Niagara Falls – the land of roaring waterfalls, fun tourist activities, and wacky water parks built inside hotels – and only an hour’s drive from Toronto. While the Niagara region is well-known for its wineries (a great destination if you have a kid-free night or two), it’s also a great place for families to pass a day. Here are some of the reasons why we love Niagara Falls:
Fun: There is plenty of (cheesy) fun to be had at Niagara Falls. Grab the family and head to Clifton Hill, which is on the Canadian side of the Falls, and bustles with as much entertainment as your average theme park. You’ll find museums of the non-cultural variety, like Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, the Movieland Wax Museum Of The Stars, and the Guinness World Records Museum. Pass some time at the haunted houses, arcades, midways, and fun houses that line the busy street, and if you’re not afraid of heights, brave the Skywheel – the massive Ferris wheel that takes you 175 feet up in the air!
Eat: There’s no shortage of places to eat in Niagara Falls, and you’ll recognize chains like The Rainforest Café, Planet Hollywood, and Boston Pizza – all perfectly acceptable (but somewhat uninspired), family-friendly restaurants. If you’re looking for a less commercial lunch experience, take the drive to Niagara-On-The-Lake, the picturesque wine country town about 30 minutes from the Falls. After a delish café-style lunch at The Epicurean (our kiddo loved the Quiche), kids will be happy to grab an ice cream or some maple fudge, and parents will enjoy a stroll on the main drag, which is decidedly touristy, but not tacky.
Explore: Once you’ve completed the tourist tour at Clifton Hill, enjoy everything else Niagara Falls has for families. Head to the Skylon Tower, which takes you 520 feet up and gives a great view of the falls. You can also visit Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, which is only 10 minutes from the Falls and offers an amazing opportunity to get up close and personal with over 2,000 butterflies. And no trip to Niagara Falls is complete without a trip on the Maid of The Mist, which gives passengers (donning a blue rain poncho – trust us, you’ll need it!) an unparalleled experience of the majestic Falls.
This is one of those trips where one day may not be enough…so if you prefer your “cheese” paired with a crisp glass of wine, plan a detour to the Niagara wineries and bring a babysitter!
Niagara Falls: www.niagarafallstourism.com
Yo, mama! Are you a Niagara region local with family hot spots to share? We’d love it if you’d use the handy comment functionality on this article online to let us know where (else) to go when we’re in your ‘hood!