Niagara Falls, Ontario, is a stunning place to visit in Canada. Its natural beauty and tourist attractions make it a popular destination for families and tourists worldwide. In addition, there are several fun things to do in Niagara Falls with kids, no matter your age or interests.
From riding on the Maid of the Mist boat tour to checking out the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, there is something for everyone in this beautiful corner of Canada. So whether you’re looking for some ideas for things to do on your next family vacation or want to know more about what makes Niagara Falls so unique, read on for our top twelve picks!
- Niagara Falls Canada
One of the most amazing things to do with kids in Niagara Falls is to ride on the Niagara Falls Incline Railway. The railway takes passengers down into the Niagara Gorge, providing views of the Niagara River and Niagara Falls that can’t be seen anywhere else.
The trip into the gorge is exciting enough for kids, but there’s plenty to see and do once you’re down there. Several hiking trails along the Niagara Gorge are perfect for exploring with kids. In addition, the Niagara Glen Nature Centre is a great place to learn about the local flora and fauna.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
For those who want to get up near and personal with the falls, several boat tours are available that take you to the edge of the Niagara River.
Playland is an amusement park near the falls, with rides and games for kids of all ages. There’s even a particular area for toddlers and younger children. So if your kids love amusement parks, they’ll have a blast at Playland.
Recommended Ages
Niagara Falls offers plenty of fun things to do for kids of all ages.
- Butterfly Conservatory
Located just a few minutes from the falls, the Conservatory is home to over 1800 butterflies from 60 species. Visitors can amble through the lush gardens and observe the butterflies as they flit about.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
This family-friendly pursuit is perfect for those who want hands-on learning about a butterfly’s life cycle. Kids will love seeing all the different stages of a butterfly’s life, from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to fully-fledged butterfly.
They’ll also get to see some of the world’s most beautiful butterflies up close, including some rare and endangered species. Butterfly Conservatory is not only a fun activity for kids but also educational and informative.
Recommended Ages
The Butterfly Conservatory is suitable for all ages.
- Horseshoe Falls
The Falls are located on the Niagara River, which flows from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario. Horseshoe Falls is the major of the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls at 188 feet tall and 2600 feet wide. It is also one of the most mighty waterfalls in the world.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Visitors to Horseshoe Falls can stroll along the path that winds along the edge of the waterfall. They can also take a ride on the Maid of the Mist boat tour, which takes them right up to the base of the Falls.
Finally, for a bird’s-eye view of Horseshoe Falls, visitors can ride on the Niagara SkyWheel, an enclosed Ferris wheel that stands 175 feet tall.
Recommended Ages
Horseshoe Falls is suitable for all ages, but the boat rides are ideal for children aged seven and above.
- White Water Walk
The White Water Walk is a short, self-guided walk that takes you along the Niagara River Gorge for about 0.25 miles. Along the way, you might see some rainbow trout swimming upstream!
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
First, it’s an excellent way to get fresh air and exercise. The walk is about 2km long, so it’s the perfect activity for kids who need to burn some calories. Second, the White Water Walk is educational and enjoyable.
As you stroll along the boardwalk, you’ll learn about the Niagara River’s history and the Niagara Gorge’s ecosystem. That makes it an excellent activity for kids interested in science and nature.
Recommended Ages
It is a fantastic experience for kids and adults.
- Journey Behind the Falls
The tour includes an elevator ride down to the bottom of the falls, where you’ll get to see the massive power of the water up close.
You’ll also get to stand on an observation deck that overlooks the American and Horseshoe Falls.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
First, it’s an educational experience that will teach your kids about the formation of Niagara Falls. They will also learn about the local wildlife and vegetation. Secondly, it’s an enjoyable experience! You and your kids will walk through a short tunnel to the base of the falls. From there, you’ll be capable of seeing and feeling the power of the falls up close! Thirdly, it’s a great way to spend quality family time together.
Recommended Ages
This is an activity that everyone can enjoy, regardless of their age.
- Skylon Tower
The tower is 775 feet tall and has an observation deck 52 stories high. Visitors can take an elevator up to the deck to enjoy the views.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
The Skylon Tower is a great place for affordable family activity. The tower has an indoor and outdoor observation deck that offers a 360-degree view of the falls and the city. There is also a diner located in the tower that provides a fantastic view of the falls. Or, you can opt for the Skylon maze, a series of rope bridges letting visitors walk around the tower’s edge.
Recommended Ages
Kids aged six and above, teens, and adults are best suited for this activity.
- Niagara SkyWheel
The SkyWheel is an enclosed Ferris wheel 175 feet tall that offers breathtaking views of Niagara Falls and the Niagara River.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
The views from the Niagara SkyWheel are simply breathtaking and not to be missed! You’ll also appreciate the fully enclosed and climate-controlled gondolas, which make for a comfortable ride no matter what the weather is like outside.
Recommended Ages
It’s an excellent activity for all ages – even adults will enjoy getting a different perspective on Niagara Falls.
- Fallsview Indoor Waterpark
This waterpark has something for everyone in the family, from thrilling slides to a lazy river. Fallsview also has several features that are unique to the area, such as the pool that overlooks Niagara Falls.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
With over 3 acres of water rides, slides, and pools, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. The waterpark also features a lazy river, a wave pool, and a splash pad, making it the absolute place to cool off on a hot summer day.
In addition, the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark offers a variety of family-friendly amenities, such as a daycare center, a kids’ play area, and responsive lifeguards.
Recommended Ages
Best suited for kids aged three and up.
- Hornblower Niagara Cruises Boat Tour
The short and exciting boat tour takes you to the base of the Falls, where you will be up close and personal with one of the most amazing natural wonders of the world. The informative and engaging tour guides will provide you with all the information you need to know about the Falls.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
This kid-friendly activity is excellent for families who want to learn more about the falls and get close by and personal with the water. The boat tour takes you right into the heart of the action, giving you an up-close look at the power of the falls.
You’ll also study the history of the falls and how they were formed. Best of all, the boat tour is an affordable activity that the whole family can enjoy.
Recommended Ages
The boat rides are fit for children aged seven and above.
- Niagara Helicopters Ride
Niagara Helicopters offer sightseeing tours and fall flyovers, giving you an unparalleled view of Niagara Falls. The tour lasts approximately 30 minutes, and you’ll be able to see both the American and Canadian sides of the falls.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
The views above are breathtaking, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Plus, the helicopter is super spacious, so there’s plenty of room for everyone. The knowledgeable and friendly staff will ensure that you have a safe and memorable flight.
Recommended Ages
The best part is that it’s safe – no need to worry about your little ones.
- Niagara IMAX Theater
The theater shows informational and exciting films about the Falls, their history, and the local area.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
The theater offers a variety of IMAX movies that are both educational and exciting. Kids will love the giant screen and the immersive sound system. In addition, there’s a food court, so you can grab a bite to eat before or after the movie.
Recommended Ages
Best enjoyed by those aged six and up.
- Marineland
In 1963, Marineland opened as an oceanarium and amusement park. Marineland is well known for its whale and dolphin shows, walrus encounters, and sea lion performances. The park also features rides, a waterpark, and an animal nursery.
Why We Recommend This Kid-Friendly Activity
Marineland is a great place to learn about marine life while also getting some exercise. The park is significant, and there are plenty of walking trails to explore. The park also has a waterpark, so you can cool off after a day of exploring. In addition, the charges are very reasonable, and there are often discounts available for families.
Recommended Ages
This activity is best recommended for kids between 3 and 12 years.