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 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