Best Attractions & Adventures in Niagara Falls with Kids

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Three kids stand at a railing looking over it into Niagara Falls, where a boat is on the water headed toward the falls. — Photo Courtesy: N. Palumbo

Vacationing families will enjoy these best things to do in Niagara Falls with kids! A popular tourist attraction for all ages, Niagara Falls boasts picturesque beauty, interesting history, and family-friendly activities. Though many travelers venture to either New York or Ontario to get a glimpse at the famous waterfalls, you’ll be surprised to discover there’s more to meets the eye in Niagara Falls. In fact, active families will love a visit to the city’s countless outdoor attractions! Whether it’s to historical sites like Fort George, adventure zones like Wildplay, or more secluded spots like Dufferin Islands, you’ll never be bored during your vacation here. Wander off the beaten path for an amazing view of Horseshoe Falls, learn more about the local butterfly population, and more! In case you need a few pointers beforehand, we’ve rounded up this list of 9 Best Things To Do In Niagara Falls With Kids.

Wander Fort George

Fort George stands proudly in light snowfall. — Photo Courtesy: Fort George

Step back in time at Fort George! Located on Niagara-On-The-Lake, this historic fortification is a popular attraction for travelers of all ages. No wonder it’s one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls with kids! Alongside space for children to wander, it also allows visitors to experience Niagara’s history in an interactive way. Comprehensive displays throughout the fortress detail Canada’s progression over the years. The site is also available for tours to learn more about its background in wars, use of cannons, and even a glimpse at the barracks! Kids will love the reenactors walking around the grounds in period costumes, marching and shooting muskets. Plus, parents will be enthralled in its history from beginning to end thanks to numerous guides! Set aside a few hours to visit here after seeing the Falls and you won’t be disappointed. Parking can be secured at an additional fee.

Book your Niagara Falls, Canada: Small-Group Half-Day Sightseeing Tour with getyourguide.com here!

Tour the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

A view of the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, including the iconic purple butterfly art installation on the grounds. — Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia

Families will love a tour of the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory! Located on the grounds of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens (a few miles above the famous falls!), a trip here transports guests into a lush tropical oasis. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by thousands of brilliantly colored butterflies! As one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls with kids, a visit to the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory is truly like a tiny Caribbean vacation within Canada. Prepare to witness flowing waterfalls and so much more! An hour or two is plenty for kids to roam around observing all the butterflies, hoping they’ll land if you stand perfectly still. Staff will be spread throughout the conservatory ready to answer any questions you may have and give a better background on the metamorphosis process too. End your trip by visiting the nursery, where you can see some hatch yourself!

Reserve your Niagara Falls in One Day: Deluxe Sightseeing Tour of American or Canadian Sides through Viator here!

Challenge Yourself at WildPlay Niagara Falls

A woman climbs up a ropes course ladder at WildPlay Niagara Falls. — Photo Courtesy: WildPlay

Four people zip-line at WildPlay Niagara Falls, with a view of Niagara Falls behind them. — Photo Courtesy: WildPlay

Book your zipline to the falls tour with Viator or GetYourGuide.com here!

WildPlay is a must-visit destination for families seeking adventure in Niagara Falls! Located near the falls, the kid-friendly park offers families two excursions: zip-lining and traversing fun obstacle courses. With an amazing view of the scenery, it’s no surprise active little ones love spending time at this gorgeous destination. Obstacle courses have a minimum age of five, encompassing log ladders, cargo nets, rope swings, tightropes, and wobbly bridges. Stick around until the end for more surprises! There’s even a version made specifically for little ones, which is less challenging, but just as much fun. Older kids may prefer the adrenaline-pumping adventure of ziplining over the falls. Be warned it isn’t for the faint of heart! Kids must be over the age of seven to zipline. Before you begin either activity, however, parents must sign a waiver first and promise to chaperone the excursion.

Ride the Niagara Skywheel

An aerial view of the Niagara Skywheel at night lit-up with city lights behind it. — Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia

Reserve your Niagara Falls Canada: Niagara SkyWheel Ticket through GetYourGuide.com now!

Get an aerial perspective from the Niagara Skywheel! Hovering over the Niagara Falls skyline, this giant Ferris wheel transports families nearly 200 feet aboveground for a birds-eye view of one of the most beautiful wonders in Canada. Located within Clifton Hill Amusements, this is surely one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls with kids! Children and adults alike will appreciate the memorable experience, which will make for an interesting way to end your day in Niagara Falls. Any time would be great to ride the Niagara Skywheel, but taking a spin at sunset gives a particularly picturesque advantage. If not some quality bonding time for you and your kids, at least it’ll be a fantastic spot for a photo opportunity, as the ride lasts longer than most. Plus, cabins are heated, so you can enjoy panoramic views all year round!

