Family at Niagara Falls
Family Guide

Niagara Falls with Kids — What to Do, Where to Eat, Where to Stay

Everything you need to plan a family trip to Niagara Falls — attractions, timing, food, and hotels that actually work with kids.

Best Attractions for Families

Maid of the MistUSA

Kids love the boat and the ponchos. Adventure they will never forget.

Age: All ages
Cave of the WindsUSA

Boardwalk right into the falls spray. Thrilling and unique.

Age: 5+
Butterfly ConservatoryCanada

Warm, indoor, 2000 butterflies. Peaceful break from the crowds.

Age: All ages
Clifton HillCanada

Arcades, wax museums, the SkyWheel, mini-golf. Classic tourist fun.

Age: All ages
Great Wolf LodgeUSA

Full indoor water park. Worth it if you stay overnight.

Age: 4-12
Devil's Hole State ParkUSA

Free, scenic hiking trails along the gorge. Beautiful and spacious.

Age: 6+

Family-Friendly Restaurants

Rainforest Cafe$$
Themed · Canada

Loud, exciting, kids go wild for the animatronics

Applebees (Clifton Hill)$$
American · Canada

Reliable, quick, easy for families with picky eaters

Miguel's Island$
Casual · USA

Outdoor seating, tacos, goats on the island nearby

Tim Hortons$
Quick · Canada

Fast, cheap, coffee for parents, snacks for kids

2-Day Family Itinerary

Day 1
-9am: Niagara Falls State Park + Prospect Point (free, open air)
-11am: Maid of the Mist (book online to skip the line)
-1pm: Lunch at The French or Miguel's Island
-3pm: Cave of the Winds (afternoon timing)
-Evening: Fireworks (summer) or Clifton Hill
Day 2
-9am: Butterfly Conservatory (warm indoor break)
-11am: Clifton Hill - SkyWheel, arcades, wax museums
-1pm: Lunch on Clifton Hill strip
-3pm: Journey Behind the Falls (Canada side)
-Evening: Skylon Tower sunset dinner or Great Wolf Lodge

Family-friendly tickets to pre-book

Bird Kingdom (rainy-day saver) and the Wild Magic Show (evening entertainment) both work for kids 5+ and tend to sell out summer evenings.

Tour · GetYourGuide

Niagara Falls: Bird Kingdom entry ticket

  • World's largest indoor free-flying aviary
  • 400+ exotic birds across rainforest habitats
  • Indoor — fine in any weather
  • Family-friendly, ~1.5 hour visit
Check availability →
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Tour · GetYourGuide

Niagara Falls Canada: Greg Frewin Wild Magic Show ticket

  • Live magic and illusion show with exotic animals
  • Dinner-show option available
  • Family-friendly evening entertainment
  • Theatre on Lundy's Lane
Check availability →
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Family Tips

B
Book Maid of the Mist online

Saves the ticket line and guarantees your spot

R
Bring a light rain jacket even in summer

The falls spray reaches far - you will get wet

P
Park once and walk

Prospect Park Lot (US) or Marine View (Canada) - central and not the most expensive

E
Eat before 11:30am or after 2pm

Lunch crowds at Clifton Hill are brutal on weekends

2-Day ItineraryTrip PlannerParking GuideBoat Tours