Are you searching for a natural wonder to explore with your family? Known as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of North America, Niagara Falls is the most powerful waterfall on the continent and offers visitors a combination of breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventure, and family-friendly attractions. Some of the best things to do in Niagara Falls include getting up close to the iconic Horseshoe Falls aboard the Maid of the Mist, feeling the power of the rushing water at Cave of the Winds, and exploring the scenic trails and viewpoints throughout Niagara Falls State Park.
Whether you’re hoping to experience the falls up close or spend the day exploring the outdoors on the park’s hiking trails, Niagara Falls holds it all. In this guide, you’ll discover the best things to do in Niagara Falls, USA, helping you plan an unforgettable visit to one of New York’s most famous destinations.
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Best Things to Do in Niagara Falls (USA)
Take a Maid of the Mist Boat Ride
The Maid of the Mist ride is one of those attractions you don’t want to miss when visiting Niagara Falls. The Maid of the Mist has been operating since 1846, originally as a cross-river ferry before being shifted to a sightseeing cruise in 1856.
The Maid of the Mist Boat Ride is a twenty minute boat ride that takes you past the American Falls and below the Horseshoe Falls. The mist from the falls will reach you, and on a hot day it is a good way to cool off (you will get wet). The ride does include a Niagara branded poncho to protect your clothing. There are no inside sections on the boat.
There is no age restriction for the tour, and children ages 5 and under are free. Strollers are not recommended on the boat, so be prepared if visiting with infants or toddlers.
Best Things to Do in Niagara Falls: Take a Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour
A Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour is one of the most adventurous ways to experience the Niagara River. The 45 minute boat tour will take you up the Niagara Gorge, to the Whirlpool, and then back north through the Devil’s Hole Rapids.
There are two different experiences to choose from. The Wet Jet is uncovered and you are guaranteed to get wet, and the new Wet Freedom Jet is also uncovered with ‘Power Row’ seating. The Dry Freedom Jet is covered and allows you to enjoy the ride while staying dry.
To ride the wet jet, there is a 44″ height requirement, and to ride the dry jet there is a 40″ height requirement. Guests under 13 and under 100 pounds are not allowed to ride in the first 3-4 rows. The jet boat tour leaves from Lewiston, New York, about a 20 minute drive from downtown Niagara Falls. You can find waterfront dining nearby and a cute downtown area with local shops and coffee bars to explore.
Visit the Cave of the Winds
The Cave of the Wind experience is another one of the must do attractions when visiting Niagara Falls with kids. It allows visitors to stand near the foot of the American and Bridal Veil falls. The experience begins with a 175 ft. elevator ride down into the Niagara Gorge. At the end of the ride you will be greeted by a series of stairways and wooden walkways that will take you to Hurricane Deck, 20 ft. from the foot of Bridal Veil Falls.
The Cave of the Winds experience is located on Goat Island inside Niagara Falls State Park. A poncho is provided for this experience as visitors can expect to get wet with the mist from the falls. Cave of the Winds is open year round (but it will be VERY cold in the winter months).
Visit the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is about a 35 minute drive from Niagara Falls, but is worth the drive if you have the time. The gardens include a large indoor conservatory and an outdoor surrounding grounds. The grounds are also lined with several greenhouses that are interconnected.
Visitors to the gardens can enjoy a self guided tour throughout the gardens and grounds. There are many exhibits to walk through, including the Palm Dome, Aquatic Garden, Asian Rainforest, Cacti and Succulents, Panama Cloud Forest, and more!
Throughout the year you can also find different events and activities, such as Gardens After Dark, Feed the Fish, hands on workshops, and a Christmas themed event.
Best Things to Do in Niagara Falls: Ride the Niagara Scenic Trolley
The Niagara Scenic Trolley is another one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls. This inexpensive tour will provide you with a peaceful ride in Niagara Falls State Park and take you to some of the area’s most popular attractions. One of the best parts, the trolley ride alone will be enough to give your kids an enjoyable and memorable experience.
The Niagara Scenic Trolley is a hop on/hop off experience and makes it easy to enjoy Niagara’s best attractions. Stops include Cave of the Winds on Goat Island, Terrapin Point, Three Sisters Island, Maid of the Mist, and the Welcome Center.
The trolley is air conditioned during the summer months and heated in the winter months, so it can be enjoyed any time of year! The trolley is popular in the summer months, so be prepared for long waits to ride. The trolley is based on first come, first serve.
A plus for eco-conscious travelers, the trolleys use eco-friendly natural gas.
Explore Old Fort Niagara
If you are looking to explore the historic side of the Niagara Falls area, consider visiting Old Fort Niagara. Old Fort Niagara sits inside the Fort Niagara State Park, overlooking the Niagara River and Lake Ontario. The fort once played an important role in the region as it sat at the access point to the Finger Lakes. It has been occupied by three nations, including France, Great Britain, and the US.
