Niagara Falls Family Vacation: A Journey Through The Mist

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Ready to to take a Niagara Falls family vacation? There are lots of fun things to do and great places to see, no matter which side you’re on.

We’ll go through some easy tips to help you plan a great trip to Niagara Falls, Canada or New York. You’ll learn where to get the best views, where to stay, and what to do to make your trip fun and easy.

I’ve been to both sides of the Niagara Falls, as well as taken the Maid of the Mist to the falls & it really is an amazing experience. Checking off this bucket list item was a highlight of our trip.

Don’t forget to check out both the Canadian and US sides of the Falls to see everything.

So, pack your bags, grab your loved ones, and get ready for an epic family vacation to remember!

Niagara Falls USA versus Niagara Falls, Canada

I prefer the Canadian side, if you only have a short time, as it has the best panoramic Niagara Falls views, a beautiful floral display in the gardens, and more lodging options.

It’s also home to the lively tourist district of Clifton Hill. Which offers restaurants, souvenirs, the big Sky Wheel and many family friendly activities.

The Horseshoe Falls, which is the largest of the three falls, is also located on the Canadian side. You can Journey Behind the Falls, take a Hornblower Cruise and see the falls from to top of Skylon Tower.

The USA side is in Niagara Falls State Park, a quieter experience, which features hiking trails and scenic overlooks. If you want to get up close and personal with the falls, the American side offers the iconic Maid of the Mist boat ride, which takes you right into the mist of the falls.

I had a chance to visit the falls and take the Maid of the Mist a few years ago, and it was an amazing experience. Being so close to the power of the falls, I kept thinking about Annie, the first person to go over the falls in a barrel, what a wild and crazy ride it must have been.

The American side also has the Cave of the Winds tour, which takes you down behind the base of the Bridal Veil Falls.

LOCAL TIPS:

• I highly recommend touring the falls from both the USA & Canada sides to get the full Niagara Falls experience. Each side has it’s charms.

• Walk across the Rainbow Bridge from the US to Canada or vice versa for amazing fall views. Bring appropriate ID as it’s a border crossing. On the US side, we’ve found the best location to be dropped off is the corner of Prospect Street and Niagara Street in Niagara Falls NY. On the Canada side the parking lot at 5827 River Rd, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada is a good place to pick up / drop off.

Best Time To Visit Niagara Falls

The best time to visit Niagara Falls is between June and August, as it’s the nicest weather, averaging in the high 70°s (25°C). Niagara Falls in summer is busier, and peak season, so while attractions are all open, they also tend to be more expensive and busy.

Spring and Fall have fewer crowds, as the temperature drops. I think visiting in the fall gives you the best of both worlds, fall foliage & stunning waterfall views. Winter is also fun due to the frozen wonderland of the falls covered in icicles and ice formations.

Niagara Falls State Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and it is a fun family friendly destination year round. 

Niagara Falls Lodging 

Of course, the first thing on any family vacation itinerary is the arrival at the hotel. The Niagara Falls area features a few hotels designed specifically for fantastic views of the falls (Canada side), so you don’t have to leave your room for breathtaking vistas of the grand waterfall. 

There are also fun resort options close by with attractions onsite on either side for your trip to Niagara Falls with kids.

Niagara Falls Canada Lodging

Here are a few of our top picks on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls:

• ⭐️ Our top pick with kids: We think Great Wolf Lodge near Niagara Falls is a super fun family friendly resort, located just minutes from the falls. It offers a water park, arcade, mini-golf course, and more. Parents like the hot tubs, gym and easy access to food, and attractions.

• Falls View: As far as hotels with a view go, the Marriott Niagara Falls Fallsview Hotel off the side of the Falls offers incredible views of the falls and walking distance to everything. Kids love the pool too. I have friends who loved their stay here, and we think it’s the perfect spot for those who want a room with a view.

• Location: Vittoria Hotel & Suites is a top rated hotel located just a short walk from the Falls & Skylon Tower. It has spacious suites with plenty of room for families. Kids & parents love the indoor pool, onsite restaurant, and great view of the falls. We think this hotel is ideal for families who want to be within walking distance of Horseshoe Falls & many activities.

USA Niagara Falls Lodging

On the New York side, try one of these:

• Luxury Boutique Hotel: Stay at the lovely Giacomo, Ascend Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel in downtown Niagara Falls. Conveniently located only an 8 minute walk to the Falls. Families love the included hot buffet breakfast and the amazing Skyline view. We think the Giacomo is perfect for families who are looking for a more luxurious stay & rooms with a view.

