25 Incredible Things to Do in Niagara Falls with Kids
Niagara Falls is such an epic place to visit with kids. Not only will families experience the spectacular Falls but additionally, there is SO much to do for visitors of all ages at Niagara Falls.
Discover my list of 25 incredible things to do with kids below.
Must Know Information
Each of these attractions and things to do with kids are located on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. If you are not staying on the Canadian side you can walk over via the Rainbow Bridge pedestrian walkway to spend part of the day. Make sure you have a passport, and you will need to pay a $1 cash toll on the way back to the United States.
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1. Niagara City Cruises
One of the most iconic things to do in Niagara Falls is to take a boat ride right up to the Falls.
On the Canadian side this cruise is the Hornblower Niagara City Cruises while on the American side is known as Maid of the Mist.
I 100% recommend doing this cruise with your family. It is so memorable and just a must do!
You will get WET on this cruise but that is all part of the memory you will make.
The ride is 20 minutes and goes all the way up to Horseshoe Falls. You will receive a red poncho on Niagara City Cruises and a blue poncho on the Maid of the Mist to wear on this ride.
Expert Tips
1. You can park a stroller on the dock before boarding the boat.
2. Wear waterproof shoes or sandals or have another pair to put on after the cruise.
3. Depending on the temperature outside, you may want to bring an extra change of clothes.
4. Make sure to book your cruising time online ahead of time.
On Niagara City Cruises you will get to see and feel the power of this waterfall up close which is an experience like no other!
2. Journey Behind the Falls
Another epic thing to do with kids in Niagara Falls is the Journey Behind the Falls.
This experience is located at Table Rock Centre which is at the bottom of the Incline Railway and nearest to Horseshoe Falls.
For Journey Behind the Falls you will go down an elevator 125 feet and then through tunnels out to an observation deck where you will have unparalleled views of Horseshoe Falls as well as likely get a little wet!
You can also walk through another tunnel to reach two different portals that will provide you with views of the water from Horseshoe Falls crashing down in front of you as well as its thunderous sound.
Expert Tip
Journey Behind the Falls can potentially have a very long wait time especially during the summer and on weekends. I recommend booking ahead online and choosing the earliest time possible for this experience.
You will not get as wet at this experience as on the Hornblower Niagara City Cruise.
3. Niagara Parks Power Station and Tunnel
This is another awesome thing to do with kids in Niagara Falls.
If you are choosing between this experience and the Journey Behind the Falls, I would definitely choose the Niagara Parks Power Station and Tunnel.
While both are amazing experiences, the Power Station and Tunnel has a much shorter wait time and the observation deck is just as incredible.
As part of this Niagara Parks Power Station and Tunnel experience, you descend 180 feet in an elevator and then walk about .4 of a mile through a tunnel until you come out to an observation deck with a stunning close up view of Horseshoe Falls.
You will also be able to see the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls as well.
On the main level of the Niagara Parks Power Station, you will have the opportunity to see different exhibits and artifacts that will explain how the power of the water from Niagara Falls was used to make electricity for 100 years!
The Tunnel is always about 60 degree so you may want to have a sweatshirt or a light jacket to put on.
Also, make sure to wear good walking shoes for the slightly slippery almost half a mile walk through the tunnel. Your shoes should not get wet on the observation deck outside of the tunnel.
Finally, it is important to note that you CAN push a stroller through the tunnel, and I recommend doing so especially if you have younger children.
The Power Station is located about .4 mile from Table Rock Centre and the Inclined Railway. There is a paved trail to walk between these two areas.
Note: There are no booked times for this attraction.
4. Niagara’s Fury
Niagara’s Fury is another unique thing to do in Niagara Falls with kids.
This experience is also located inside of Table Rock Centre.
Niagara’s Fury is a 20 minute 4D experience with two parts.
The first part is a kid friendly cartoon depicting how Niagara Falls came to be while the second part of this experience is inside of the 4D motion theater where visitors will get to see and feel how Niagara Falls was formed during the last Ice Age.
Must Know Information
Visitors will hear loud sounds, experience some motion, and may get slightly wet. This experience may be a little bit scary for kids younger than 4.
Niagara’s Fury is a first come first serve experience for 100 people each half hour and at the top of the hour until 7pm.
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5. Whirlpool Aero Car
I HIGHLY recommend the Whirlpool Aero Car for all visitors to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.
The Whirlpool Aero Car takes visitors across the gorgeous Niagara River in a cable car.
On this slow moving ride across the Niagara Gorge, visitors will get to see the stunning Niagara Whirlpool teal colored water.
I was so blown away by the beauty of the water and the incredible landscape surrounding it.
The Whirlpool Aero Car is an attraction you will remember forever!