Visitors to the fort can enjoy exploring the grounds, view a number of exhibits, and enjoy living history programs. There is a large collection of original artifacts, including an original 1812 garrison flag. The fort offers musket demonstrations and other demonstrations on what life was like for those who live in the fort.
Old Fort Niagara is open year-round. Special events are held year round based on different events in the fort’s past, like the War of 1812, the Siege of Niagara, and French Heritage days.
Take A Walk on the Observation Deck
For some of the best views of all three falls-the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls, consider taking a walk out on the observation deck. The observation tower extends up 282 feet above the Niagara Gorge.
The tower features an upper observation deck and an elevator that will take you down to the Maid of the Mist loading dock and the base of the gorge. From there you can take a set of stairs to the Crows’ Nest for stunning views.
The Observation Deck is also a popular spot for bird watching. While taking in the views of the falls, visitors can also spot peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and other types of gulls flying around the falls.
See the Nightly Illumination
One of the best things to do in Niagara Falls is to stick around after dark and see the nightly illumination. Illumination of the falls has been occurring since 1925. Every night year-round, the falls are lit up in a stunning mixture of colors, from purple to blue to red.
Illumination of the falls is often done in support of different charities, causes, global events, and holidays. The time varies depending on what time of year you are visiting, but generally begins at dusk and lasts until around 2am.
In the summer months, you can enjoy a fireworks show in addition to the illumination from mid May to mid October. The show starts at 10pm and lasts about 5 minutes.
Visit the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center & Hiking Trails
One of the best things to do in Niagara Falls for outdoor lovers is to visit the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center and hiking trails. The Niagara Gorge Discovery Center & Hiking Trails features a combination of indoor exhibits and outdoor hiking trails.
The discovery center features exhibits that showcase the history of the Niagara gorge with hands-on experiences that the kids will love, a 180 degree theater, and a rock climbing wall.
The Niagara Gorge Trailhead center is the starting point for a number of trails which offer access to hiking and biking trails through and around the gorge. You will find a combination of easy trails, such as the Great Gorge Scenic Overlook Hike, and more difficult hikes with steep staircases, such as the Whirlpool Rapids Adventure Hike.
Choose the most appropriate trail for the hikers in your travel party and enjoy all that the gorge has to offer visitors!
Best Things to Do in Niagara Falls: Visit Goat Island
Goat Island is a small, 70-acre island sitting on the Niagara River between the Bridal Veil Falls and the Horseshoe Falls that gives you some great views of all three waterfalls. Goat Island is a heavily wooded area that features hiking trails and access to many of the attractions in Niagara Falls.
The island was once home to a herd of goats owned by John Steadman. The harsh winter of 1780 killed off the herd, but was the origin of the name of the island. The island has a long history of being preserved and was added to Niagara Falls State Park in 1885.
Goat Island can be reached from the pedestrian bridge just before the American Falls or by car. On the island, one of the best things to do is walk the perimeter trail. Goat Island’s perimeter trail is about 1.5 miles and takes about 30 minutes to walk around.
Goat Island is also the access point for many of the other attractions in Niagara Falls, including Cave of the Winds, Terrapin Point, the Three Sisters Islands, and Luna Island. The Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley also stops in the park.
Eat at the Rainforest Cafe
The Rainforest Cafe is both a dining experience and unique attraction, making it one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls. The restaurant is set up as a lush rainforest with animatronic animals that move and make noises as you enjoy your meal. Every half hour there is a simulated thunderstorm.
The menu includes classic family favorite dishes and tropical dishes. The restaurant has an extensive kids menu including favorites like macaroni and cheese, pizza, pasta, fish, and chicken nuggets. The main menu includes salads, seafood dishes, pasta dishes, burgers, and more.
The Rainforest Cafe is located in the Sheraton Hotel. There is a gift shop connected to the restaurant.
Wander Old Falls Street
Old Falls Street USA is Niagara Fall’s best location for shopping and festivals. Old Falls Street USA contains three blocks connecting Niagara Falls State Park with The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls.
Throughout the year visitors can find different events going on, such as seasonal food vending, festivals, concerts and family-friendly activities. You can also find outdoor games and interactive toys geared at all age levels.
You will also find many stores and shops along the way and nearby where you can purchase some great souvenirs to take home with you. The proximity of this street to the Niagara Falls State Park makes it the perfect place to go looking for some tasty lunch!
Visit Whirlpool State Park
One of the best things to do in Niagara Falls for nature lovers is to visit Whirlpool State Park. The park is about a 15 minute drive from downtown Niagara Falls. The main feature of the park is views of the whirlpool along the Niagara River. At this point, the Niagara River bends sharply, creating the massive whirlpool with class VI rapids.
There are two distinct areas to explore in the park. The upper level contains several overlook areas, a picnic area, and a playground. The lower level can be reached by a staircase and will take you to trails that follow along the Whirlpool rapids.
From there you can return to the staircase to Whirlpool State Park, or continue on the Devil’s Hole trail and take the staircase up into Devil’s Hole State Park if you are looking for more of a hike. You can then take the gorge rim trail back to Whirlpool State Park.
