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Your guide to navigating Niagara Falls with kids!

Traveling broadens the mind and it's such a pleasure to experience that from a young age. So if you're thinking of taking your family out on a vacation, Niagara Falls may just be the place for you.

Situated on the Ontario-New York border, Niagara Falls on both sides is a fascinating destination, with the natural beauty of the majestic waterfalls and the intriguing history of the area as a hydroelectric powerhouse. But, above all, it is a place where visitors of any age can have fun! Get up close to the Horseshoe falls to see 681,750 gallons of water fall per second, explore marine life at the Aquarium of Niagara or stroll among butterflies at the Butterfly Conservatory — you'll be spoilt for choice.

If you're traveling to Niagara Falls with kids, here's what you need to know!

When to plan a family trip to Niagara Falls

Choosing the best time to visit Niagara Falls with kids depends on your family's preferences. The peak season runs from mid-May to mid-September, ideal for enjoying warm weather and a full range of activities. For a quieter experience, consider visiting from mid-September to mid-November when crowds thin and the weather remains mild.

Summer (June to August)

Summer is perfect for families wanting to experience all Niagara Falls has to offer, from the boat tours to hiking trails like the Niagara Gorge. With longer daylight hours, you can fit more into your day, but be prepared for crowds. Early starts and essentials like sunscreen and water will help keep the kids happy and energized.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn offers cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage, making it great for scenic drives and outdoor activities like exploring Goat Island or the Cave of the Winds. With fewer tourists, it’s easier to navigate attractions and enjoy a more relaxed pace. Bring layers for comfort as the weather can be unpredictable.

Winter (December to February)

Winter at Niagara Falls is magical, with the falls partially frozen and festive lights during the Winter Festival of Lights. Kids will love the snowy scenery and interactive displays, but prepare for cold weather and limited outdoor activities. Indoor attractions like the Niagara Falls History Museum are perfect for warming up and keeping the family entertained.

Spring (March to May)

Spring offers blooming flowers and fewer visitors, ideal for families looking for a quieter trip. Enjoy outdoor activities like strolling through the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens or taking the kids to the Butterfly Conservatory. Weather can be variable, so have a mix of indoor and outdoor plans to stay flexible.

Kid-approved attractions at Niagara Falls

Kids below 6 years of age

Kids above 7 years of age

Canadian side

Butterfly Conservatory

What: This glass-enclosed conservatory has more than 2,000 butterflies flying freely around the meandering pathways and the lush tropical garden. It has interactive displays and is a great place to see the lifecycle of butterflies.

Where: 2565 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON L0S 1J0, Canada (Maps)

Price: Adult (13+) $19 ; Child (3-12) $12.50 (Free below 2 years)

Whirlpool Aero Car

What: A historical ride that has been operating since 1916, the Whirlpool Aero Car has spent more than a century giving stunning views of the Niagara river, the Niagara Whirlpool, the Gorge and the Class 6 rapids of the river.

Where: 3850 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 3E8, Canada (Maps)

Price: Adult (13+) $19 ; Child (3-12) $12.50 (Free below 2 years)

Floral Showhouse

What: The Floral Showhouse is a floral conservatory with a huge collection of orchids, ferns, palms and other tropical plants. It is a vibrant spot throughout the year with stunning flower shows and horticulture exhibitions.

Where: 7145 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X8, Canada (Maps)

Price: Adult (13+) $8 ; Child (3-12) $5 (Free below 2 years)

American side

Prospect Point Observation Tower

What: The Prospect Point Observation Tower, an architectural marvel, gives breath-taking views of the Niagara Gorge, the three waterfalls and the whitewater below. You can also climb the steps nearby to a viewing platform called the Crow's Nest.

Where: 332 Prospect St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, United States (Maps)

Price: $1.25 for all

Niagara Scenic Trolley

What: The Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley gives a guided tour of the Niagara Falls State Park. The tour offers tips, facts and anecdotes about the region as well as a super comfortable, air-conditioned ride encompassing all the hotspots of the park.