• Budget Friendly Hotel: Our top pick is the Hampton Inn, Niagara Falls USA for a great budget friendly option on the New York side. It’s also minutes from the falls & local attractions, plus provides a free breakfast.

Visit the Niagara Falls for Amazing Views

Views from Niagara Falls State Park, NY USA

Niagara Falls was the first state park in America and draws a crowd of over 12 million annual visitors thanks to its history and beautiful views. 

Enter the falls through Niagara Falls State Park, USA. Once you are there, you’ll get the closest and best views of the falls from anywhere in the area. You can see both the two main falls and the Bridal Falls from platforms and stairways throughout the park.

For an unobstructed view of all three, as well as a prime spot to do a little bird watching, we found visiting the Niagara State Park Observation Tower is key. Keep your eyes out for peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and a variety of gulls.

OUR TOP PICK: We think this popular half day Niagara Falls Tour is perfect for families who don’t want the hassle of organizing your day or transportation. As they pick you up at your hotel, then provide fall views from Prospect Point Observation Tower, a Maid of the Mist boat tour and the Cave of the Winds visit. Making it easy to see all the highlights in one.

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour

The Maid of the Mist iconic boat tour of Niagara Falls has been operating since 1846. This tour can only be accessed on US side, and get tickets at the booths by the Observation Tower.

Journey through the mist, hearing the thunderous roar of water as it falls around you and your family.

I loved taking the Maid of the Mist, and couldn’t stop smiling.

We definitely got wet, so wearing the rain poncho they give you, is a must. I also recommend wearing either short sleeves or a rain jacket under the poncho, as the wind blows the sleeves up and your arms get wet.

My feet also got soaked, so consider that when choosing your footwear for the boat ride, and pack extra, dry clothes, socks & shoes in a waterproof bag (or your car).

OPEN: Seasonally, usually beginning of April to first Sunday in November.

BEST VIEWS: Our captain recommended the lower level, front left side for the best & closest views (but it was extra wet, but super fun anyway).

Views of Niagara Falls in Canada

What I think is especially great about Niagara Falls Canada is you can view the Falls for free at the Table Rock Welcome Centre, day or night.

For a close up view, head on a Journey Behind the Falls. Descend 125 feet by elevator to take in the awesome power of 2,800 cubic meters of water / second falling overhead.

Parking can be a bit of a challenge so I recommend checking out info on parking lots close before you go.

Hornblower Cruises

Canada’s answer to the Maid of the Mist is their . These boat tours offer spectacular views of all three falls, and the Niagara Gorge. You will get wet so plan accordingly. Take the first boat for less crowds.

For a unique experience, take a cruise after sunset to see the mist and falls all lit up.

Or grab a jet boat tour of exciting rapids and beautiful scenery along Niagara River.

Skylon Tower Observation Deck

For epic photos during the day, and Niagara Falls vistas at night visit the Skylon Tower Observation Deck.

You’ll travel 775 feet (236 meters) above the falls in a glass-enclosed elevator—‘Ride to the Top’. Enjoy a meal and take those instagram worthy photos of Horseshoe and American Falls, the Great Gorge, and Niagara River.

Or ride the family friendly Niagara SkyWheel. This ferris wheel will take you 175 feet (53 meters) in the air, on Canada’s largest observation wheel.

Kid Friendly Things to do in Niagara Falls, New York

A family trip to Niagara Falls, NY will be memorable. If you are planning on heading over to the Canada side too, be sure to bring all your passports.

Hike The Niagara Gorge Scenic Overlook Hike

Hikes are the perfect family activity on any vacation. And what better place to do it than amongst the natural beauty of Niagara Falls? Start at the Niagara Gorge Trailhead Center for all the Gorge hiking trails.

The Great Gorge Scenic Overlook hike is well-traversed by people of all ages, making it a family-friendly level that still provides both fun and views. At one hour long, we think it’s also the perfect brief outing for families with young children.

You’ll start at the Niagara Falls Gorge Trailhead Building and follow the well marked path from there.

Visit Lockport, NY

If you’re visiting the falls with very young children and are worried about having options available to you, worry no more. It’s a short drive from Niagara Falls State Park.

Hike the Lockport J.B. Austin Nature Trail

The J.B. Austin Nature Trail is the perfect solution for families with young children that are still looking to get out during this vacation.

