Are you planning a trip to Niagara Falls with kids and want to know the best things to do while you’re there?
After my first visit to Niagara Falls, I’m hooked! I can see how families could spend a long weekend or a whole week exploring everything that Niagara Falls has to offer. So after testing out a lot of the recommendations in this article (and capturing photos to give you a real visual of what it’s like in Niagara Falls), we’ve put together this ultimate adventure list with 25 fun things to do during your stay.
Your biggest challenge? Trying to decide which adventure to seek out first! I recommend planning your vacation based on the weather and we have broken down this article into Outdoor, Indoor, and Educational Adventures. It’ll finish with dining recommendations and a guide to my top three favourite places to stay.
25 Amazing Adventures To Explore in Niagara Falls With Kids in 2025
Outdoor Adventures
1. Stand Next To The Falls At Table Rock Welcome Centre
A trip to Niagara Falls is not complete without a stop at the Table Rock Welcome Center. Located right next to the iconic horseshoe falls, this is the best place to stand next to the waterfalls and soak in their mighty power. I recommend walking the whole promenade to see the falls from different angles and also going back at night to see the falls illuminated. If you’re there between May long weekend and Canadian Thanksgiving you can see the nightly fireworks as well (check out this site for updated fireworks shows including special days).
Table Rock Welcome Center is also the information center, where you can take the Journey Behind the Falls tour, do some souvenir shopping, visit the candy store, maple syrup stop, grab a coffee and a bite to eat, and more.
2. Get a Niagara Parks Adventure Pass & Passport
We highly recommend purchasing one of the Adventure Passes* from Niagara Parks. Not only will the pass allow you entrance to many of the local attractions, but also includes 2 days of unlimited rides on the incline railway and the WEGO bus system. Purchasing the Adventure Pass, instead of buying individual tickets at each attraction, will save you money, and who doesn’t love that? Plus you can skip the ticket line at each attraction, just scan your pass and go in. *The adventure pass offerings vary at different times of the year, for the most updated information, visit the Niagara Parks website.
With the purchase of your adventure pass, you are also given a Niagara Parks Passport. This fun activity will have you collecting stamps at each of the Niagara Parks attractions! After exploring each attraction included with your pass, head up to a staff member at the attraction (usually one of the gift shop staff) and get your stamp. It makes for a fun souvenir and the kids will love collecting their stamps!
Traveler Tip: Start your adventure at the Table Rock Welcome Centre and purchase your Adventure Pass from the ticket booth there.
3. Set Sail With Niagara City Cruises
Whether you’re a child or want to embrace your inner child, a trip to the base of the waterfalls with Niagara City Cruises is a must. Erin and I were giggling like school kids on a grade five field trip as Niagara City Cruises pulled into the heart of Niagara Falls, soaking us all with its mist. One of the things I loved the most was seeing all of the adults with their phones, trying to take photos and selfies of themselves soaked by the mist. Huge smiles and giggles are guaranteed.
4. Zipline to the Falls With Wildplay
Strap in and soar high above the waterline for an incredible Zipline to The Falls you’ll never forget. With four ziplines, a family of four could all ride together and race feet first towards the finish line. This one-minute zipline was one of my favourite ziplines I’ve ever done (and I’ve gone ziplining around the world).
The scenery that you soar past, racing by the American Falls and then heading straight toward the Canadian horseshoe Falls is just incredible. I wanted to do it twice but ran out of time (so don’t make the same mistake I did!). At the end, they provide a great video that showcases your ride, the scenery, and the views in an incredible keepsake.
Mom Tip: Kids must be aged 7 and older to go on the zipline.
5. Go Horseback Riding at Niagara Riding Stables
Get off the well-known trails and take the kids horseback riding at Niagara Riding Stables. For over 60 years they’ve been showing the slower side of Niagara, taking guests on trails along the beautiful Niagara Escarpment. The kids (and adults) will love getting to ride and interact with their horses, learn about horse husbandry, and enjoy being out in nature while experiencing a new activity. Horseback riding gives you a chance to slow down and embrace your surroundings while meandering down a trail.
Mom Tip: Kids must be aged 10 and older to go on a trail ride with Niagara Riding Stables.
