Niagara Falls With Kids: 30 Best Things to Do (Canada)

Are you planning a family trip to Niagara Falls, Canada? Home to breathtaking waterfalls, exciting attractions, and beautiful parks, Niagara Falls is one of the most popular family destinations in North America. Some of the best things to do in Niagara Falls include watching the powerful Horseshoe Falls thunder over the cliffs, on the Whirlpool Aero Car, walking in Queen Victoria Park, and hiking in the Niagara Glen Nature Area.

After visiting Niagara Falls, Canada on many occasions, we have outlined the best things to do in Niagara Falls with kids to help you plan your visit! If you have the time, we also recommend visiting Niagara Falls, USA for different perspectives and activities.

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Things to Do in Niagara Falls With Kids (Canada)

Stand and Admire the Falls

The best way to start your visit to Niagara Falls with kids is to spend some time walking along the promenade that follows alongside the Niagara River and takes you up close to the Horseshoe Falls. The walk starts near the Table Rock Visitor Center and goes all the way down to the Rainbow Bridge.

The walk will also give you great views of the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls on the other side of the river. On the opposite side of the promenade is the Queen Victoria Park, which offers plenty of open grass space and beautiful gardens lined with colorful flowers.

The walk is very family friendly and stroller friendly. It does get quite crowded during the peak seasons, so be prepared for crowds. Visiting early in the morning may help you avoid some of the crowds, however the area does tend to stay busy in the evenings as a nightly illumination of the falls and fireworks are done during the summer months.

Journey Behind the Falls

Journey Behind the Falls is an exciting experience that allows you to go down beside and behind the Horseshoe Falls. After taking an elevator down and walking through tunnels that are over 100 years old, you will come out on a platform right beside the thunderous falls.

There is an upper viewing platform, which is wheelchair accessible, and a lower platform that has a few stairs to get to. Access to Journey Behind the Falls is at the Table Rock Visitor Center.

Journey Behind the Falls is open year round, so you can visit during the summer months as well as the winter months, when you will get an entirely different experience. The lower platform is closed during the winter months.

Niagara Takes Flight

Niagara Takes Flight is a fun and exciting way to learn about the history of the falls. Niagara Takes Flight is fairly new and replaces Niagara’s Fury. It is a fully immersive flying theater that takes you along the Niagara River and over the falls.

During the show, you will see visuals of the falls and surrounding areas during all four seasons on a 55 ft. dome screen with special effects including moving chairs, wind, mist, and scent.

Before taking the “ride”, you can visit the museum that includes multiple rooms displaying the history of the falls, its geology, and culture. Niagara Takes Flight is located in the Table Rock Center and is open year round.

Niagara Falls With Kids: Voyage to the Falls

If you are looking to get up close to all three falls, hop aboard for a Voyage to the Falls trip. Voyage to the Falls is the equivalent of the Maid of the Mist ride on the New York side of Niagara Falls. It brings you past the American Falls and up close to the Horseshoe Falls, making it one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls with kids.

You will be provided with a poncho at the start of the ride, because you will get wet! You can take the ride during the day, or choose to take a later cruise to see the illumination of the falls and fireworks show on select nights.

Ride the Falls Incline Railway

The Falls Incline Railway is a short, fully accessible funicular that connects the Niagara Parkway near Table Rock with the Fallsview tourist area above. It provides a quick and convenient way to move between the lower and upper levels.

The lower level is closer to attractions like the falls and riverfront, and the upper level is closer to hotels, restaurants, and viewing areas at the top. While it is designed for transportation, the ride itself can be a fun activity in itself for kids.

The Falls Incline Railway is both wheelchair and stroller friendly, making it a great option for families.

Explore Clifton Hill

While Niagara Falls is full of natural beauty, Clifton Hill, known as “the street of fun” enhances the fun side of visiting the falls, offering tons of attractions when visiting Niagara Falls With kids. Clifton Hill includes activities like mini-golf, go-karts, bowling, arcades, a Skywheel, plenty of shopping, and restaurants.

Since Clifton Hill is in the main tourist section of Niagara Falls, it does tend to get very busy here. Earlier in the day it tends to be less busy, but there is still a good chance you will find a lot of people roaming the streets.

Visit the Floral Clock

The Floral Clock is a quick stop, but one you shouldn’t skip if you do any driving along the Niagara Parkway. The Floral Clock is 40 feet in diameter and made from thousands of plants and flowers. The clock has been around since 1950 and is maintained by the Niagara Parks horticulture staff. The design of the clock is changed twice per year.

One of the best parts? The clock actually works! The clock is open year round. It is about 6 miles from downtown Niagara Falls on the parkway between the falls and Niagara on the Lake. It is a quick and free attraction, definitely worth visiting.

