21 Exciting Family-Friendly Activities at Niagara Falls (USA)
Family-Friendly Activities in Niagara Falls
There are so many family-friendly things to do in Niagara Falls, New York. We were there for an entire week and we filled every day with so many fun activities. Here are 21 of our favorite things to do in Niagara Falls (on the American Side):
Maid of the Mist
If you do one family-friendly thing while you are in Niagara Falls, it should be the Maid of the Mist. After a nice, leisurely ride on this boat, you will experience the falls up close and personal. And, yes this is perfect for families, even those with small children.
The Maid of the Mist departs and returns on the American side of the falls, but it briefly crosses over into Canadian waters. This boat takes you on a leisurely ride past Bridal Falls and Cave of the Winds. Then the trip gets more and more exciting as you get closer to Horseshoe Falls.
The ride itself lasts about 20 minutes, but you can spend as much time as you want at the Observation Deck (see below) before and/or after your ride. Access to the Observation Deck is included with your Maid of the Mist ticket.
Maid of the Mist // 151 Buffalo Avenue – Niagara Falls, NY 14303 //
716-284-8897
Observation Deck
Tickets to the Observation Deck are included in the Maid of the Mist or you can purchase them separately for $1.50. You’ll take a short elevator ride up the tower to the observation deck.
It is a very simple attraction, a huge deck with viewfinders. But, the views are phenomenal, and the sights are even more amazing at night when the falls are lit up and the fireworks begin.
Niagara Falls State Park // 24 Buffalo Avenue – Niagara Falls, NY, 14303
Niagara Falls State Park
Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the United States. In addition to the shaded park areas and fall viewing levels, Niagara Falls State Park provides many fun activities. This State Park is the perfect family-friendly outing while in Niagara Falls.
Things to do at Niagara Falls State Park:
- Niagara Falls USA Visitors Center
- Goat Island
- Luna Island
- Cave of the Winds
- Rainbow Bridge Crossing
- Maid of the Mist
- Observation Deck
Admission to Niagara State Park is FREE, however, you may have to pay for parking.
Niagara Falls State Park // 24 Buffalo Avenue – Niagara Falls, NY, 14303
Niagara Falls Fireworks
The fireworks show usually starts at 10 p.m. and last about 5-10 minutes. You can watch the show from any spot in the Niagara Falls State Park – even from Goat Island and the Observation Deck (Parking at Goat Island is $10 and the Observation Deck is $1.50). The fireworks themselves will be near the Skylon Tower (on the Canadian Side).
The fireworks show starts in May and can be seen on the weekends. Then about mid-June, the show can be seen just about every night until September. See the Fireworks schedule HERE.
Kiddos love watching this firework show and it is a perfect family-friendly activity while you’re in Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls State Park // 24 Buffalo Avenue – Niagara Falls, NY, 14303
Niagara Falls Illumination
The falls are lit up in beautiful colors by LED lights shown from the Canadian side of the falls. It is a beautiful site and even more gorgeous when the fireworks start.
You can see the Illuminations from the viewing areas in Niagara State Park, Goat Island, and the Observation Deck. Of course, you can also see this from the Canadian side as well.
Read more HERE.
Niagara Falls State Park // 24 Buffalo Avenue – Niagara Falls, NY, 14303
Goat Island
Goat Island is free to visit, but parking is $10. If you’ve already found a parking spot in the area and don’t mind walking, you can take the pedestrian bridge to Goat Island. This bridge crosses the American rapids just above the American Falls. It takes you to a trail that takes you to the island. The trail actually goes around the whole island and is two miles long.
I personally love Goat Island. It is such a beautiful and peaceful place. Goat Island is in the middle of the Niagara River. The island splits the Niagara River in two before it cascades over the Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls.
It is a gorgeous area that celebrates the natural qualities of Niagara. We have found that visiting Goat Island is nice to get away from the commercialized part of Niagara and just enjoy its natural beauty.
It’s a great place to watch the water roaring over the Canadian Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and American Falls. We also enjoyed watching the Maid of Mist and Hornblower boats as they navigated the waters.