The park is open year-round from dawn to dusk. Entrance to the park is free of charge.
Best Things to Do in Niagara Falls: Visit Devil’s Hole State Park
Another chance to explore the nature surrounding Niagara Falls, Devil’s Hole State Park takes you to a more secluded part of the Niagara Gorge away from the crowds of the main falls area. The park is known for its dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and scenic overlooks that provide breathtaking views of the Niagara River below.
The park gives you access to a number of different trails. The trails in the park are considered moderate to difficulty due to steepness and stairs. The Devil’s Hole Trail is one of the highlights, making a loop from the Devil’s Hole parking area, down into the gorge, ascending into Whirlpool State Park, and then returning to Devil’s Hole. The loop trail is 2.5 miles.
Because of their close proximity and connecting trails, visiting both Whirlpool State Park and Devil’s Hole State Park at the same time is recommended.
Visit the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center
For history lovers, visiting the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center is one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls. It tells the inspiring stories of freedom seekers who journeyed through Niagara Falls on their way to Canada and a new life beyond slavery.
Located near the site of the former International Suspension Bridge railroad station, the center uses interactive exhibits, personal accounts, and multimedia displays to bring this part of American history to life. Visitors gain a deeper understanding of the role Niagara Falls played as one of the final stops on the Underground Railroad.
Best Things to Do in Niagara Falls: Niagara Climbing Center
The Niagara Climbing Center offers an exciting indoor adventure for visitors looking to challenge themselves while visiting the Niagara Falls area. Featuring climbing walls designed for a variety of skill levels, the facility welcomes everyone from first-time climbers to experienced athletes.
The facility offers bouldering, yoga, a training area (with gym equipment), the kilterboard, and different programs/coaching. Professional staff members provide instruction and safety guidance, making it an accessible activity for families, children, and individuals looking to try something new.
Go Kayaking on the Niagara River
Kayaking on the Niagara River provides a unique opportunity to explore one of North America’s most famous waterways from a completely different perspective and is one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls. While paddling is not permitted in the dangerous waters near the falls themselves, there are guided tour and paddling options in the calmer areas of the Niagara River.
Niagara Outfitters offers guided kayak tours and kayak rentals. A 2 hour guided tour takes you along 6 miles of the lower Niagara River from Lewistown to Youngstown. Once you reach Youngstown, a shuttle will take you back to Lewiston. Another tour option takes you along the same route, but you stop at the Stella Niagara Nature Preserve on the way.
The company also offers bicycling tours through Niagara Falls State Park and the Niagara Gorge. Guided hiking tours of the state park trails are also an option. If you prefer to explore on your own you can rent kayaks or stand up paddle boards.
Go Bike Riding Along the Niagara River
Bike riding along the Niagara River is one of the best ways to explore the area’s scenic beauty. Several paved trails and pathways follow the river, providing cyclists with stunning views of the water, gorge, parks, and surrounding landscapes. Riders can choose short family-friendly routes or longer rides that connect multiple attractions throughout the Niagara region.
Some of the best trails in Niagara Falls for bicycling include the Niagara Gorge Rim Trail, Niagara Scenic Parkway Trail, and the Niagara Falls State Park loop. If you don’t have your own bike with you, you can rent a bike from Buffalo Bike Tours, Reddy Bikeshare, or Sightsee Rentals.
Go For a Scenic Drive
A scenic drive is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to experience the beauty of the Niagara Falls region. The Niagara Scenic Parkway is one of the best drives, following the Niagara River and offering countless opportunities to stop at overlooks, parks, and attractions along the way.
The drive is 15 miles, beginning in downtown Niagara Falls and stretching to Lake Ontario. Along the drive you will follow along the Niagara River with stops at Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, Whirlpool State Park, Devil’s Hole State Park, Lewiston, the Stella Niagara Preserve, and Old Fort Niagara.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days should families spend at Niagara Falls?
A single day is enough to see the main highlights of Niagara Falls, but plan for at least 3-5 days if you plan on exploring some of the trails and attractions more in depth.
Can you see Niagara Falls for free?
Yes. Many of the best viewpoints in Niagara Falls State Park are free to visit. Families can enjoy scenic overlooks, walking trails, and several observation areas without purchasing tickets.
Is Niagara Falls walkable with children?
Yes. The main attractions are all connected by sidewalks, paved pathways, and pedestrian bridges, making visiting the main attractions by foot very easy.
What is the best time of year to visit Niagara Falls with kids?
Late spring through early fall is the most popular time to visit because most attractions are open and the weather is generally pleasant. Summer offers the most activities but also the largest crowds. Fall offers stunning fall foliage, and winter offers unique views of frozen ice near the falls (but it is COLD!).
Can you bring food into Niagara Falls State Park?
Yes. Families are welcome to bring snacks, drinks, and picnic lunches. There are picnic areas throughout the park where visitors can enjoy a meal outdoors.
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