Family vacation: Niagara Falls for kids

At Family Travels on a Budget, we love road trips in the United States! And, one of my favorite destinations growing up was Niagara Falls, US side. Taking my daughter for the first time reminded me why Niagara Falls for kids is a great summer vacation idea!

Besides seeing the iconic falls, there is a lot to do in Niagara Falls for kids.

And well, since I’ve done all the research already, I thought I’d pass this itinerary on to you!

Niagara Falls for Kids: A three day itinerary

This itinerary for Niagara Falls for kids is geared toward a late afternoon arrival that coincides with hotel check-in times. If driving in, try to arrive by 4:00 p.m. EST.

If you’re flying to Niagara Falls, NY, we used the Buffalo airport (BUF) which has more options and better prices than flying straight in to Niagara Falls. The drive from Buffalo to Niagara Falls is about 30 minutes on I-90. Very easy!

Day One at Niagara Falls, USA: Let’s settle in!

On arrival, check in to your hotel.

We stayed at The Giacomo Hotel, a luxury, boutique hotel located in the heart of Niagara Falls, New York. From here, we could walk to many of the attractions and to restaurants throughout downtown.

The Giacomo Hotel has great views of the fireworks from the rooftop deck, but rooms might be too small for summer vacation for families!

There are many branded hotel chains nearby as well, with a variety of hotel perks and room configurations. Some of our favorite options are:

• The Giacamo, an Ascend Hotel: This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Niagara Falls, New York, close to attractions and restaurants. We stayed here our first visit to Niagara Falls and love the decor, the breakfast and the views from the rooftop bar.
• Hyatt Place Niagara Falls: Offering free breakfast and a pool, this is a family friendly property. We like it for its location near all major attractions at Niagara Falls, New York.
• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott: Offering free breakfast and an indoor pool, this popular hotel is conveniently located and offers large accommodations. It often sells out, so book early.

If the above attractions don’t interest you, use the map below to explore more hotel and vacation home rental options at Niagara Falls.

Explore Downtown Niagara Falls

After checking in, explore Downtown Niagara Falls and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Old Falls Street USA was a highlight of our trip. This tourist-friendly area links the convention center with Niagara Falls State Park. Enjoy family friendly games, food trucks and festivals along with the free WiFi and comfy adirondack chairs to chill out. There are festival here throughout the summer, too.

Some restaurants within walking distance of the downtown hotels are:

• Rainforest Cafe Niagara Falls at 300 3rd Street (in the Sheraton)
• F Bites Cantina at 310 Rainbow Blvd, a non-profit restaurant that serves southern cuisine and tacos, while giving back to the community through teaching restaurant skills to the next generation of chefs
• Hard Rock Cafe, at 333 Prospect Street (just across from Niagara Falls State Park)
• Mario’s NY Style Pizza at 307 Prospect Street, open only April-October.

Day two: Niagara Falls aquarium, speed boat and locks

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel if available. If not, enjoy breakfast at a nearby restaurant. Throw a change of clothes in the car for later in the day. You might get wet!

MORNING: Aquarium of Niagara

Aquarium of Niagara. Located near the waterfront at 701 Whirlpool Street, the Aquarium of Niagara is a rescue facility for injured and endangered sea animals. Two of note are the Humboldt penguin colony and the blind seals rescued and rehabilitated here.

• Purchase tickets online in advance — as admission is set in a 30 minute window.
• The busiest times are between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (which is why we recommend this for the first activity of the day.
• Sensory headphones are available for those who need them at the front desk.

LUNCH: The Silo in Lewiston

For a fun experience, head to The Silo at 115 N. Water Street in nearby Lewiston.

This casual, indoor/outdoor dining on the banks of the Niagara River provides a great place to enjoy a hot dog or burger. Order online as you drive in to save time!

You may have heard of The Silo on Man vs. Food, in which case you should get the Beef on Weck.

AFTERNOON: Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours

Take a thrill ride with Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours located at 115 S. Water Street, also in Lewiston. See — making it easy!

This speedy boat tour guarantees guests will get really wet, even with the provided rain coats and life jackets. The boat takes riders along the Niagara River to the Niagara Gorge and then back again through the Class V Devil’s Hole Rapids. The high speed ride and choppy water guarantee you’ll get wet!

But don’t worry, this ride is in the lower river, below the falls, so you can’t go over!

We recommend you wear water shoes of some sort (sport sandals with a sturdy strap are good). If you wear flip flops, you’ll be shopping for new shoes after the ride. Leave the camera in the car and purchase the video or photos from the tour company instead. I’d hate for you to lose your camera overboard.

• Purchase tickets online in advance.
• Minimum height for the dry option is 40″ and for the WET JET option is 44″.
• Not recommended for people with osteoporosis, or with head, neck or back injuries.
• Those who are pregnant may not ride.

LATE AFTERNOON: Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride

Head east, about 20 minutes, to the town of Lockport for the Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride.