Where: 3WVQ+32, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, United States (Maps)

Price: Adult (13+) $3 ; Child (6-12) $2 ; (Free below 5 years)

Aquarium of Niagara

What: The Aquarium of Niagara is another water-wonder of Niagara and has over 120 aquatic species. They are well known for their animal rescue program. State-of-the-art infrastructure, interactive activities and educational shows make the aquarium a great spot for young kids and adults alike.

Where: 701 Whirlpool St, Niagara Falls, NY 14301, United States (Maps)

Price: Adult (13+) $22.95 ; Child (3-12) $18.95 ; Senior (60+) $20.95 (Free below 2 years)

Canadian side

Journey Behind The Falls

What: The Journey Behind The Falls experience is among the most popular attractions of Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. Here, you'll go down 125 feet into 130-year-old tunnels and explore the bedrock behind the Horseshoe Falls. There are cutaways in the tunnels that let you look out from behind the crashing waters of the waterfall and an observation deck that'll leave you mesmerized and a little bit drenched!

Where: 6650 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T2, Canada (Maps)

Price: Adult (13+) $25.00 ; Child (3-12) $16.50 (Free below 2 years)

Niagara City Cruises

What: The Hornblower Niagara cruises are the premium boat tours that take you around all three of the waterfalls at Niagara. You will be able to get up close to the thunderous waters of the Falls in your mist ponchos and even enjoy a meal during the journey on certain tours. Choose the evening cruises to enjoy the illuminated Falls.

Where: 5920 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X8, Canada (Maps)

Price: Adult (13+) $33.50 ; Child (3-12) $23.50 (Free below 2 years)

Queen Victoria Park

What: Queen Victoria Park is an ideal place to have a quiet picnic with the family or a leisurely stroll surrounded by pretty gardens. Visit during seasonal events like New Year’s Eve, Canada Day, and the Winter Festival of Lights, or enjoy the Summer fireworks and live music sessions held here. The observation points also give breathtaking views of the Falls!

Where: 6345 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X8, Canada (Maps)

Price: Entry free

American side

Cave of the Winds

What: The Cave of the Winds tour is a thrilling experience that has you descend 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge and onto a number of wooden walkways that take you to the 'Hurricane Deck'. This observation point takes you right next to the Bridal Veil Falls where you can fully feel the thunder of the crashing waters reverberate through you.

Where: Goat Island Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, United States (Maps)

Price: Adult (13+) $21 ; Child (6-12) $17 (Free below 5 years)

Maid of the Mist

What: The Maid of the Mist is the legendary Niagara Falls boat tour that has been operating for more than 150 years. It takes you from the Observation Tower, past the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls, then onto the waters of the basin of Horseshoe Falls, charting a way through roaring waterfall whitewater and a number of rock formations.

Where: 1 Prospect St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, United States (Maps)

Price: Adult (13+) $28.25 ; Child (6-12) $17.75 (Free below 5 years)

Schoellkopf Power Plant Ruins Site

What: The Schoellkopf Power Station was once the largest hydroelectric power station complex in the world, but it faced a major collapse in 1956, which destroyed two-thirds of it. But since 2013, you can take the restored elevator down to the Niagara Gorge, explore the ruins of the power plant and learn about the history of the area.

Where: Niagara Falls, NY 14303, United States (Maps)

Price: Entry free

Family-friendly itineraries for Niagara Falls

Canadian side

American side

One-day itinerary

Morning – Journey Behind the Falls (1.5-2 hours)
Noon – Niagara Parks Power Station (1-2 hours)
Evening – Niagara City cruise (1 hour)
Night – Skylon Tower (2-3 hours)

Two-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning – Journey Behind The Falls (1.5-2 hours)
Noon – Whirlpool Aero Car (1 hour)
Evening – White Water Walk (1 hour)
Night – Niagara City cruises (1 hour)

Day 2

Morning – Queen Victoria Park (2-3 hours)
Noon – Butterfly Conservatory (2 hours)
Evening – Niagara's Fury (1 hour)
Night – Power Station at Night (1 hour)

