When I started planning our Niagara Falls family vacation, I had no idea there were so many things to do in Niagara Falls with kids! We spent three days in Niagara Falls, but we should have spent five, as there were so many things to do.
We missed a few of the best attractions, but we did a ton over the course of three days. We were out exploring from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., always back in time for the nightly summer fireworks in Niagara Falls that we could see from our room.
At the time of our trip, our kids were 4.5 and almost 3 years old. They both don’t nap, except for the odd infrequent car nap. They were totally off schedule and didn’t go to bed until 10:30 pm, after the fireworks, and slept until 8:30/9 every morning.
This article is based on things to do in Niagara Falls Canada with kids on the Canadian side. We did not do any sightseeing on the American side of Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls Pass
There are several Niagara Falls Pass options that include several Niagara Falls attractions in one pass at a discounted rate. We had the Niagara Adventure Pass Plus, which included admission to seven attractions, four heritage sites, three days of unlimited Falls Inclune Railway and WEGO bus, and several discounts at restaurants & shops.
I have indicated below which things to do in Niagara Falls are included in the Adventure pass. There are more things included than listed below. Click here for everything included.
Best Things To Do in Niagara Falls
1. Niagara Helicopter Over Niagara Falls
One of the best views of Niagara Falls is from above. We went on this helicopter tour over Niagara Falls with Niagara Helicopter, which has been in business since 1961. The 12-minute ride soars above the Niagara River and has amazing views of American, Bridal Veil, and Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Along the way, we also had great views of Skylon Tower, Whirlpool Rapids, and more.
We were a little unsure how the kids would do, as this was their first helicopter ride. They both did amazingly, and no tears were shed. They were given headphones while waiting to board the helicopter outside and during our ride.
2. Niagara City Cruise
Get up close to the falls on the Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour with Niagara City Cruise. The 20 minute ride departs throughout the day heading straight for the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Along the way we saw the Niagara Gorge, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
We definitely got the full-mist experience, but we were really wet. Ponchos are provided, but ponchos & holding toddlers don’t really go together. If you don’t want to get wet, you can stay inside or go after dusk for what they call the “Light-Mist Experience.”
If you are short on time, we suggest this walking tour, which includes pre-reserved tickets for the Niagara Falls Boat Cruise and Journey Behind the Falls Tour.
3. Whirlpool Aero Car
– Included in the Niagara Adventure Pass Plus
Ride above the Niagara Whirlpool on the Whirlpool Aero Car, an open air cable car suspended above the Niagara River. The cable car travels one kilometer over the whirlpool and takes 10 minutes round trip.
If you have younger children that you want to hold up or prefer them not to be along the edge. There is a middle section of the cable car. We stood on the outside edge of the cable car, and the kids could see the grates.
4. Journey Behind The Falls
– Included in the Niagara Adventure Pass Plus
Located at the Table Rock Visitor Center, Journey Behind the Falls offers a unique view of Niagara Falls. You take an elevator down 125 feet and then walk through a tunnel to two different observation decks behind the Falls.
Don’t put your poncho on until you are outside and know you want to get wet. We went outside, took a bunch of pictures, and we never got wet. Everyone instantly puts their poncho on, but there is no reason to put your poncho on while waiting in line; you’ll just get hot. Save your poncho to wear at the Table Rock Visitor Centre observation deck at the top of the falls; here, you will feel the mist and get wet.
- Recommended Tour: Journey Behind the Falls & Niagara City Cruise
5. Bird Kingdom
Located just five minutes from the falls, make sure to visit the Bird Kingdom, the World’s Largest Free-Flying Indoor Aviary. Make sure to purchase tickets to feed the Lorikeets at the entrance. Our kids really enjoyed Lorikeet Landing and having the birds land on them to drink a cup of nectar.
If you are looking for rainy day or things to do in Niagara Falls in the winter, this is a great option. We visited before our Niagara City Cruise. It is a block away, and we didn’t have to move the car. TIP: Parking at the Bird Kingdom is rather cheap too.
6. White Water Walk
– Included in the Niagara Adventure Pass Plus
At the base of the Niagara Gorge is a 1/4-mile boardwalk where you can walk along the shoreline of the Niagara River. Go out onto the White Water Observation Deck to get even closer to the waves and hear the Whirlpool Rapids roaring by at a speed of 30 mph.
7. The Tunnel at the Niagara Parks Power Station
– Included in the Niagara Adventure Pass Plus
Go under 180 feet in a glass-walled elevator and walk through the 115+ year-old 2,2000 feet tunnel (just under 1/2 mile) to a new viewing platform with views of Horseshoe Falls and American Falls. Learn about the history of the Niagara Park Power Station and the tunnel.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring layers; on average, it is 60 degrees in the tunnel. A unique thing to do in Niagara Falls at night is visit the Power Station at Night for an amazing sound and light show. Join this walking tour, that includes the Tunnel Experience, Power Station, and Skylon Tower Tickets.
8. Niagara SkyWheel
Ride Canada’s largest observation wheel, the Niagara SkyWheel. It is 175 feet tall and offers great views of Niagara Falls. If you time your ride right, this would be a great place to watch the fireworks. On our ride, we went around five times.
Consider purchasing the Clifton Hill Fun Pass that includes Niagara SkyWheel, Movieland Wax Museum, mini golf at Dinosaur Adventure Golf or Wizards Golf, Zombie Attack, and more.