6. Hike The Family Friendly Niagara Glen
Get active with the kids and take them to the best hiking spot in Niagara Falls, the Niagara Glen. A well-maintained Niagara Parks site, you’ll be able to explore a 4km loop around the park, or if you’re hiking with little legs, you can opt for a shorter route by taking one of the cut back trails that go through the middle of the park. Expect to traverse through rocky pathways, in between huge boulders, next to the turquoise river, and through tons of towering trees. The best part? It starts with a huge metal staircase that allows you to look over the beautiful scenery.
Mom Tip: Make sure everyone has sturdy hiking shoes and bring snacks for the halfway point! (and of course water)
Photography Tip: If you’re visiting in the Fall plan extra time to capture the fall foliage as it’s unbelievable in The Niagara Glen during this time.
7. Soar In the Sky on the Whirlpool Aero Car
All abroad the antique Whirlpool Aero Car where you and the family can soar over the Niagara Gorge and the powerful whirlpools below. Fun fact, some items have sailed down the river and been caught in the whirlpools for over a month! This ten-minute ride is a great way to see the river and the eddy that loops back down the river, all from a very unique form of transportation. Kids and adults will love this, but it’s not for those who fear heights! While sturdy it is suspended 61 meters (200 feet) above the water so be ready to soar (and make sure your kids are too) before signing up for this adventure.
Fun Tip: This adventure is included with your Niagara Parks Adventure Pass.
8. Stroll The Boardwalk at the White Water Walk
Stroller-friendly, the White Water Walk is a short 1 km boardwalk that runs parallel to the gushing class six rapids of the Niagara River Gorge. You’ll ride down a 70-meter elevator to the tunnel below. Once you traverse through the 73-meter-long tunnel you’ll be taken to a forested boardwalk where you will hear the river, soak in the sights, and explore the beautiful landscapes that surround you. Most of the boardwalk is stroller accessible except for two lookouts that are only accessible by stairs.
Fun Tip: This adventure is included with your Niagara Parks Adventure Pass.
9. Make a Splash at the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
If you have older kids who really want extreme adventure then a Wet Freedom Jet tour with Whirlpool Jet Boats may be the right fit. Explore the Niagara River Gorge with these powerful jet riverboats that will have you heading straight into class 5 rapids for 45 minutes of soaking wet fun.
This tour is not for the faint of heart so please do your research and plan accordingly. I was seated in the front of the boat and came face to face with mighty Class 5 whitewater of the Devil’s Hole Rapids with walls of water coming at my face again and again. No part of your body will be dry after the first wave and you’ll be soaked to the bone (tip: try to book on a sunny day!). But if you’re up for the adventure, the laughter, and the respect of the river then this is an adventure for you!
For kids, I’d recommend sitting towards the back of the boat so you can still get soaked without the wall of water coming at you (however all seating is determined by the Captain and Crew of the boat, so please listen to them when they direct you where to sit). If you’re looking for a dryer, but still adventurous river experience you can book their “Dry Freedom Jet Trip” experience.
Mom Tip: Kids must be at least 13 years old, 100 lbs and be at least 44 inches tall for the Wet Freedom Jet Trip. For the Dry Freedom Jet Trip kids must be be at least 40 inches tall. Kids under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, regardless of which jet boat trip you choose.
Camera Tip: Do NOT take a camera on board unless it is 100% waterproof. I recommend having a wrist strap too as your camera may get knocked out of your hand!
10. Splurge With a Niagara Helicopters Tour
If you and the family are looking for a bucket list-type experience, a scenic flight over Niagara Falls is the perfect adventure. The Niagara Helicopters website says this tour is “The world’s highest, most scenic, and most exciting sightseeing experience,” we had an incredible time making this one of the true highlights of our trip (“high” lights, see what I did there? Pun intended!). The best part is that you don’t have to book ahead of time so you can go based on when the weather is good and it works for your schedule.
Present Tip: If you or the Grandparents are looking for a unique gift, what about giving the gift of a flight for a Christmas or Birthday present leading up to your family vacation? That way you get to give them a gift they will never forget and also not have that expense on the trip bill!