This attraction is a little over 6 km or about 4 miles from Table Rock Centre on Niagara Parkway.
You can reach the Whirlpool Aero Car by driving and parking in the free on-site parking lot or take the WEGO Greenline North bus there.
You will need to book this attraction online ahead of time for a timed entry.
Note: You cannot take a stroller on to the Whirlpool Aero Car.
The Whirlpool Aero Car area also has a gift shop, restrooms, and observation deck.
If you can make this attraction happen on your visit to Niagara Falls, you won’t regret it!
6. Zipline to the Falls
For the most thrilling attraction to do with your family, I recommend Wildplay’s Zipline to the Falls.
Ziplining next to Niagara Falls is an epic experience with spectacular views.
Wildplay’s Zipline is located near Niagara Falls Cruises on Niagara Parkway.
Note: You have to be at least 7 years old to zipline.
Expert Tip
I recommend booking the early bird special which will save you not only time but money. The earlier in the day you are able to book, the cheaper it will be.
The zipline starts as early as 8am with check in at 7:50. If you can book that earliest time, you will be able to zipline with a significantly shorter wait and the absolute cheapest price of the day.
Must Know Information
-You will be able to put any belongings in a zipped backpack that will be attached to you.
-After you zipline down, Wildplay Zipline will give you a ride back up to the hill to where you started.
7. White Water Walk
The White Water Walk is another stunning and amazing thing to do with kids in Niagara Falls.
This walk takes place on a boardwalk along the Niagara River.
You will get to witness the roaring rapids and the beauty of the teal waters of the Niagara River.
This is a quarter mile walk with incredible views along the way.
You can bring a stroller on the White Water Walk.
There are some areas where there are steps down to observation areas but going down to these areas is not required and the views are just as good from the boardwalk.
To do the White Water Walk, you will once again descend in an elevator down 70 meters.
Must Know Information
Restrooms for the White Water Walk are across the street at the back of the parking lot. You may want to use the restroom before entering the White Water Walk area.
The White Water Walk is down far enough on Niagara Parkway that you will need to drive there or take the bus.
There is a parking lot across the street from the entrance to the White River Walk.
Alternatively, you can take the WEGO bus green line north to get there.
The White Water Walk also has a preferred timed entry option so make sure to book ahead of time online.
8. Whirlpool Adventure Ropes Course
The Whirlpool Adventure Ropes Course is another thrilling attraction in Niagara Falls.
This is a mix of ropes course, obstacles, ziplines and even the option of a 40 foot plummet next to the gorgeous teal waters of the Niagara Whirlpool.
There is also a ropes course available that is catered more to kids as well!
If you love adventure coupled with stunning views, this attraction is a fantastic choice for your family!
The Whirlpool Adventure Ropes Course is located at Thompson Point which is 8.3 km or about 5 miles from Table Rock Centre.
You can drive to the ropes course or take the WEGO Green Line North bus which stops there.
There is free onsite parking at the Whirlpool Adventure Ropes Course.
Expert Tip
There are stunning views that you will likely want to photograph so make sure to have your phone or camera with you and determine a way to hold or attach these items so you don’t drop them.
9. See all of the Sights and Attractions at Clifton Hill
Clifton Hill has SO much to see and do! It is a bustling entertainment area with unique restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Just walking up and down the sidewalks at Clifton Hill to see all of the sights is thrilling.
Clifton Hill is right above Niagara City Cruises. It is about a 20 minute walk from Fallsview Boulevard if you are staying in a hotel there.
If you want to experience a few different attractions at Clifton Hill, I recommend checking out the Clifton Hill Fun Pass. It can save you money depending on how many and which attractions you want to do!
10. Dinosaur Adventure Miniature Golf
Dinosaur Adventure Miniature Golf is an epic mini golf experience.
Located in the Clifton Hill area right next to the Skywheel, Dinosaur Adventure Miniature Golf has two 18 hole mini golf courses to choose from!
This miniature golf course has numerous life sized dinosaurs, realistic sounds, and even an erupting volcano.
Note: This miniature golf course can get very busy in the evenings so consider playing earlier in the day for less wait times!
11. Movieland Wax Museum
Located on Clifton Hill, the Movieland Wax Museum has life sized wax sculptures of various actors and characters throughout movie history.
This is a great opportunity to see your favorite characters from movies like Avengers, Pirates of the Caribbean, Terminator, and so much more.
The Movieland Wax Museum even has some wax sculptures of different musical entertainers.
This museum is included in the Clifton Hill Fun Pass.
12. Niagara Speedway
The Niagara Speedway Go-Kart track is another fun attraction for kids and families!
It is located near the Dinosaur Adventure Miniature Golf and Niagara Skywheel.