Go Mini-Golfing

Mini-golf is one of the family friendly activities found along Clifton Hill and one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls with kids. The area features a combination of outdoor golf courses and indoor glow golf. Choose between Dinosaur Adventure Golf, which has a working volcano (blows fire out at intervals), Wizards’ Golf (an indoor glow in the dark course), and SkipArr’s Pirate Putt (an indoor mini-golf course).

Ride the Niagara Skywheel

The Niagara Skywheel is located in the Clifton Hill district, just a short distance away from the falls. The Skywheel stands 175 feet tall, giving you panoramic views of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshore Falls, as well as the Clifton Hill District and into other parts of Canada.

The skywheel features fully enclosed gondolas with heating or air conditioning for any time of the year. Rides are offered during the day and into the night to give you different views and perspectives. Each ride lasts about 10 minutes.

Go Go-Karting

Go-karting is another fun family activity located along Clifton Hill. The Niagara Speedway is located along the hill near the Dinosaur Adventure Golf course. It features North America’s highest elevation go-kart track. The track is a combination of classic go-karting tracks and roller coaster thrills with 40 ft. elevation changes.

You can choose between a single and double seated go-kart. The carts can reach up to 20mph. Drivers must be 58″ and riders must be between 40″ and 60″.

Niagara Falls With Kids: Go to An Indoor Waterpark

While you are visiting one of the most well-known waterfalls in the world, you cannot swim in it! But don’t worry, there are plenty of indoor water parks nearby for those looking to get wet! The Great Wolf Lodge is only about a 10 minute drive from the falls and probably the biggest indoor water park in the area, making it a great option.

The Fallsview Indoor Water Park is another option, located right in the downtown area. It has 16 waterslides, a wave pool, hot springs, and an outdoor sun deck with a pool. The waterpark is connected to three hotels and is about a mile from the Horseshoe Falls.

The Waves Indoor Water Park at the Americana Resort & Spa is another option. This one is located a little further from the falls, about a 15 minute drive. The waterpark features an indoor water play structure, a wave pool, water slides, kiddy pool, beach bar, hot tubs, a spa, and arcade.

Visit the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Attractions

There are three Ripley’s Believe or Not attractions along Clifton Hill to enjoy. The Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium is a classic Ripley’s museum. It has over 400 exhibits including exciting items and interactive experiences.

The Ripley’s Selfie Studio is another unique attraction that is fun for anyone who loves taking photos! The museum features a large selection of background images to take photos against, including photos of you tight-roping across Niagara Falls, standing against graffiti covered walls, and posing in a number of different scenes.

The last attraction is the Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks Niagara Falls. The wax museum is full of celebrities and musicians you can stand next to and take photos. A little different than the natural beauty that surrounds the fall, but the Ripley’s attractions offer hours of family fun.

Hang With Stars at the Movieland Wax Museum

The Movieland Wax Museum is another wax museum featuring celebrities and movie stars along Clifton Hill. During your visit to the museum, you can pose with people/in movie scenes like Aliens, Terminator, Ironman, Thor, and Johnny Depp. There is also an optional House of Horrors for those who have a little bit of a dark streak!

Visit an Arcade

Visiting an arcade is another classic family-friendly activity to enjoy while visiting Niagara Falls with kids. Take a break from the falls and exploring the nature based activities in the area, and enjoy some indoor, classic family fun.

The Great Canadian Midway is a 70,000 square foot arcade with over 300 games. You will also find a 4D motion simulator and the Ghost Blasters Dark Ride. There is a pizza shop on site, and a bowling alley.

The Niagara Falls Fun Zone is another option. Here you can find a wide selection of arcade games, lazer tag, and a lazer maze. Adventure City, also located on Clifton Hill, offers arcade games, a 4D theater, and bumper cars.

Zipline to the Falls

For visitors looking for an unforgettable adventure, the WildPlay Zipline to the Falls offers one of the most exciting ways to experience Niagara Falls with kids. The zipline sends you on a ride above the Niagara Gorge and down 2,000 feet toward Horseshoe Falls.

The ride reaches speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, making it an exhilarating experience while still being suitable for many families with older children. Riders finish at an observation landing near the base of Horseshoe Falls, where they can take in one of the closest panoramic views of the waterfall before returning to the launch area. Taking a ride on the Zipline is one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls with kids for families looking for an adventure.

Eat At The Rainforest Cafe

The Rainforest Cafe offers one of the most unique dining experiences in Niagara Falls by combining dining with an immersive jungle-themed experience. Located near Clifton Hill and just a short walk from the falls, the restaurant is set up like a tropical rainforest filled with animatronic animals, lush vegetation, waterfalls, and periodic thunderstorms.

Throughout the meal, guests can watch elephants trumpet, gorillas move through the trees, and colorful tropical birds come to life among the jungle scenery. The restaurant offers a kid-friendly menu and a variety of options for adults, making it a great option for families.