11. Adventure Hop at the Great Canadian Midway in the Clifton Hill Entertainment Promenade
The best way that I could describe Clifton Hill is that it felt like Las Vegas for kids. As if a group of kids had gotten together and put a list of everything that they would want in one place, Clifton Hill is the result. It’s a 70,000 square meter amusement park surrounded by a neighborhood of great activities. The Great Canadian Midway is a larger and more lively indoor entertainment zone with video arcades, interactive games, laser tag as well as a haunted manor. From a bowling alley to candy shops, mini golf, and go-karting, Clifton Hill is a place where the whole family can go for fun. Here are some of the top attractions not to miss (and we will dig into our favourites below):
- Dinosaur Adventure Golf (This is the coolest mini golf course I’ve ever seen)
- The Niagara SkyWheel
- Niagara Speedway
- Zombie Attack
- The Cosmic Coaster
Mom Tip: Clifton Hill offers their Fun Pass for purchase, which gives you admission to 6 of their attractions at a lower price than if you were to purchase individual admissions.
12. Soar On The Niagara SkyWheel
If you need a leg break and want a great view over the city, take the Niagara SkyWheel for a spin. This 8-12 minute loop will have you soaring 175 feet in the air, spinning around so you can soak in all of the sights around Niagara Falls. In the daytime, you can see the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, as well as the city below. At night it is the same view but it looks so different as it’s all lit up with the illumination show!
13. Race Like Mario & Luigi At The Niagara Speedway
Get behind a race cart and speed along North America’s largest elevated go-kart track at the Niagara Speedway. While you don’t have to dress in costumes (it does make it more fun though!), racing along this track was one of our favourite things to do in Niagara Falls. Once you’re on the track you’ll get to race four stories up, loop down an elevated hill, and then around two more stories down to complete the lap and repeat it. A combination of throttle-powered go-karts, with the thrill of a roller coaster elevated track, makes this go-kart experience unlike anywhere else.
Indoor Adventures
Waterparks in Niagara Falls that have Day Passes!
Two indoor waterparks and hotels invite guests to come and visit for the day without requiring them to stay overnight, a concept that I haven’t heard of before! So if you’re looking for an epic day inside check out:
14. Fallsview Indoor Waterpark
An award-winning park, Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is a six-time recipient of TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice award for top amusement park and waterpark in Canada! With 3 acres of water park fun, you can spend the day exploring these waterpark features:
- 16 of the fastest waterslides around
- 5 play areas
- Mammoth Beach House with 1,000-gallon tipping bucket
- 2 large pools
- Tidal wave pool
- Plunge bowl
- Private Cabana rentals
- Tiny Tot Play Area
- 2 adult only Jacuzzis
15. Waves Indoor Waterpark In Americana Waterpark Resort & Spa
A retractable glass roof over a 25,000-square-foot waterpark is home to the Waves Indoor Waterpark. It’s always summer inside and you feel like you’re exploring the outdoors all while enjoying the tropical oasis indoors. Waterpark features include:
- Wave Pool
- Three stories high waterslides
- Kiddie Pool
- Giant Tipping Bucket
16. “Meet” Movie Stars at Movieland
If there ever was a movie star I wanted to meet it would be Chris Hemsworth, so I did a double take when we walked by Movieland Wax Museum of the Stars in Clifton Hill. As Niagara Falls’s top wax museum, the likeliness stopped me in my tracks and I think it would be so fun to stop with the family and pose for photos with our favourite on-screen stars. Whether you’re a fan of the classics and want to see sculptures from movies like The Terminator and Aliens, or want to see a cast from a current flick like The Black Widow and Ironman, 75 wax sculptures await!
Fun Fact: If you’re brave enough (I know I wouldn’t be, I hate being scared), at the end of the Movieland experience you can visit the House of Horrors (totally optional). But if you’re looking for hair-raising horror chambers, this is a truly terrifying experience (or so I’ve heard, I’m too chicken to even try it!).
17. Engage In Weirdness At Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
A dramatic facade sets the stage for what is undoubtedly a unique experience that can only be found at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. With 400 unique exhibits, you and the family can emerge in the hands-on displays and experiences. From posing with the world’s tallest man, getting bamboozled with optical illusions, or checking out displays that will leave you head scratching all while the whole family is laughing.
18. Scale The Skylon Tower
If you love the idea of having the best view, then the Skylon Tower is the place for you (see that rhymes!). Located centrally in Niagara Falls you’ll get to take a “Yellow Bug Elevator” which is a glass-enclosed elevator that takes you 236 meters (775 feet) above the city to the top platform. At the top expect to see sprawling views overlooking Niagara Falls and on a clear day, New York, Buffalo, and Toronto!