Spend An Afternoon at Clifton Hill Amusements

An aerial view of the brightly-colored Clifton Hill Amusements on a sunny day, featuring the large speedway. — Photo Courtesy: Clifton Hill Amusements

Clifton Hill Amusements is a one-stop shop for non-stop family fun! As one of the most popular destinations in Niagara Falls, this family-friendly complex includes wonderful restaurants, attractions, entertainment, and more. Aside from a classic amusement park with rides (like the Niagara Skywheel), there’s also a ton of indoor activities in case of a rainy day. Make an afternoon of it and kids can spend time exploring the wax figures at the Movieland Wax Museum, bowling at Strike Rock N’ Bowl, or hearing spooky history at the Ripley Museum. Children and adults alike may also fancy a visit to the vintage arcade, where a few dollars can buy you a ton of game tokens! Then, ride some amusement rides, like the Zombie Attack, and be sure to work up an appetite. When you’re hungry, you’ll have plenty of world-class dining nearby. Embrace your inner Canadian at Tim Hortons for dinner!

Enjoy the View From the Skylon Tower

A view of the Skylon Tower, with an expansive view of Niagara Falls behind it. — Photo Courtesy: Skylon Tower

Book your tickets to the Skylon Tower Observation Deck through GetYourGuide.com or Viator here!

Soar to new heights during your family visit to the Skylon Tower! It’s an extreme adventure for anyone who can handle the view. Located in the Fallsview Tourist Area, this massive observation deck sits directly across from the Falls, welcoming visitors to overlook its beauty. We recommend this as one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls with kids. Though the ride to the top may not be best for little children, brave older children will love this thrill-seeking excursion. And the fun doesn’t stop at the top! Once you reach the end of your ride, you’ll find an arcade, a restaurant, a souvenir shop, and maybe even a glass-blowing artist. Of course, the scenery is impeccable any time of day, though many have a preference between a day or night view. Buy a package at the ticket booth and you can do both at a low price.

Take a Break at Queen Victoria Park

A view of Queen Victoria Park, near Niagara Falls, where several people are wandering about enjoying a sunny day. — Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia

Queen Victoria Park provides a getaway from the hustle and bustle! A tranquil paradise in a busy tourist area, these manicured gardens run the length of the Rainbow Bridge past Horseshoe Falls. Besides a relaxing respite from the typical sightseeing, the gardens also host a variety of family-friendly events to enjoy all year. It’s definitely one of the best weather-dependent things to do in Niagara Falls with kids! In the summer, pack a picnic for the whole family to enjoy, listening as live music fills the laid-back atmosphere. Kids of all ages will have space to run free while parents kick back with a drink. Come winter, you’ll witness a festive holiday atmosphere here. Drink hot chocolate while exploring a twinkling light show or even meet Santa Claus! Fun is endless at Queen Victoria Park, even if it’s just a rest stop en route to your next family adventure.

Hike to Horseshoe Falls

Father and daughter smile with a view of Niagara Falls behind them as they await the Journey Behind the Falls Tour. — Photo Courtesy: Chris Fiebrandt Zaremby

Horseshoe Falls is another must-visit during your family vacation. Located between Goat Island and Table Rock, its reputation precedes it as one of the great wonders of the world. Though closest to the Canadian side, Horseshoe Falls is the largest and most magnificent of the three! Your family will have a blast at this memorable sight. Aside from a great view., there are tons of attractions nearby. Some families even choose to dine at a restaurant that will give you a good look from the patio. But if you’re in the mood for a hike, kids can get an up-close look by walking alongside the Horseshoe Falls strip, which provides the most personal experience. With Journey Behind the Falls, a panoramic observation deck, you can even get in proximity to the foot. Visit at night when the water is illuminated to be taken aback by the beauty!

Reserve this comprehensive tour of Niagara Falls Canada from Viator or book the Journey Behind the Falls Entry Ticket from GetYourGuide.com here.

Venture to Dufferin Islands

Two people enjoy a lovely day in a shady spot on Dufferin Island, one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls with kids. — Photo Courtesy: Info Niagara

Head off-the-beaten-path by venturing to Dufferin Islands! When the crowds at Niagara Falls become too overwhelming, this stretch of man-made islands provides a scenic escape for families. An easy walk from the main area, this beautifully maintained park offers a series of well-paved trails to explore. None are too steep, making it ideal for visiting with kids of all ages. Plus, it’s free! No matter the season, children can spot local birds, skip rocks in the pond, or just simply frolic in the grass. If you’re visiting in the summer, it’ll be a great time to spot various native Canadian wildlife. Stop by the dollar store to get bread beforehand and you can even spend time feeding the birds. From November to January, Dufferin Islands also hosts a Winter Festival of Lights, where illuminated displays are placed around the perimeter. It’s a great place to bring dogs too!

Happy Travels!

A dad and his daughter smile together above Niagara Falls with the Ontario skyline in the distance. — Photo Courtesy (L-R): Jennifer Kutka Colandrea, Vanessa Garza

A young boy wearing a blue jacket smiles with the mist of Niagara Falls behind him and a view of the Ontario skyline behind the mist. — Photo Courtesy (L-R): Jennifer Kutka Colandrea, Vanessa Garza

We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of 9 Best Things To Do In Niagara Falls With Kids! Whether your family is heading to Canada for a weekend or planning an extensive Niagara Falls itinerary, you’ll find something for everyone here. Have fun in Niagara Falls with your family!

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