The course is a 4-story spiral that will get your adrenaline pumping!
Must Know Information
The go-kart driver must be 18 years or older to carry a passenger, and the passenger must be a minimum of 40 inches.
The go-kart race takes about 5 minutes.
13. Great Canadian Midway
We love a good arcade, and the Great Canadian Midway is that!
The Great Canadian Midway has over 300 games plus the Cosmic Coaster Motion Simulator and Ghost Blasters Dark Ride.
Both of these rides are included in the Clifton Hill 6 Attraction Fun Pass.
The Arcade uses tokens that you can use your credit card or pay cash for. Most of the games use between 1 and 4 tokens.
The kids LOVE getting tickets from the games and then redeeming them for some fun prizes!
14. Ripley’s Believe It or Not
Ripley’s Believe It or Not is also located on Clifton Hill.
Besides Ripley’s Believe It or Not, there is also Ripley’s Selfie Studios and Louis Tussauds Waxworks to visit.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not has so many amazing oddities, illusions, and interactive exhibits. What you will see, learn about, and experience is sure to be unbelievable!
Ripley’s Selfie Studios lets guests take pictures with unique settings, props, and themes to create the most memorable photos.
Louis Tussauds Waxworks is another opportunity to see lifelike wax figures of your favorite celebrities, characters, and more.
15. Niagara Skywheel
The Niagara Skywheel is also located on Clifton Hill.
This Skywheel gives visitors stunning views of Niagara Falls, Clifton Hill, and the surrounding area from a climate controlled gondola.
The ride takes between 8 and 12 minutes.
The Niagara Skywheel is also part of the Clifton Hill Fun Pass.
16. Butterfly Conservatory
Experience the amazing Butterfly Conservatory along with the tropical garden inside of it.
The Butterfly Conservatory is located on the grounds of the Niagara Falls Botanical Gardens.
Admission to the Botanical Gardens is free but visitors will have to pay in order to enter the Butterfly Conservatory.
While at the Butterfly Conservatory, over 2,000 colorful butterflies will be free flying around while you meander on the pathways in the conservatory and enjoy the waterfalls, gardens, and more.
There are feeding trays as well as different flowers that attract the butterflies for an up close view of them.
If you do not want to pay to go into the Butterfly Conservatory, I recommend at least taking a walk on the grounds of the Botanical Garden.
This is a stop on the WEGO Greenline bus and parking is free on-site as well!
17. Bird Kingdom
For another fascinating attraction to visit with kids, check out the Bird Kingdom.
It will take you about an hour or so to tour the Bird Kingdom.
You will get to meet parrots and other exotic animals including snakes, bearded dragons, tortoises as well as nocturnal animals including bats, owls, and blue poison dart frogs.
Even more, the Bird Kingdom boasts the world’s largest free flying aviary.
There really is so much to see and experience at the Bird Kingdom located along Niagara Parkway.
18. Skylon Tower
Another memorable thing to do with kids in Niagara Falls is the Skylon Tower.
The observation deck at the top of Skylon Tower provides impressive views of the Falls and surrounding city.
You will get the opportunity to enjoy the 52 second ride to the top of Skylon Tower in the “yellow bug” elevators.
When purchasing tickets for the Skylon Tower observation decks there are a number of different options including one ride to the top, a combination pass that includes 2 rides to the top for the opportunity to ride both during the day and at night, and a combination day and night pass with 3D/4D movie access.
Skylon Tower also has two restaurants including the infamous Revolving Dining Room Restaurant as well as the more affordable family friendly Summit Suite Buffet Dining Room.
Dining at either of these restaurants will provide you with a complimentary ride to the top of Skylon Tower.
Menus for both restaurants including prices can be found on the Skylon Tower website.
The Skylon Tower also has some fun things to do in its lower level including an arcade and the 3D/4D theater.
19. Visit the Floral Clock
The Niagara Falls Floral Clock is a free, unique, and gorgeous sight to see during your visit to Niagara Falls.
You could stop there on your way to Niagara-on-the-Lake or simply drive there to see it on its own.
Free on-site parking is available. Another option for getting to the Floral Clock is the WEGO Green Line North bus.
The Floral Clock is a quick stop but so worth it! There are also restrooms there as well as a small gift shop.
20. See the Falls Lit Up at Night
The Falls are definitely gorgeous and impressive during the day but also a must see sight at night all lit up!
We stayed at the Embassy Suites Fallsview and from our room we could see the Falls. It was stunning and so special to watch the Falls turn different colors at night.
The Falls Illumination is absolutely spectacular!
Visitors to Niagara Falls can enjoy the Illumination of the Falls from the walkway along Niagara Parkway.
The Illumination begins at dusk and lasts until 2am most of the year and until 1am during the winter months.