Visit Skylon Tower

The Skylon Tower is an entertainment complex and one of the most unique dining options in Niagara Falls, Canada. Rising more than 775 feet above the Niagara Gorge, the tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, the Niagara River, and the surrounding region.

To reach the observation deck, you will take the tower’s famous glass-enclosed exterior elevators, often called “Yellow Bug” elevators, which provide spectacular views during the ascent. On a clear day, guests can see as far as Toronto and Buffalo from the top. A good time to visit the observation decks is at sunset and after dark when Niagara Falls is illuminated with colorful lights.

The Skylon Tower is home to both indoor and outdoor observation decks. The tower also features dining options, including a revolving restaurant that slowly rotates to showcase the scenery below while guests enjoy a meal.

White Water Walk

The White Water Walk is a short and easy walk along the Niagara River in the Niagara Gorge. You begin by taking an elevator down into the gorge and walking through a short tunnel to reach a riverside boardwalk.

The boardwalk runs parallel to the Class 6 rapids—some of the most powerful whitewater in North America. The boardwalk itself is about a quarter mile long and includes several viewing platforms positioned directly beside the rushing water.

The path is flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for strollers and a wide range of visitors. Most visits take 20–30 minutes, depending on how long you spend at each viewing area. Interpretive signs along the route provide information about the geology of the gorge and river.

Niagara Falls With Kids: Whirlpool Aero Car

The Whirlpool Aero Car is a historic cable car attraction that carries visitors high above the Niagara Gorge, offering a direct view of the swirling waters of the Niagara Whirlpool. This unique views makes this one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls with kids.

Suspended from cables and traveling a short distance across the gorge, the open-air car provides a steady, slow-moving ride that allows time to take in the scenery. Although the car crosses the international border mid-ride, passengers remain on board the entire time and return to the original starting point.

The ride lasts about 10 minutes and is suitable for most ages, though younger children should be comfortable with heights.

Stroll Queen Victoria Park

Queen Victoria Park is the main public park along the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, stretching along the Niagara Parkway with direct views of the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls.

The park features paved walking paths, maintained gardens, and open viewing areas that make it easy to move between different vantage points. The terrain is flat and accessible, making it suitable for strollers and visitors of all ages, and there are frequent benches and railings positioned along the edge for viewing the falls.

Queen Victoria Park is a good spot to take in views of the park, relax, and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Niagara Glen Nature Area

The Niagara Glen Nature Area is one of the most scenic outdoor destinations in the Niagara Falls region. Located along the Niagara Parkway just a few miles north of the falls, the nature area is known for its dramatic cliffs, ancient rock formations, and dense Carolinian forest.

The preserve encompasses more than 200 acres and features a network of hiking trails. There is a set of stairs that takes you down into the Glen, where you can access 2.5 miles of hiking trails. Along the trails you will pass large boulders that are remnants of glacial activity and rapid erosion along the Niagara River.

Along the way, hikers can also enjoy stunning views of the Niagara River, swirling whirlpools, and powerful rapids below. The area is also popular for bird watching and photography because of its diverse plant and animal life.

Visit the Botanical Gardens

The Niagara Falls Botanical Gardens are one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls with kids. Spread out over 99 acres, the gardens feature a variety of perennial beds, seasonal plantings, and one of the largest rose collections in Canada, with over 2,000 varieties.

Paved pathways run throughout the property, making it easy to explore different sections, and the grounds are generally flat and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.The Botanical Gardens are located along the Niagara Parkway North of the falls. Entrance to the Gardens is free, but there are guided garden tours offered for a fee.

Dufferin Islands Park

Dufferin Islands is a group of small man-made islands located just south of the Horseshoe Falls along the Niagara Parkway. It is a great option for those looking to explore the more natural, wooded areas of the park. The area features a network of flat walking paths and wooden bridges that link the islands together, creating an easy loop.

The paths are flat and wide, making it accessible for strollers and younger children. The pathways take you past small ponds, open green spaces, and wildlife enjoying the area.

There are also picnic tables and shaded spots available. While there are no major viewpoints of the falls, the islands provide a calm, low-traffic environment that works well as a short stop or a slower-paced part of a day in Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls Floral Showhouse

The Niagara Falls Floral Show house is an indoor greenhouse located along the Niagara Parkway just a short walk (0.8 miles) from the Horseshoe Falls and Dufferin Islands. The greenhouses are full of thousands of colorful plants and flowers, making it one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls with kids.

The Niagara Falls Floral Show house was first opened in 1894 with the purpose of growing seasonal plants for Queen Victoria Park. The current show house was opened in 1946, with the North and South house being added in 1951.

Today you can explore the three main greenhouse sections, which have paved walkways going through each section. The greenhouses have rotating seasonal displays, including tropical plants, orchids, succulents, and flowering arrangements that change throughout the year.