While you are here, you can hike 3 Sisters Island, see Terrapin Point, and Luna Island, and/or join in the Cave of the Winds tour. If you want something to eat while you’re here, the Top of the Falls Restaurant, snack shops, and ice cream shops are located on Goat Island.
Goat Island is the perfect place for some family-friendly fun in Niagara Falls and is a “must-do” in my opinion!
Goat Island // Niagara Falls State Park – Niagara Falls, NY 14303 // 716.278.1796
Luna Island (Part of Goat Island)
Luna Island is a small piece of land that separates Bridal Veil Falls from the rest of the American Falls. This area gives you the unique experience of standing between these two waterfalls. Exploring this island gives you many different views of the falls and it’s a great place to take photos.
Luna Island – Goat Island // Niagara Falls State Park – Niagara Falls, NY 14303 // 716.278.1796
WEBSITE
Cave of the Winds
Cave of the Winds is located on Goat Island on the American side of Niagara Falls. Visiting Goat Island is free, but parking is $10 (as of 06/2019). You can access Goat Island/Cave of the Winds by walking across the Pedestrian Bridge.
Before your tour, you’ll receive a yellow hooded raincoat. Next, you will ride the elevator 175 feet deep into the Niagara Gorge. Then you can walk through a cave and then explore near the foot of the falls. Each deck brings you closer and closer to the falls, and you can get completely soaked on the Hurricane Deck.
It is a wonderful experience, but just know that you will get SOAKED. You’ll have your yellow poncho, but you might want to plan ahead to protect your phone and camera (Ziploc bags work well).
This tour is very popular and can get crowded. To best avoid the mass of people, it is best to start your tour early – this is before the tour groups start arriving.
Cave of the Winds // Goat Island, Niagara Falls State Park // (716) 285-0705
Niagara Scenic Trolly
The Niagara Scenic Trolley is a great way to sit back, relax, and learn all about the Niagara Falls area. It is a great way to learn your way around and some historical facts about Niagara Falls.
The trolleys are air-conditioned in the summer and heated in the wintertime, so the rides are very comfortable.
Trolley Rides are about $3 and $2 for children, and you can ride all day, hopping on and off whenever you want.
Whirlpool Jet
This ride will definitely get your adrenaline pumping! You face Class V whitewater rapids of the Niagara River on a high-speed jet boat. We absolutely loved this experience. It was very exciting and very fun.
You can opt for a covered jet, but if you don’t mind getting wet (more like SOAKED) you’ll love the uncovered boat. The jets “surf” the wild waves, take you on wild 360-degree turns and speed through the water.
If you have worked up an appetite after laughing and screaming on the Whirlpool Jet, then you might want to head over to The Silo. It’s probably a 3-minute walk from the Whirlpool Jet building. P.S. You may have seen this restaurant on Man VS. Food on the Travel Channel. Don’t worry if you have wet boat hair, this place is really casual.
Whirlpool Jet // 115 South Water Street, Lewiston, NY 14092 // 1.888.438.4444
See more from our visit to The Silo HERE.
Aquarium
The Aquarium of Niagara is small but well worth a visit. We saw several fish, penguins, and turtles. I loved the seahorses and the jellyfish, but our absolute favorite part of our visit was the rescued sea lion show. The show seems to run every 2 -2 1/2 hours.
This aquarium has over 30 exhibits, the newest being the new Penguin Coast exhibits (with about 20 Humboldt Penguins). You can also watch the feedings of the penguins and sharks.
Parking is $5 but you can park for free at Niagara Discovery Center and walk across the bridge (and across the street) to the Aquarium of Niagara.
Aquarium of Niagara // 701 Whirlpool St. Niagara Falls, NY 14301 // 715.285.3575
Niagara Gorge Discovery Center and Schoellkopf Power Station
The former Schoellkopf Power Station is one of the United States’ first hydroelectric power plants. You can learn the history of this power station at the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center (which sits at the top of Niagara Gorge, above the power plant remains). Then, you can take an elevator into the Niagara Gorge to see and explore the Schoellkopf Power Plant Ruins Site.