19. Indulge In Sweet Treats At Maple Leaf Place
It doesn’t get any more Canadian than maple syrup and as a born and raised Canadian, I can tell you that’s no myth. In my fridge right now I have three bottles of maple syrup and it’s a staple for many family breakfasts. So whether you’re a Canadian family visiting Niagara Falls or a visitor to the region who wants to take home something special I highly recommend Maple Leaf Place.
Half storefront, half educational centre & manufacturing facility, this huge store allows you to talk through the process and see how maple syrup is made and bottled. Yes, there are a lot of free samples, from fudge to syrup, to other treats. We were overwhelmed by all the options and different uses for maple syrup!
Packing Note: If you think you’ll want to bring some home make sure to leave room for extra weight in your suitcase as maple syrup and the glass jars they come in are HEAVY!
20. All-Aboard at Locomoland
Dive into the the art of miniature at Locomoland. Take the kids and explore miniature railways immersed in landscapes at Locomoland, one of the biggest model railway museums in Canada. With over 2,000 square feet there are a lot of different scenes to set your eyes on. “Special miniature attractions include a fairy land, a USA aircraft carrier, and a huge Star Wars aircraft! We have also designed and built a one-of-a-kind air bus and a suspended monorail.” Kids (and adults!) get the chance to controls the models, taking the trains around the rails. Add some fun to it by playing eye spy and having the kids search for different elements within the scenery.
Educational Adventures in Niagara Falls with Kids
21. Take A Journey Behind The Falls
Located at the Table Rock Welcome Centre is the Journey Behind The Falls. This unique experience will allow you to see the waterfalls from behind.
While you’re waiting for your turn to head down the 125-foot elevator you can learn more about the falls, and read educational displays that showcase the history, geology, and Indigenous significance of the falls.
Once you’re below ground and behind the falls you’ll be able to hear the falls before you can see them. It’s SO noisy as you hear the water crashing by you and see it cascading down before your eyes.
Fun Fact: One-fifth of the world’s freshwater crosses over that cliff. This experience takes around 30-40 minutes to experience and is included in the Niagara Parks Adventure Pass.
22. Visit the Niagara Parks Power Station + The Tunnel
A relatively new attraction is the Niagara Parks Power Station and The Tunnel, located next to the falls. Recently restored, it has transitioned from a power plant to a tourist educational museum and experience. Opened in 2021 to visitors, the Niagara Parks Power Station is another must-see attraction when looking for experiences that encapsulate all that Niagara Falls is.
You and the family can learn about hydroelectricity, take part in hands-on immersive exhibits, get up close with artifacts, and hear interactive storytelling. Our favourite part was seeing the Tesla Coil go off! (It’s really loud but cool!).
Once you’ve visited the museum upstairs, take the elevator downstairs to discover “The Tunnel” a new underground experience. Your family will be 180 feet beneath the Niagara Parks Power Station and then will traverse along a 2,200-foot long tunnel, and pop out right at the base of the waterfalls. Yes, protective ponchos are recommended as the mist is thick and sprays all around you.
Mom Tip: This attraction is included in the Niagara Parks Adventure Pass.
23. Experience Magic At The Butterfly Conservatory
Do your kids love butterflies? What about holding them or being surrounded by them? Then a trip to the Butterfly Conservatory is a must!
I wore my bright yellow jacket and it was quickly mistaken for a flower, and within seconds I had made some new friends. With 2,000 butterflies flying by, it’s almost guaranteed to have a butterfly stop on you and visit while they take a rest. Be sure to stop by the Emergence Window and see butterflies leaving their pupae and preparing to take their first flight!
24. Hold Birds At Bird Kingdom
Have you ever wanted to hold a bird? Perhaps you have an adventurous kid who would like to hold 15! You can do that and so much more at Bird Kingdom. It is the world’s largest free-flying indoor aviary and after going through the entrance you’ll visit the small bird aviary, basecamp, night jungle, and the old museum. This multi-room attraction will take you through a variety of exhibits where you and the family can get up close and personal with birds, parrots, amphibians, and more. My favourite part was seeing that the tortoises got to roam freely around, with humans needing to navigate around them.