One-day itinerary

Morning – Cave of the Winds (1.5-2 hours)
Noon – Maid of the Mist (1 hour)
Evening – Schoellkopf Power Plant ruins (1-2 hours)
Night – Niagara Falls Observation Tower (1-2 hours)

Two-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning – Cave of the Winds (1.5-2 hours)
Noon – Maid of the Mist (1 hour)
Evening – Schoellkopf Power Plant Ruins Site (1-2 hours)
Night – Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley (45 mins)

Day 2

Morning – Aquarium of Niagara (2-3 hours)
Noon – Niagara Falls hiking trails (2-3 hours)
Evening – Niagara Falls Observation Tower (1-2 hours)
Night – Niagara Falls illumination and fireworks show (45 mins)

Top Niagara Falls experiences

From nature conservatories, to boat rides, interactive displays and guided activities, you'll find a host of family-friendly things to do if you visit Niagara Falls with kids. So here are some curated experiences that will take you around Niagara Falls and help you get the most out of your trip!

Travel tips

Sun protection: When visiting Niagara Falls with kids, you will probably be out in the sun a lot. Make sure that you have as much sun protection as possible — sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. Carry some water with you as well to stay hydrated.
Proper footwear: There will be a lot of walking around at Niagara Falls so wear comfortable footwear. Covered, waterproof shoes are your best bet. Avoid flip-flops and open-toe footwear. Get shoes with a good grip.
Border-crossing documents: You will need a passport to cross the Canada-US border at Niagara if you're a citizen of either country. International travelers will need a passport and a valid Visa. However, children under 16 need not produce passports. An original or certified copy of their birth certificate can be used. If children are traveling with adults other than their parents, a hand-written note signed by the parents is also needed.
Medication: If your child has motion sickness, make sure that you carry some medication or motion sickness patches. You might need these for a number of experiences, such as the boat tours, the Scenic Trolley and the Whirlpool Aero Car.
Baby carrier: You might want to bring along a baby carrier when you visit Niagara Falls with kids because of all the walking. It is also safer to use the carrier during certain experiences like the Journey Behind the Falls, the Niagara cruises and others.
Arrive early: Make sure that you reach the starting point for your activities at least 15-30 minutes early. During peak season, lines can get pretty long and finding a good spot to huddle together during tours like the waterfall cruises or the Aero Car can get difficult.
Bring snacks: In spite of the numerous things to do and see, kids will get restless and fussy between activities or in a line. Bring along some snacks to keep them distracted and well-fed. This will also help your budget as the food stall snacks can be overpriced.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Niagara Falls with kids

Do we have to walk a lot when visiting Niagara Falls with kids?

Kids can understandably get fussy or tired soon when walking for long periods. While a lot of walking is involved when you're visiting Niagara Falls, there are some rides you can opt for in lieu of being on your feet like the Scenic Trolley or the Fall Incline Railway. However, these do not extensively cover the area.

What are some kid-friendly activities that we can do at Niagara Falls?

Most activities at Niagara on both sides are kid-friendly, with many being free for children who are 2 and under. Even the Whirlpool Adventure Course has a kids' course, while guests over 7 are permitted to participate in the Zipline to the Falls.

Are there any arrangements for first aid at the state parks of Niagara Falls?

On the US side, you have access to emergency Services at the New York State Park Police near the Aquarium of Niagara. On the Canadian side, the First Aid Centre is at Table Rock Centre near the Horseshoe Falls.

What is the best time to come to Niagara Falls with kids?

The best time to come to Niagara Falls with kids is in Autumn — September to November. The crowds are less during this time while the weather is still comfortable. But you can also target the Winter Festival of Lights that goes on from the end of November to mid-January. The entire Niagara Falls area is decked in light displays at that time.

Are the Niagara Falls state parks toddler-friendly?

Yes, the parks on both the Canadian and American side are toddler-friendly. The park has plenty of open spaces for little ones to explore, easy walking trails that are stroller-accessible, and several viewing areas that provide safe, fenced-off spots to see the falls up close. There are also attractions like the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center and the Aquarium of Niagara, which are great for young kids. Additionally, restrooms with changing facilities are available throughout the park, making it convenient for families with toddlers.