great hotel to get back to late at night and decompress from a long day’s adventure.

As you may know, I am not one to splurge on hotels; they are a place to sleep at night and keep my things safe while we are out adventuring. This hotel checked all of the boxes, while still giving great comfort and style.

Easiest way to get around Niagara Falls

The easiest way to get around Niagara Falls is by Walking!

There are many parking locations near each attraction but they are city-owned and cost a pretty penny per hour to park. Unless it is necessary, I strongly encourage all travelers to park their car at the hotel and walk to all activities.

Public transit is always an option, if you can’t walk such great distances. But the moral is; don’t drive.

How to save money on your Niagara Falls family trip

There are 8 packages of Niagara Falls Passes that you can purchase beforehand or at the ticket booth of your first participating attraction. Be sure to check the individual prices of all attractions on your “need to do” itinerary and compare it to the various passes available, to make sure you purchase the right one for your family.

We found the Niagara Falls Pass to best suit our family’s needs, and we would have added the Cliffton Hill Amusement Pass had we not spent the morning at MarineLand.

How long should you spend in Niagara Falls?

Looking at our sample itinerary below anywhere from 3-5 days is ideal for visiting Niagara Falls with kids. We were able to take our time between attractions, wander around the falls, admire the gardens, and let the kids take their time in the gift shops without worrying about meeting our following attraction timing.

Many have been able to do the trip in 2 days, but there would have been many time-consuming items removed from the list, like the Botanical Gardens or the Bird Kingdom.

What does my itinerary look like?

Not a word of a lie, this is how I make our travel itineraries and budgets.

Taking this Excel sheet into consideration, I now know how much my holidays will cost for attractions, plus the static cost of the hotel and gas. I can then decide which restaurants we can afford to visit based on how much is left in our budget.

Each restaurant listed here costs us between $100-150 per sitting, for the 4 of us (2 kids, myself, and the friend), sans alcohol.

Pro tip – While traveling with kids, I tend to avoid purchasing alcohol at restaurants. They are crazily overpriced and just not needed. If the area is known for its wine, like Niagara Falls, I will go to a local vineyard or LCBO to purchase a local wine and consume it in the hotel room after the kids are in bed/ bring it home to enjoy with friends and family.

	Niagara Falls		Open and Duration of activity	$	Suggested timing
Wednesday	August 24	Arrive late	1.5 hours Toronto to Niagara Falls
Thursday	August 25	City Cruise	930am ~ 25 min	108	930-10
		Zip Line	open at 10, 1-1.5 hrs long	70	1030-1130/12
		Table Rock House Restaurant	lunch		1-230?
		Tunnel	2 hours	94	230-430
		Whirlpool Aerocar	1 hour	78	5-530
		Rainforest cafe	dinner		6-7
Friday	August 26	White water walk	opens at 10, 30min	56.5	10-1030
		opens at 10 am, 45 long	opens at 10, 10 min	56.5	1045-11:15
		lunch
		Journey Behind the Falls	2 hours ish	free
		rainbow international bridge	photo, don’t cross
		Skywheel		44
		Clifton Hills	If there is time	?
		Hardrock cafe	dinner
Saturday	August 27	check out
		“Welcome to” sign
		Flying saucer brunch
		Fort George, St Catherines		26
		Butterfly garden or Botanical gardens	if there is time
		La Grande Hermine replica
		Irish Harp pub	dinner
		drive home	2 hours
Total				$533