Once you’re in the main aviary you can see birds flying all around you and this is where you will find the lorikeet feeding experience, where you can hold and take photos of these friendly and brightly coloured birds as they land to drink the nectar you feed them.
25. Visit The Floral Showhouse
With 7 shows per year, the Floral Showhouse is a unique attraction if you have family members who are into creativity and horticulture. With huge creative sculptures in the garden and creative displays throughout, it really is a neat place to visit and see the students of the Niagra Parks Horticulture School at work.
Mom Tip: This attraction is included in the Niagara Parks Adventure Pass.
Where to Eat In Niagara Falls With Kids
1. Rainforest Cafe
Dine with the jungle animals in this themed restaurant full of animatronic gorillas, elephants, snakes, and an 80-foot bubbling volcano. Every half an hour be prepared to weather a thunderstorm as you gaze to the ceiling to look for shooting stars. With an extensive kid’s menu, as well as the usual family favourites, the Rainforest Cafe is sure to be a hit with all the hungry cubs in your family.
2. Flying Saucer Restaurant
Enjoy an out-of-this-world breakfast at the Flying Saucer Restaurant. This space-themed eatery will have the kids enthralled as they get to dine in a UFO! With menu items like sandwich space platters, Saturn rings, starship subs, a galaxy special breakfast, earthlings delights, and a special kids menu for “junior aliens 12 and under” there is something for everyone in the family. So if you are ready to “fill your inner space with delicious food that is out of this world” be sure to land your spaceship here for a meal.
3. Eat At Table Rock House Restaurant
I’m pretty sure the saying, “The best seat in the house” came from whomever designed Table Rock House Restaurant. With floor-to-ceiling windows that make you feel like you’re sitting on the edge of the falls, and exceptional menus for adults and kids, a meal at Table Rock House Restaurant should be on your Niagara Falls list.
We had reservations for sunset which allowed us to view the falls during the day and then watch them transition into the night when the falls’ illumination show begins, the best of both worlds.
Tips: Book ahead and request a window table or a bench table that looks out over the falls.
Where To Stay In Niagara Falls With Kids
Having the perfect basecamp for your Niagara Falls adventure is the best way to set the energy and kick off the trip. Let’s start your stay right and share all of the different family-centric accommodations worth checking in to!
Fallsview Indoor Waterpark & Resort Hotels
This award-winning waterpark is 3 acres of waterpark fun plus is part of the Falls Avenue Resort Hotels, where there are three family-friendly hotels connected via indoor corridors. Choose from the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, the Crowne Plaza Fallsview, or the Skyline Hotel. Not only are these hotels a quick walk to local restaurants and attractions, but they are also an easy walk to the Table Rock Welcome Centre and Niagara Falls.
Great Wolf Lodge
When my kids were “littles” we loved the Great Wolf Lodge and would regularly plan visits for family holidays. While they are teenagers now, we still love the lodge and I’d love to take them to the Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls, to mix in a bit of nostalgia with some big kid adventure. With a 100,000-square-foot indoor waterpark and hotel amenities for post-swim fun, there is a lot to explore at the Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls.
Waterpark Attractions:
- Fort Mackenzie
- Beaver & Squirrel Falls
- Rainbow Lake
- Crystal River
- Wold Tail
- Loon Lagoon
- Canada Vortex complete with 40 foot drop
- Wooly Mammoth
- Niagara Rapids Run
- Grizzly, Eagle, and Bobcat Falls
- Otter Lake
- Chipmunk Cove
- Indoor and Outdoor Hot Tubs
- Frog Pond
Hotel Attractions:
- Magicquest
- Hologate Virtual Reality
- Ten Paw Bowling Alley
- Great Wolf Stuffing Station
- Northern Lights Laser Tag and Arcade
- Wacky Wilderness Mini Golf MagiQuest
- Ripley’s Crazy Golf
Book your stay at Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls here!
In conclusion, Niagara Falls is the epitome of the perfect destination for a family vacation and it would take you weeks to do all of the adventures that I outlined here. That’s what I love so much about the destination though, as there’s truly something for everyone and when you’re visiting Niagara Falls with kids, you’re guaranteed a good time! So whether you visit in the sunny summer, the chilly winter, or in off off-season (when the best deals are to be had), you know you can be sure you’ll have a fantastic time!