For a short duration during some evenings, the Falls are lit in certain colors to recognize or highlight a charity or cause on the date that is significant for them.
You can view the calendar list of charities, times, and colors for each charity on the Niagara Falls Illumination webpage.
21. Watch the Fireworks
If you are visiting Niagara Falls, Canada between late May and the beginning of October, you need to take at least one evening to see the fireworks display against the backdrop of the Falls Illumination.
It is an incredible experience!
You can view the fireworks along Niagara Parkway from Table Rock Centre to Clifton Hill.
We were also able to view the fireworks from our hotel room at the Embassy Suites Fallsview.
You would also be able to see it from the Skylon Tower as well as the Niagara Skywheel.
If you are at a restaurant or hotel with views of the Falls, you should be able to see the fireworks as well!
22. Check out the Lock Bridge
The Lock Bridge is located near the Incline Railway (above Table Rock Centre) and going towards the Embassy Suites Fallsview.
You will need to go up the ramp to get to the Lock Bridge.
It is super fun to see all of the different locks and what is written on them.
Every time we walked on the bridge the kids LOVED looking at all the locks.
You can bring your own lock to put on the bridge or purchase one for about 20 dollars at the Embassy Suites gift shop.
23. Eat at the Flying Saucer
If you are looking for a unique and affordable restaurant while in Niagara Falls, Canada, consider eating at the Flying Saucer.
The Flying Saucer is just a 6 minute drive from the Embassy Suites Fallsview on Fallsview Boulevard.
It is located at 6768 Lundy’s Lane.
The exterior of the restaurant looks like a saucer and the inside is just as unique and fun!
The Flying Saucer has a variety of food and drink on its menu. There is definitely something everyone will like at the Flying Saucer.
The kids will be so excited to eat inside of a saucer!
24. Incline Railway
The Incline Railway is located near Table Rock Centre.
It gives visitors a quick way to get to and from the Fallsview area to the Falls and Table Rock Centre.
The ride on the Incline Railway is less than a minute one way.
You are able to bring your stroller or wagon right on the Incline Railway. No need to even fold it up!
If you are staying at the Fallsview Tourist area, especially the Embassy Suites Fallsview, you will want to use the Incline Railway to access the Falls.
You can purchase an all day pass, one way, and a round trip ride.
If you purchase either the Niagara Falls Pass or Adventure Pass Plus through Niagara Parks, riding both Incline Railway and WEGO bus for 48 consecutive hours is included in these packages.
I highly recommend doing this. It is a fantastic way to experience some unique attractions as well as an easy and convenient way to get around to all of the major attractions.
25. Take some fun selfies at Maple Leaf Place
Maple Leaf Place is one of the stops on the WEGO Green Line south bus.
There is a food court and a large gift shop there.
Additionally, there are a few super fun photo opportunities.
You can pose behind a barrel with Niagara Falls in the background.
Maple Leaf Place also has a giant moose, a large plate, spoons, and in the gift shop a humongous moose statue.
I definitely recommend stopping here to take some fun and unique photos!
Top 5 Things to do with Kids in Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls has so many incredible and fun things to do with kids. In case you have limited time on your visit, I have compiled my list of the top 5 must do things in Niagara Falls on your trip!
1. Niagara Falls Cruises
One of the most iconic and popular things to do in Niagara Falls is to take a ride on the Hornblower right up to the Falls and feel the power of the mist.
This is definitely an experience that you need to have on your visit to the Falls.
2. Whirlpool Aero Car
I really loved riding across the Niagara River and seeing the swirling waters of the Whirlpool.
The water is a teal green color and so gorgeous.
Both kids and adults will love the views and the thrilling ride over the water.
3. Visit Clifton Hill
Clifton Hill is definitely your quintessential tourist area, but it is a really fun and unique place to walk around and explore.
Even if you don’t do any of the attractions, I suggest taking a walk through Clifton Hill to get a feel for it and to say you have been there!
4. Niagara Parks Power Station and Tunnel
I also thought the Niagara Parks Power Station and Tunnel was very unique and cool!
If you want another opportunity to get up a bit closer to the Falls, I recommend experiencing the tunnel at the Power Station.
It feels very magical after your .4 mile walk through the tunnel to come out and see the spectacular Falls.
The Power Station building is also very grand and historic to see as well!
5. See the Falls Lit Up at Night
I highly suggest seeing the Illumination of the Falls. It is very stunning and truly a memorable experience.
Niagara Falls is such an incredible place to take a vacation with your family. There are so many spectacular things to see and do.
It is also very easy to get around and super family friendly.
Download my free travel itinerary to help you plan for your trip to Niagara Falls in Canada.
May you LOVE your adventure. KW