9. Sweet Jesus Ice Cream
Every kid loves ice cream, and our kids are no exception. While in Clifton Hill, get some of the best ice cream in Niagara Falls at Sweet Jesus for their crazy, fun ice cream and shake concoctions. Our kids got the Krusty The Cone with cotton candy sauce, sprinkles, and cotton candy!
10. Niagara Falls Fireworks
From mid-May to mid-October, Niagara Falls Tourism puts on nightly fireworks over Niagara Falls. We had an amazing view from our Falls View room at the Embassy Suites Niagara Falls, another great reason to splurge on a hotel overlooking Niagara Falls.
Other great places to watch the fireworks in Niagara Falls are Table Rock Visitor Center or Restaurant, Skylon Tower, Niagara SkyWheel, and more. Click here for the Niagara Falls Firework Schedule
11. Table Rock Restaurant – Dinner With A View
If you want to eat at one of the best restaurants in Niagara Falls with a view, head to Table Rock Restaurant. It is like you are dining on top of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. It is the closest restaurant to the falls.
Prices are reasonable, given the location. The lunch menu offers burgers and sandwiches, and dinner has a three-course Prix Fixe menu that is a good value. We suggest making reservations in advance and requesting a window table. We dined at 5 p.m., when the restaurant wasn’t too busy and before our kids were hangry. There is a children’s menu with chicken tenders, burgers, and pasta.
12. Clifton Hill
Also known as the Street of Fun, Clifton Hill is a must-visit Niagara Falls attraction for families. Here, you will find the Niagara Speedway, Niagara Skywheel, arcades, mini golf, rides, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and more. We suggest getting the Clifton Hill Fun Pass to save money; it includes six attractions, one of which is the SkyWheel.
13. Skylon Tower
Ride the “Yellow Bug Elevators” to the Skylon Tower observation deck for a great view of Niagara Falls. The ride to the top takes only 52 seconds!
Consider having dinner at the Skylon Tower Revolving Dining Room, that rotates 360 degrees in one hour. There are two restaurants at the Skylon Tower, Revolving Dining Room and the Summit Suite Buffet which is more affordable and family friendly. If you dine at either restaurant, admission to the Ride-to-the-Top and Observation Decks is FREE.
14. Niagara Falls Incline Railway
– Included in the Niagara Adventure Pass Plus
Ride the Falls Incline Railway between the Fallsview Tourist Area and Table Rock Centre. This is the easiest and fastest way to Horseshoe Falls. Many of the best hotels in Niagara Falls are in the Fallsview Tourist Area, like the Embassy Suites, where we stayed.
15. Niagara Butterfly Conservatory
– Included in the Niagara Adventure Pass Plus
Walk through the rainforest setting with waterfalls and ponds. The Niagara Butterfly Conservatory is home to over 2,000 butterflies free flying in the air. We call our son the butterfly whisperer; butterflies always land on him.
16. Safari Niagara
Located 10 minutes away, Safari Niagara is one of the newest things to do with kids in Niagara Falls. With over 1,000 animals from all over the world, there is a ton to see and do. Make sure to bring some cash to feed the goats & fish or to do the parakeet feeding.
You could easily spend an entire day here. Safari Niagara has more than just animals; there also is a splash pad, playground, ropes course, Bounce-A-Rooz jump pillows, pedal karts, fishing, and paddle boats.
17. Hersey’s Chocolate World
Visit the World’s LARGEST Hershey’s Store! Visit the store and purchase some of your favorite candies, or ride the FREE Hersey’s Chocolate Tour ride. Oh, and parking is free too! Go on one of the many chocolate tours at Hersey’s Chocolate World or Create Your Own Candy Bar.
18. Fallsview Indoor Waterpark
Pack your swimsuit for year round fun at The Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, voted as the best waterpark in Canada six times by TripAdvisor. The 3-acre waterpark has 16 slides, a wave pool, a toddler splash area, a 1,000-gallon tipping bucket, hot tubs, and more.
You can purchase day passes or stay in one of the three Fallsview Indoor Waterpark hotels directly connected: Sheraton Fallsview, Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls, and Skyline Hotel & Waterpark. We didn’t stay here, but if we visited during the winter, we definitely would. We love waterpark hotels
Older Kids Things To Do In Niagara Falls Canada
We are traveling with toddlers, so we didn’t visit the following three attractions. However, since this is a family travel blog, we wanted to include them because they sound super fun for older children and adults, too.
19. Niagara Falls Zipline To The Falls
Zipline across the Niagara River Gorge with insane views. Zipline To The Falls as you soar on a 2,200-foot cable where you glide by American Falls before landing on the observation deck of Horseshoe Falls. Minimum age is 7.
20. Niagara Falls Jet Boat Tour
Ride down the Niagara River on the wild & wet Niagara Falls Jet Boat tour. This open-top jet boat has you flying through the famous white waters of the Niagara Waterpool. You WILL get wet on the Niagara Gorge Jet Boat Tour. Bring a change of clothes! Minimum height: 44 inches.
21. Niagara Speedway
Inspired by “Mario- Kart,” the Niagara Speedway is North America’s largest elevated go-kart track facility. Spread out over four acres, with a four-story helical spiral, with speeds up to 20 mph. Minimum driver height: 58″, minimum rider height: 40″.
Hopefully, we showed you that visiting Niagara Falls with kids will be fun, with many attraction options for all ages. We know we’ll be back, but next time, for longer!
