Are you looking for some great travel ideas for Niagara Falls NY? You’ll certainly find valuable information below. Here’s a list of seven fun activities for family trips with kids in Niagara Falls and the surrounding area.
1) Explore The Scenic Niagara Falls State Park
When you navigate Niagara Falls on the New York side, your first stop should surely be Niagara Falls State Park. This popular park has a vast network of trails and lots of family-friendly amenities, including restrooms and picnic tables. The visitor center at this state park in Niagara Falls includes some exhibits and other resources for planning your trips.
This scenic park is also within walking distance of restaurants, hotels, and businesses in the heart of Niagara Falls NY. When visiting Niagara Falls with your family, you can enjoy the following activities and amenities depending on the season and weather:
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Niagara Scenic Trolley
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Historic Schoellkopf Power Station Ruins
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Top of the Falls Restaurant
2) Check Out The Niagara Falls Observation Tower
Built in the 1960s for sightseeing purposes, the legendary Prospect Point Observation Tower is one of the top attractions in the area. This historic concrete structure offers panoramic views of the beautiful American Falls.
Standing nearly 300 feet above ground level, the observation tower also overlooks the Horseshoe Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Kids and other members of your family will love the close-up views of beautiful rainbows that are clearly seen from the top of the iconic tower.
3) Visit Goat Island
Featuring a diverse landscape with an elevation of nearly 600 feet above sea level, Goat Island offers some of the best views of the American Falls. This island is directly connected to Niagara Falls via multiple bridges. There are plenty of parking spaces available on the island for incoming vehicles.
You should also explore the vast network of hiking trails around the island, including the paths leading to the famous Terrapin Point. Located on the western edge of the island, this point lets you admire the Horseshoe Falls from close range.
4) Hike Trails Along The Niagara Gorge
If you’re an avid hiker, you will love the extensive trails that run through Niagara Falls. For example, you can hike from downtown Niagara Falls to the Deveaux Woods State Park. This tranquil state park overlooks a unique whirlpool area and the Devil’s Hole Rapids.
Here are some popular trails that offer great views of the river, escarpments, and other natural landscapes or Niagara parks:
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Robert Moses Recreational Trail
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Niagara Gorge Rim Trail
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Great Gorge Railway Trail
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River’s Edge Trail
5) Cruise The Niagara River
Niagara Falls offers lots of exciting sightseeing opportunities for kids and adults. If you’re not afraid of getting sprayed by powerful mists, then hop on a boat ride on the Niagara River. Some of the boat tours will t0ake you to the edges of the waterfalls on the American and Canadian sides.
Such adventures for Niagara Falls for kids usually require wearing special raincoats and other waterproof gear for safety. You can also enjoy high-speed boat tours on some of the rapids along the river, like the areas near the Devil’s Hole and Whirlpool Rapids.
6) View Animals At The Aquarium Of Niagara
Niagara Falls is home to diverse animals and plants, which aren’t easily seen in the wild. Therefore, you should visit the Aquarium of Niagara to learn about local flora and fauna. Featuring themed exhibits with an array of species, this aquarium is a perfect destination for Niagara Falls for kids.
When exploring the aquarium in Niagara Falls with kids, you will also see some rescued animals from other parts of the country and world. Kids can even get their hands on some of the animals at Shark & Ray Bay. Additionally, the aquarium is home to a wide range of exotic fish from tropical and cold climates:
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Clownfish
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American Eel
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Lion Fish
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Lake Sturgeon
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Seahorse
7) Shop And Dine At One Niagara Welcome Center
Conveniently located in the heart of Niagara Falls, the One Niagara Welcome Center is an excellent resource for families. This building in Niagara Falls NY has a food court, souvenir shops, and several other types of businesses. Whether you’re hungry for a quick bite or need some essential items for sightseeing, you can easily find something suitable when you visit Niagara Falls.
Kids will probably have their eyes on the stuffed animals and other adorable toys at the shops inside the welcome center. You can also ask some of the staff at the center about popular family-friendly activities near the iconic waterfalls.
What’s The Best Way To Explore Niagara Falls With Your Family?
Are you looking to enjoy an unforgettable time in Niagara Falls with your entire family? Book an exciting trip with Niagara Regional Tours!
You’ll enjoy panoramic views of waterfalls on the American and Canadian sides. Our boat tours cater to families with kids of all ages.
The signature Maid of the Mist Tour will get you up close and personal to the powerful waterfalls.