The Discovery Center features a theater and many exhibits explaining the geological and natural history of the Niagara River, Gorge, and Falls. From the Center, you can also access the Niagara Gorge Trailhead Center – which has several hiking and biking trails throughout the park.
We actually visited the Niagara Falls Aquarium and took the bridge across the street and it led us directly to the Niagara Gorge Center. If you want to combine your activities (or avoid paying for parking at the aquarium), you can do both in one visit to the area. Parking at the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center is FREE.
Niagara Gorge Discovery Center // Phone: (716) 278-1070
Niagara Gorge Trails
Niagara Gorge Trail System offers some of the best hiking and biking trails in the area. These trails run along the Niagara River Gorge. Some of the trails are more challenging with boulders to cross and steep steps. But, there are others that are easier to manage and better for younger ones.
The spring, summer, and early fall are probably the best times to visit the trails. It’s best to wear appropriate hiking shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Some areas of the trails can get muddy and slippery.
Admission to the park is free. You might want to bring water and snacks if you want to spend a bit of time here. Read more about the hiking trails at Niagara Gorge HERE.
Niagara Gorge Trails // Whirlpool Street, Niagara Gorge Discovery Center
Power Vista
I had read that the Power Vista was a great place to take children while in Niagara Falls. We found ourselves on a rainy day and decided to give this place a visit – and we are certainly glad that we did! This interactive museum was a great learning experience for all of us and it was a lot of fun!
This center features 50 interactive exhibits about hydroelectricity and Niagara’s geology. It also has an observation deck that is perched 350 feet above the Niagara River Gorge. It is a great family-friendly activity while in Niagara Falls (or the Buffalo, NY area).
Things to do at this FREE museum:
- 4D Virtual Reality Simulator
- Design your own dam
- Operate a power grid during a storm
- Walk through a turbine
Niagara Power Vista // 5777 Lewiston Road – Lewiston, NY 14092 // 716.286.6661
Read more about our visit to Niagara Power Vista (and see more photos) by reading this post: Niagara Power Vista Museum in Niagara Falls New York
Platter’s Chocolate Factory
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Platter’s Chocolate Factory! The factory/store is located in a corner of the historic Wurlitzer Building (known for its jukebox creations). This chocolate heaven is actually located in North Tonawanda – about 10-15 from Niagara Falls State Park.
If the factory is in production, you can watch them make their chocolates. There are several large windows where you can watch chocolates and popcorn creations being made.
For a more behind-the-scenes look, the factory does offer guided tours where you can get an inside view of their operations. The tours are for groups of 20, but the staff is very nice and will allow you to join an existing group if there is one touring when you visit. These factory tours are scheduled in advance, so be sure to call ahead to see if there is a tour you can join.
Treats you can sample and buy at Platters:
- Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate
- Candy
- Sponge Candy (a local favorite)
- Fudge
- Ice Cream, Floats, Sundaes, and Banana Splits
- Cakes and Cookies
- Coffee and Coffee Drinks
- Teas, Bubble Tea, Smoothies, and Lemonade
- Gourmet Popcorn (Caramel, Cheddar, Dill)
- See the full cafe menu HERE
Platter’s Chocolate Factory // 908 Niagara Falls Blvd, North Tonawanda, NY 14120 // 716.693.5391
See more pictures and info from our trip to Platter’s HERE.
Das Haus German Heritage Museum
The Das Haus German Heritage Museum is a small place where you can learn more about the German heritage in Niagara County. It is a great stop for history buffs, especially those interested in Prussian history. You can even learn about your own German ancestry!
The museum consists of three rooms with an upstairs area and an outdoor barn area. Exhibits showcase:
- Pottery & Woodworking
- See how German and Prussian immigrants worked and lived
- Farming tools and artifacts of first settlers
- Information on the German settlers that built Bergholz /Niagara Falls
- You can even lookup information to see if any of your relatives were German settlers!