This trail features huge trees (one with an eight-foot diameter) and small local waterfall views on paved and gravel walkways.

Other fun activities for younger children

• The walking trails / boardwalk at Lytle Nature Preserve
• Day Road Park & Playground
• Eerie Canal Discovery Centre to learn all about this famous canal. You can even take a canal cruise or visist an underground Cave by boat.

Find out all about the town of Lockeport, NY activities here.

Visit Old Fort Niagara, USA 

We think Fort Niagara is an underrated stop for families on a Niagara Falls trip and is a must visit for the fun interactive history lesson.

This option is a great choice for history buffs and offers a mix of history and drama to make this educational experience engaging and fun for visitors of all ages. 

The fort is over 300 years old and originally served the interests of New France in the mid-late 1600s. There are exhibits with authentic artifacts from the time and reenactors to help make it a fun, family-friendly experience.

Fort Niagara is about  a half hour drive from Niagara Falls.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for children 6 -12, and free for 5 and under. Check out their website for more information.

You may also like more Canada travel ideas here.

Bring Your Kids to the Aquarium of Niagara

The Aquarium of Niagara is in the Niagara Falls area of New York and offers much more than just views of marine animals (although they certainly have a lot of that, too!) 

The Aquarium of Niagara has lots of penguins, rescued seals, sharks, and rays for people to enjoy.

It is on the small side, but they have also have fun interactive activities like a touch-pool for rays and sharks, and even ‘Jr. Vet’ demonstrations or activities such as training and feeding sharks and stingrays.

Tickets start at $20 for adults, and prices are lower for children and seniors.

Kid Friendly Restaurants – Niagara Falls, NY

If your family is looking for an experience The Rainforest Cafe inside Sheraton At The Falls, USA, offers part jungle adventure, part restaurant. This jungle themed restaurant offers diverse menu options for all family members.

Or try Donatello’s for fabulous pizza.

Kid Friendly Things to do in Niagara Falls, Canada

Visit the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark – Canada

Every family needs something to get the kids nice and tired by the end of the day. For that, there’s no better option in the Niagara Falls area than the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark. 

This waterpark is on the Canadian side of the falls. It features three acres of 16 waterslides and a huge wave pool for the kids.

We found it to be one of the largest waterparks we’ve ever visited. Not only that, but there are some more fast-paced extreme water slides for parents, as well. I wasn’t that brave.

We think this is the perfect choice for families that want to giver their kids a break from “touristy activities.” Your kids will thank you! Tickets are available on their website.

Take a Helicopter Ride Over the Falls – Canada

If you’re looking to splurge for the experience of a lifetime, there’s no better choice than taking a scenic a helicopter ride over the falls. The ultimate Niagara excursion. 

Take a 12-minute helicopter ride that starts at the Victoria Avenue Heliport and travels over the Rainbow Bridge to fly over Queen Victoria Park before following the curvature of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls before the final descent.

 You’ll see Queen Victoria Park, Skylon Tower, the American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls from above.

Zipline Over the Falls

If you are the more adventurous family and have older kids, then ziplining to the falls is something to add to your Niagara Falls bucket list.

Soar 67-meters high above the Niagara River Gorge, glide past the American Falls to the base of the awe inspiring Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Get the most unique views of the fall and an adrenaline rush.

Visit Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory

For a gentler activity, and one the younger kids especially will love is a visit to the Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory.

Enter their tropical paradise full of lush vegetation, flowing waterfalls, and thousands of radiant colored butterflies.

Dine with a View of the Falls – Canada

Have you ever imagined dining next to a window with the best views of Niagara Falls in the area? That dream can be a reality!

Massimo’s Italian Restaurant is located at the Sheraton On the Falls, Fallsview level. It offers the most spectacular vistas of the falls in the area.

Paired with authentic Italian cuisine and contemporary aesthetics for a fancy meal that’s sure to excite both you and the kids. 

Make a reservation online ahead of time here on Massimo’s Italian Restaurant’s website. 

Other fun options around Niagara Falls include Scoops for their all day breakfast, Antica Pizzeria & Ristorante for pizza and Turtle Jack’s for ribs and plenty of kid friendly options.

FAQs

Use this as your guide for your family trip to Niagara Falls. Bon voyage! 

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• Find out if a family vacation is an excused absence from school
• West Coast Canada: travel to gorgeous Victoria, BC and the lovely seaside town of Parksville
• All the best things to do in Yellowknife, Canada

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