The Lockport Cave tour starts with an easy walking tour along five locks, used to move materials during the early days of the Industrial Revolution. These locks allowed boats to travel 60 feet uphill! The guide explains how they worked and their importance to our country’s development.

Then, the tour takes you on an underground boat ride through the caves of the Erie Canal.

Finally, you’ll walk through a 2100 foot water power tunnel blasted out of solid rock. Called the Hydraulic Tunnel, this invention provided water power to several industries — without which, the area might not have developed.

DINNER AND EVENING: Savor Restaurant

Head back to Niagara Falls for dinner at Savor Restaurant, of the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute.

Savor offers an upscale dining experience while providing a hands-on learning experience for students enrolled in the Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts and Hospitality programs at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. The restaurant features an open kitchen where student chefs are on “display” to showcase their talents to the guests.

Savor is open to the public and offers a prix fixe lunch and dinner menu.

For my daughter, this was the best part of our vacation to Niagara Falls! She loved being treated like an adult and “savored” every bite set before her! Dinner at Savor is a slow-paced experience, but it’s family friendly — and a great way to unwind after a busy day.

Return to hotel for the evening and collapse! Or, head up the Giacomo bar on the top floor for great views of the area.

Day three: Niagara Falls for kids

Rise and shine for another exciting day! This time, it’s all about Niagara Falls for kids! And parents.

MORNING: Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds Tours

Tour Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds, both part of Niagara Falls State Park.

At Family Travels on a Budget, we recommend you purchase the combo ticket for Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds to save time. After all, who wants to spend their vacation standing in line at the ticket counter?

The tour starts at the Maid of the Mist boat ride where your guide shares stories of the daredevils who have tried to go over the falls, the history of the state park and some historic rescues through the years. Then, you’ll get your check-in time for Cave of the Winds (avoiding the lines again), a hop-on hop-off pass for the trolley and more.

It’s an absolutely amazing experience, one you don’t want to miss!

LUNCH: Top of the Falls

Enjoy lunch in Niagara Falls State Park at Top of the Falls on Goat Island, open May to October.

This is the only restaurant overlooking Niagara Falls — what a view!

They serve trendy burgers, hot dogs and beef on weck (a local specialty) in a casual atmosphere. The restaurant is air-conditioned, so bring a sweatshirt or sweater, especially if your clothes are still wet.

AFTERNOON: Hike a trail

There are two options for the afternoon.

For an easy exploration, take a walk along the Riverway Trail toward the Old Stone Chimney (from Goat Island, cross back into Niagara Falls and go right). There are many scenic overlooks along the way to watch the rapids. It’s a relaxing, easy stroll along a fairly shaded, paved walkway.

Or, for a more challenging hike, take the car and head a couple miles north to Devil’s Hole State Park which overlooks the Devil’s Hole Rapids. The park has picnic areas, scenic overlooks and hiking trails. A stone staircase leads to the base of the gorge, offering stunning views of the rapids and gorge rock layers.

DINNER: The Red Coach Inn

Enjoy a delicious dinner at The Red Coach Inn. This charming restaurant in a historic tudor inn offers a different, award-winning menu every day. The restaurant welcomes kids — making it a comfortable place to enjoy a fine dinner even with kids in tow.

In summer, enjoy dining outdoors on the patio surrounded by flowers and a koi pond. Or, eat inside in The Rapids Room, which offers stunning views of the Niagara River Rapids.

While the food is upscale, the prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is family-friendly!

EVENING: Niagara Falls Illumination

Enjoy Niagara Falls Illumination from the Prospect Point Observation Tower at Niagara Falls State Park. This nightly tradition of lighting the falls goes back to the 1920s and crowds gather early. The Observation Tower offers the best views and admission is $1.25/person, though it does get crowded. Other points throughout Niagara Falls State Park offer good views as well.

And there you have it, three days at Niagara Falls for kids. It’s got adventure, history (that’s fun), awe-inspiring experiences and relaxed time just to reconnect.

Extend your stay

If you’d like to do more in the area, here are some options nearby:

• Visit Erie, PA and Presque Isle State Park — Erie is only two hours from Niagara Falls!
• Follow the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail from Buffalo to Falling Water in the Laurel Highlands
• Take a STEM-inspired vacation to Tioga County, PA and learn about bees, honey and the ice mine — it’s only 3 hours from Niagara Falls. Tioga County is also home to the Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.

Learn more about Niagara Falls

To learn more about Niagara Falls for kids, these articles will help:

• Niagara Falls from a kid’s point of view: My daughter’s five top reasons to visit Niagara Falls.
• Maid of the Mist: Planning tips and what to expect on the ride.
• Cave of the Winds Tour: Planning tips and what to expect on the excursion.
• Niagara Falls Tourism Website: for special offers, special events information and planning.
• Niagara Falls State Park: for information on park hours, attractions and planning.

FAQs for visiting Niagara Falls