Admission is free, but donations are accepted and appreciated. The museum is only open on certain Sundays throughout the year. See the schedule HERE.
Das Haus German Heritage Museum // 2549 Niagara Road – Niagara Falls, NY 14304 // 716.795.2890
Castellani Art Museum at Niagara Falls University
The Castellani Art Museum is located at Niagara Falls University and it has a permanent collection of over 5700 works of art. Artists include Picasso, Miro, Dali, Calder, Nevelson, and Warhol as well as new contemporary and folk artists.
This art museum itself is relatively small and you can see all of the art in about an hour. You can also check out the University as well. The architecture here is nice and the art museum building is made of white-gray marble imported from Italy.
Admission to the Castellani Art Museum is always FREE. Parking is also FREE. The Museum is closed on Mondays.
Castellani Art Museum // 5795 Lewiston Road – Niagara University – Niagara Falls, NY 14109 // 716.286.8200
Whirlpool State Park
Whirlpool State Park is a great place to see gorgeous views of the rapids, the gorge, and the whirlpool. The park itself is a short distance north of Niagara Falls State Park. It is located along the Niagara River and the Robert Moses Parkway.
The park is very family-friendly. It has picnic tables, a playground, restrooms, hiking trails, and great overlooks. There are walkways leading to the overlooks and they are paved – perfect if you need to use a stroller.
Admission to this Park is FREE. Parking is FREE and the FREE Niagara Shuttle stops here.
Whirlpool State Park // Niagara Scenic Parkway – Niagara Falls, NY 14303 // 716.284.4691
Old Falls Street, USA
Old Falls Street USA stretches for three blocks and features food, festivals, music concerts, and family fun. All of the action stretches from Niagara Falls State Park to The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls.
On Fridays, there are concerts and on Saturdays, there are lots of family-friendly activities (like face painting and a petting zoo). There are plenty of outside games with chairs and tables everywhere. It is a very casual and fun time!
Old Falls Street USA // 101 Old Falls Street – Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Old Fort Niagara
You can start your visit at the small museum and watch a short film before heading down to the fort. There are lots of buildings that the whole family can explore (as well as a nearby park).
Also, there are many daily activities showing Blacksmiths working, 18th Century Laundry, Cooking, and Soldier Life. The Fort also has various demonstrations all throughout the day (Artillery, Music, Calvary demonstrations, etc). See the full schedule HERE.
This is also a great place to catch some great views of Lake Ontario, the Lower Niagara River, and glimpses of Canada.
Old Fort Niagara // 102 Morrow Plaza, NY 14174 // 716.745.7611
Honorable Mentions:
- Discover Niagara Shuttle – FREE transportation for Niagara attractions.
- Niagara Outlet Malls – Great place for shopping.
- Hard Rock Cafe – Right outside the entrance of Niagara Park.
- Niagara Falls Train Station & Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Museum
- Adventure Theater
What are your favorite family-friendly things to do in Niagara Falls?
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About The Author
KristyB
Wife. Mom. Graphic Designer. Photographer. Professional Nap Taker. Part-time Traveler (with kids in tow, of course!)
I guess when visiting America, it is always a must to never forget to visit the Niagara Falls. It looks tremendously amazing! I would love to experience the Whirlpool Jet, and get wet!
Niagara falls is definitely spectacular and awe-inspiring…Surely, A visit to Niagara falls with your family is great and fun experience. That’s plenty of fun actually. The whirlpool jet really looks exciting. Your family looks beautiful and your son is surely having fun in there.
Niagara Falls is definitely spectacular and awe-inspiring. But knowing about these activities makes Niagara Falls trip a truly exciting family experience…. I can definitely see that the whirlpool jets is exciting. Your son says it all!
As cliched it is, I still want to visit the Niagara for its magnificent landscape. And now with kids, I am sure I will have a blast. Would love to see that aquarium as well as take the ride along the falls. To feel that misty air on your face, would be so much fun.
