19 Free Things to do at Niagara Falls (New York, USA)
19 Free Things to Do at Niagara Falls
Traveling with a family can be very expensive. That’s why I’m always on a mission to find free activities for our family. Fortunately, there are several free activities and places to visit in Niagara Falls (for this post, I’m writing about the New York, US side of the falls).
And, I have to say, we were all very impressed with these events and places. They are free and high quality, which can be hard to find. Here are some of our favorite FREE (and fun) things to do at Niagara Falls:
FREE Parking
I know Parking is not an event or location, and it’s not very exciting… BUT, when you pay $5 – $30 for parking everywhere you go… FREE parking does start to sound exciting. And, don’t think you can park for free at surrounding hotels and walk. They are on to us and will charge you $20!
There are lots of Parking Options at Niagara Falls – with costs ranging from $5 – $30. If you don’t mind walking, there is a FREE parking lot at the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center. It’s about a mile walk from the Discovery Center to the falls. We actually did this walk and we really enjoyed it. We could see beautiful views of the Niagara River and we walked underneath Rainbow Bridge, which was a cool perspective.
If these other locations have free parking, I’ve tried to include it.
Niagara Gorge Discovery Center // Phone: (716) 278-1070
WEBSITE for Niagara Falls Discovery Center and parking lot
Discover Niagara Shuttle (FREE transportation)
The Discover Niagara Shuttle is FREE in Niagara Falls and operates from May until the first of September. You can hop on and off the shuttle as you like.
The shuttle stops at all of these destinations:
- Niagara Falls USA Visitors Center
- 3rd and Old Falls Street
- 3rd Street Entertainment District
- Niagara Gorge Discovery Center
- Aquarium of Niagara
- Niagara Arts & Cultural Center
- Oakwood Cemetery
- Niagara Falls Train Station & Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center
- Whirlpool State Park
- Castellani Art Museum
- Niagara Power Project Power Vista
- Lewiston Academy Park
- Stella Nature Preserve
- Lewiston Center
- Lewiston Waterfront (Whirlpool Jet & The Silo)
- Old Fort Niagara
- Youngstown Center
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 falls viewing levels, Niagara Falls State Park provides many fun activities.
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. See above for a place to find free parking (Niagara Falls Discovery Center – about a mile away).
Niagara Falls State Park // 24 Buffalo Avenue – Niagara Falls, NY, 14303
Niagara Falls Illumination
The Illuminations Fireworks show is another fun and free activity in Niagara Falls.
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
Niagara Falls Fireworks
What could be better than a fireworks show? A free firework show in Niagara Falls!
The fireworks show usually starts at about 10 p.m. and lasts 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).
This fireworks show begins 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.
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. For us, it was a nice way to get away from the commercialized part of Niagara and just enjoy its natural beauty.
Goat Island is 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 // 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
Hyde Park
Hyde Park, located near Niagara Fall’s Little Italy, is known as the “Jewel of Niagara Falls”. The rose garden is popular for a peaceful stroll and for taking photographs. Hyde Park Lake is also a local and tourist favorite. There are plenty of ducks and geese to feed in this area.
Families will enjoy all of the outdoor parks and activities – tennis, lawn bowling, walking trails, tennis courts, baseball fields, children’s play areas, and bocce. There is also a golf course, ice rink, and a swimming pool (these are not free). The park is open year-round and ice hockey is a popular event in the winter.
This park also features The Veterans’ Memorial. This memorial is dedicated to veterans of all wars. It features the largest granite monument in the US.
Hyde Park // 3200 Pine Avenue – Niagara Falls, NY 14305 // 716.286.4940
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 twice), you can do both in one visit to the area.
Parking is FREE.
Niagara Gorge Discovery Center // Niagara Falls State Park – New York // 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.
Parking at Niagara Gorge Discovery Center (above the trails) is FREE.
Niagara Gorge Trails // Whirlpool Street, Niagara Gorge Discovery Center
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.
This 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 Falls Shuttle stops here.
Whirlpool State Park // Niagara Scenic Parkway – Niagara Falls, NY 14303 // 716.284.4691
Devil’s Hole State Park
Devil’s Hole State Park has plenty of hiking and scenic overlooks. From the roadside area, you get great views of the Niagara Power Vista which houses the giant turbines that generate electricity from water diverted above the falls.
There is also a stone staircase that will take you down to the Gorge. This is quite a hike, especially on the way back up – some little ones or anyone with a heart condition might not be able to handle it.
Once you are down at the Gorge, you can follow the trails along the river’s edge. Keep in mind that these waters are very deep with strong undercurrents and the water is very dangerous. There are signs everywhere letting you know to stay on the designated trails.
