Things to Do in Niagara Falls

Home to one of the country’s first iconic landmarks, Niagara Falls shares more than just a scenic cascading waterfall. Come check out the alluring fall foliage that can be seen in the state park that features over 400 acres of wildlife and lavish landscape. But, whatever time of year you decide to pay a visit here, you’re sure to find plenty to do and see for the whole family.

1. The Falls

Start your trip by viewing Niagara Falls from different vantage points. You’ll find that the best points are on the Canadian side, where you’ll get a complete view of the American and Bridal Veil Falls, and a panoramic shot of the 188-foot tall Horseshoe Falls. For a unique perspective of the Horseshoe Falls, take the Maid of the Mist boat tour near the bottom’s edge or venture out onto the observation deck of the 775-foot tall Skylon Tower. Return in the evening to see the falls illuminated in a variety of colors and, on select nights from May through October, to see a fireworks display.

2. Tranquil Gardens

Soak up vibrant sights and fragrant smells in Canada’s 99-acre Niagara Parks' Botanical Gardens, only 10 minutes north of Niagara Falls. Stroll through the pristine and peaceful azalea, herb and rose gardens, the latter of which contains more than 2,400 roses. For an added bit of charm, explore the gardens via a horse and carriage ride, available from May through October. Your kids will love a leisurely jaunt through the dense rainforests of the Butterfly Conservancy, an area dotted with ponds, waterfalls and over 2,000 of the winged beauties.

3. Watch the Birdie

Adventures take flight at Bird Kingdom, Canada’s haven for our feathered friends and just five minutes down the river from the falls. Let parrots perch on your shoulder at the Explorer Base Camp, or watch nocturnal creatures, such as owls and bats, fly freely in the Night Jungle. Take a minute to admire the enormity of the world’s largest indoor aviary, filled with a 40-foot tall waterfall and 400 tropical birds in an array of bright colors.

4. Play Zone

Enjoy good old-fashioned fun at Clifton Hill, a bustling dining and entertainment complex in Canada. The whole family can take a spin on a 175-foot tall Ferris wheel with sweeping views of the falls, choose from more than 300 carnival games, visit the Hollywood-themed wax museum, and shoot lasers. Looking for even more adventures? Try your hand at a glow-in-the-dark miniature golf game or aim for a strike at the 14-lane bowling alley.

5. Marine Life

Embrace an afternoon of light-hearted fun at Marineland, a Canadian marine life park just five minutes upstream from the falls. Feed and touch beluga whales, marvel at the beauty of killer whales from an underwater viewing area and check out dolphins perform acrobatic flips during shows. Step away from the animals for a moment and seek excitement from an array of thrill rides, including an enormous steel coaster and a 450-foot free fall.

6. Fun at the Aquarium

Discover a world filled with more than 1,500 marine mammals at the New York-based Aquarium of Niagara. Just steps away from the American Falls, the aquarium houses more than 40 exhibits starring such critters as seahorses, sturgeon and sharks. For an added fee, you and the kids can feed the penguins and interact with performing seals and sea lions.

7. Wine and Dine

Relax in the quaint Ontario village of Niagara-on-the-Lake, just 30 minutes north of the falls, and spend leisurely afternoons touring surrounding wineries. Embark on a guided tour of Trius Winery at Hillebrand, pausing only to sample wine while standing in the vineyard’s vast open fields. Bring a blanket to picnic under the stars during the summer, when the winery hosts outdoor movie nights. Choose from a series of wine tasting excursions at the elegant Peller Estates Winery, including special events designed to pair wine with chocolate, gourmet foods and barbecued fare.

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