The landscape at Niagara Falls is unbelievable! And, there is so much for families to do in this area!
I still remember my Niagara Falls visit and it was really very stunning. My children enjoyed it, especially standing on the deck of Maid of the mist. Even the view from Goat island is incredible. I missed Niagara scenic trolley. There are many activities for kids and kids love this attraction.
We also loved Goat Island – it was so peaceful! I think Maid of the Mist was our favorite activity. It’s amazing to get that close to the falls and feel its power.
Such a detailed post that you wrote here! I would love to see the Illuminations at night. It looks so beautiful. I would love to hike at Niagara Gorge Trail System as well. Old Falls Street and Platter’s Chocolate Factory look like a heaven for kids. I love that you can watch how they make their chocolates.
The Illuminations is gorgeous and even more amazing when the fireworks start. We LOVED Platter’s Chocolate Factory! My kids enjoyed it, but I think my chocoholic husband liked it the most!
The Niagara falls are of course an iconic landmark of the world and would figure on any traveler’s wish list. We too hope to see this landmark some day. But it is amazing that there is so much more to Niagara beyond the waterfalls. A great place to head with kids. The illuminated waterfalls are of course a treat to the eyes while the aquarium looks really interesting. The Whirlpool jet seems to have all the makings of a thrilling experience.
The Whirlpool Jet was definitely thrilling, Sandy! I hope you get to visit soon.
Amazing views of the Falls. I was in Goat Island in the evening and saw the point of Niagara before it goes into the falls. I did not realize there was so much else to do there. Interesting there is a German Heritage Museum. On my next visit I want to stay the night to catch the Illumination of the Falls.
We love seeing the falls during the day and the night. The falls look drastically different but equally beautiful.
This is exactly what we need to kick off our family gap year. We will be leaving from New York so I wanted to hit Niagara Falls before we leave. I am looking forward to old falls and the museum. Our son will only be 1 so most of this is for me since I’m really a kid at heart.
That sounds like a fun trip, Corritta! I know you will enjoy Niagara Falls!
I only live a few hours from Niagara Falls and I’ve never been there. Terrible I know, hoping to get up there this summer! I’ve actually never heard of the chocolate factory before.. that will be a stop for sure
I hope you do, Hailey! You’ll love Niagara Falls and Platter’s Chocolate Factory is pretty cool too.
Niagra Falls is one of my dream site. Thanks for listing down so many amazing things to do and explore at the falls. I would love to ride on the Maid of the Mist to experience the magnificent Niagra Falls closely. The illuminated Falls at night look stunning! The experience at the Cave of the Winds sound incredible as it takes you so close to the falls that you are soaked in its waters. Trying some chocolates, cakes, cookies and coffee at the Platter’s Chocolate Factory sounds a great idea.
I hope you get to visit, Shaily -there’s so much to do!
Wow. Niagara falls seems to be like a treasure trove of activities for kids. Didn’t know there was so much for them. I travel with my 7 year old so I have bookmarked this post for my future reference. The Niagara scenic trails looks perfect for families with small kids. I would love to try the Cave of the Winds. It’s looks so exciting.
Cave of the Winds is definitely exciting! You and your son will definitely have a great time.
I still travel solo most of the time and I did visit Niagara Falls a couple of years ago. I did most of the things you mentioned on this list and enjoyed them, so I guess they’re fun with or without kids. Overall, I think you highlighted all interesting activities that people with kinds can indulge in. Thank you for sharing and keep up the great work
You’re so right, Daniel! These things are fun for everyone. I do write from the perspective of a mom, traveling with a family, but Niagara Falls has something for everyone to enjoy.
I didn’t know Niagara Falls State Park had so many different things to do beyond the falls. Maid of the Mist surely looks the best, and Goat Island seems to be photogenic. Your kids must have had a great time there – very evident from your blogpost.
My kiddos did have a great time for sure! Maid of the Mist is our favorite – even though we’ve ridden it several times. And, you’re right- Goat Island is gorgeous.