Parking is FREE.
Devil’s Hole State Park // Robert Moses Parkway – Niagara Falls, NY 14305 // 716.284.5778
Niagara 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!
The 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
- You can walk through a turbine
Entrance, All Exhibits, and PARKING are all FREE at this Niagara Falls museum.
Niagara Power Vista // 5777 Lewiston Road – Lewiston, NY 14092 // 716.286.6661
Old Falls Street
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! FREE Family Fun on Saturdays is great for families.
Old Falls Street USA // 101 Old Falls Street – Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Platter’s Chocolate Factory Tour, Café, and Shop
Platter’s Chocolate Factory is FREE. You can tour the factory and try samples for free, but you might/will definitely be tempted to buy some sweet treats. I still thought this deserved a spot on the FREE list.
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 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
Parking is FREE.
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 look up 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
Niagara Falls University (Castellani Art Museum)
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.
The 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
City of Niagara Falls Splash Pads & Public Pools
City of Niagara Falls Splash Pads
Niagara Falls splash pads are open 7 days a week from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm (weather permitting).
- E.E Mitchelson Park Pool (3800 Springdale Ave.)
- Prince Charles Pool (6320 Arad St.)
- F.H Leslie Pool (5250 Valley Way)
- Niagara Falls Lions Club Park (4981 Drummond Rd.)
- Buck Hinsperger (3970 Welland St.)
City of Niagara Falls Outdoor Public Pool
These pools offer FREE public swimming daily from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm:
- E.E Mitchelson Park Pool (3800 Springdale Ave.)
- Prince Charles Pool (6320 Arad St.)
- F.H Leslie Pool (5250 Valley Way)
- Niagara Falls Lions Club Pool (4981 Drummond Rd.)
- Buck Hinsperger Pool (3970 Welland St. in Chippawa)
See more about dates, times, and locations HERE.
Have you been to Niagara Falls? Did you check out any of these free places or activities? Any free events or places we should know about?
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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 visited the Niagara Falls would be a huge treat. With all these attractions available, you need to be more strategic in order to visit them all. Adding this to my future trip (when I got my visa).
I didn’t know Niagara Falls was the oldest state park in the US. The free shuttle and fireworks schedule are great tips! I would love to see the falls from all these vantage points, as well as the rapids. And, I would never miss a chocolate factory tour!
Till very recently I didn’t know Niagara is lit up with colorful LED lights at nights! I came to know only 2 days back when it was lit up in Belgian Tricolor for the Belgian National Day!!!
Super glad to know there are so many free things to do in Niagara. The view from Luna Island is indeed so up & close & so incredible.
I would totally love of walk in the gorge trails. The street at Old Falls Street is interesting. I’m sure my toddler would love it!
Excellent article on a visit to Niagara Falls for those who are not travelling with kids as well as travelling with kids. Thanks for the tip about parking, which can be quite expensive. We visited in 2018 and loved the fireworks and the lighting up of the falls in the evening. We were based on the Canadian side.
Oh yes, the fireworks and the Illumination are a great experience. And, paying for parking does get expensive. We visited Goat Island and then came back later that same day to watch the fireworks. We ended up paying $20.00 in one day just to park!
I have been to the Niagara Falls from the Canada side but some of these are quite similar. For example, we can view the beautifully lit falls at night and see the fireworks from there too. Also, we have a free shuttle bus from one attraction to another. However, I like how you can go to Goat and Luna Islands for free. The view from the bridge on the Luna Island looks absolutely stunning!
We’ve been to the Canadian side in the past and we loved it! We have a wedding at Niagara Falls soon and I want to spend more time on the Canadian side. I heard the zipline and huge ferris wheel is a lot of fun!
Thanks for such a detailed post on Niagara Falls, Kristy. Initially, I used to think that it is just a huge waterfall where you head to a point and enjoy the view. I did not know there are so many angles of it and also a park. Undoubtedly, it is a great place to get your kids along with.
I used to think the same thing about Niagara Falls, Shreya – until I visited for the first time when I was 18. I guess that’s when I fell in love. We’ve been several times since and we always find something new to do together as a family.
I’m surprised that it seems most of best things to do at Niagara Falls are free and they all look amazing! You can see the light show, enter the state park, and park for free and that right there is a home run. I would also enjoy the Discovery Center and think it looks like a great way to explore more of the area for free. Great list of things to do for families or anyone traveling to the U.S. side of Niagara Falls on a budget.
I know right, Susanna! And, the free activities were some of our favorites! I was really impress with the Power Vista. We all had a great time there. All of the free places did help us to save some money which was so nice.