Niagara Falls With Kids: Winter Festival of Lights

If you are visiting Niagara Falls in the winter, the Winter Festival of Lights is a must. The festival takes place from mid-November through early January. It features over 3 million lights across the Niagara Parkway, the Dufferin Islands, and other nearby locations.

You can walk or drive through multiple sections, with illuminated trees, themed light displays, and large-scale sculptures spread out along the route. A new feature was also recently added to the festival-the Laser Light Spectacular.

The show takes place in Queen Victoria Park and features a combination of bursts of color, music, and motion. You can also catch a fireworks show over the falls on Friday and Saturday nights. The Misty Lodge friends make an appearance on Friday and Saturday nights for photo taking, a great activity for kids.

The Niagara Falls Hot Chocolate Trail is another exciting part of the Winter Festival. You can download the trail map and at each location that you purchase hot chocolate you can scan a QR code to be entered to win a prize. You can also meet and take pictures with Santa on certain nights.

The Winter Festival of Lights is free of charge, making it one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls with kids. The Laser Light Spectacular and fireworks displays only take place on certain nights. Be sure to check the schedule when planning your visit so you don’t miss them.

Ride the WeGo Bus

The WEGO Bus System is a public transportation network that helps visitors explore Niagara Falls without needing to drive or search for parking. Operated by Niagara Parks, the system connects many of the area’s most popular attractions, hotels, and transportation hubs through several easy-to-use routes. It is a hop-off, hop-on bus, so you can visit the attractions you want and skip the ones you don’t.

You can ride between top attractions like Horseshoe Falls, Clifton Hill, Journey Behind the Falls, the Floral Clock, and the Niagara Parks Power Station, making it one of the easiest ways to get around the city.

Get Some Treats at Hershey’s Chocolate World

Hershey’s Chocolate World is located near Clifton Hill and is a must for candy lovers! There is a large store with treats and Hershey’s themed merchandise. You can also find baked goods in the stores, from cupcakes to rice crispie treats, to brownies and chocolate covered strawberries.

Aside from the bakery you will also find milkshakes and ice cream. And don’t forget to snap a photo with the Hershey Kiss!

Explore a Mirror Maze

The Big Top Amazing Mirror and Laser Maze is one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls with kids. Located along Clifton Hill, it is a combination attraction with a mirror maze and laser maze.

Make your way through the mirror maze (before careful not to walk into yourself in the mirror!) and then check out the 7 different laser mazes. The laser mazes range in difficulty from beginning to more challenging, so there is something for everyone.

Visit Niagara on the Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a historic town located about 25 minutes north of Niagara Falls, where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario. The town is known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, compact downtown area, and walkable streets lined with shops, restaurants, and cafés.

Queen Street is the main hub, and most visitors spend their time exploring this area on foot, with easy access to the waterfront and nearby parks.

In addition to the town center, the surrounding region is known for its wineries and scenic countryside. Visitors can drive or bike between vineyards, stop at tasting rooms, or simply enjoy the rural setting.

The pace is slower than Niagara Falls, making it a good contrast to the busier attractions. A visit can be as short as a couple of hours or extended into a half-day or full-day trip, depending on whether you include shopping, dining, or winery stops.

Niagara Falls With Kids: Go For a Hike

While many people visit the area with the main intention of seeing the falls, Niagara Falls does offer plenty of opportunities for getting outside. Hiking trails of different difficulty levels is one of those opportunities, with easy strolls on the Dufferin Islands and more challenging ones in the Niagara Glen.

The most accessible option is the Niagara River Recreation Trail, a flat, paved route that follows the river for miles and is suitable for all ages, including strollers and bikes. For a more natural setting, areas like the Niagara Glen offer forested trails that descend into the gorge, where hikers can walk alongside the river and navigate uneven terrain, rocks, and tree-covered paths.

Tips for Visiting Niagara Falls

• Bring a poncho for yourself/the kids/stroller. If you plan on getting up close to the horseshoe falls there is a good chance you will get wet. Bringing a poncho will help you stay dry and allow you to cover the stroller.
• If you plan on going on the Voyage of the Falls or Journey Behind the Falls, bringing a waterproof phone case is a good idea.
• Parking near the falls can be difficult, so consider using the WeGo Bus system to make it easier to get around.
• Bringing comfortable walking shoes is recommended, as many of the attractions are within walking distance of each other. Walking can be easier than driving, especially in crowded areas.
• If you plan on visiting both the Canadian and US side of Niagara Falls, be sure to bring the proper travel documents.
• Explore beyond the main attractions. Niagara Falls offers many opportunities for not only viewing the falls, but also exploring the wooded areas around the falls. Consider Dufferin Islands, the Niagara Glen Nature Area, and the White Water Walk.

Frequently Asked Questions

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