Niagara Falls attractions..

[mikkishelles]

We are driving from NYC to Niagara Falls in the end of August. My kids have never been there, I a haven't been since I was a child. We are, of course, going to ride the "Maid of the Mist". What other points of interest are at Niagara Falls or in Ontario? TIA!!

 

[Lisa_M]

I just wanted to make sure you realize you need a passport or Enhanced NYS license to get back across the border. If you don't have one yet, you probably have time to get the license. DH and I were going to go up for our anniversary, but can't due to this. I haven't been there in quite a while, so I don't have any suggestions other than the cave of the winds. That was pretty fun when we went, but it was 10 years ago.

 

[amcnj]

Besides the boats there was also a behind the falls walking option, where you took an elevator down and then walked through tunnels to viewing areas of the falls. You are kind of to the side of the main part of the falls from what I recall. Also, the falls were lit at night, with changing colored lights and that was pretty neat to see. There was also a butterfly garden nearby, and a cable car across the river. There was also a funicular there too.

 

[iamadisneynut]

Marineland is fun! There is also a great butterfly conservatory. If you get a chance to have some kid free time, Niagara on the Lake is beautiful, and great winery tours!

The Hershey factory has some great chocolate covered strawberries...yummy!! Let's see....lots to do on Clifton Hill.

Have fun! Super place!!

 

[mikkishelles]

I just wanted to make sure you realize you need a passport or Enhanced NYS license to get back across the border. If you don't have one yet, you probably have time to get the license. DH and I were going to go up for our anniversary, but can't due to this. I haven't been there in quite a while, so I don't have any suggestions other than the cave of the winds. That was pretty fun when we went, but it was 10 years ago.

I heard about the passport/passport card requirement. We are applying next week for the boys' passports. We need them anyway, because we are planning a cruise next year and a trip to Norway the next. The Cave of the Winds..I forgot about that! Great tip!

 

[timmac]

It's been some 15 years since I was there last, but I remember taking a bus tour that visited some interesting points on both sides of the river, as well as visiting the Ripley's Believe it or Not museum on the Canadian side.

 

[Karalea]

It has been 5-6 years since I went but the nephews loved the Spanish Aero Car. It scared me.

Personally, unless you like to waste a lot of money, I would avoid Clifton Hill. Tons of tourist trap places that kids will beg to go in.

 

[MichelleinMaine]

The Canadian parks pass covers Maid of the Mist, Journey Behind the Falls, a semi silly movie how the falls were made, a walk along the whirlpool rapids as well as 2 days of trolley connecting them all. It also provides discounts (I think 1/2 price) on the aerocar and butterfly house (and some other things.)

Get it from AAA ahead of time (eg NOT CAA, stateside AAA) and it is cheaper.

My two cents, Cave of the Winds was more fun (or at least a worthwhile add-on) on the US side. You go down an elevator and walk right around the base of the falls. Probably my favorite NF thing.

 

[GC&S]

I just wanted to make sure you realize you need a passport or Enhanced NYS license to get back across the border. If you don't have one yet, you probably have time to get the license. DH and I were going to go up for our anniversary, but can't due to this. I haven't been there in quite a while, so I don't have any suggestions other than the cave of the winds. That was pretty fun when we went, but it was 10 years ago.

Do you need a passport to get back into the US? Because you don't need one to get into Canada. I found this on the Canada Border Safety website:

Non-Canadians
Requirements to Enter Canada
When you enter Canada, a CBSA officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if one is necessary. If you are a citizen of the United States, you do not need a passport to enter Canada. However, you should carry proof of your citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, as well as photo identification. If you are a permanent resident of Canada or the U.S, you should bring your Permanent Resident Card with you.

We were planning a trip to Niagra falls but not if we need a passport to get back into the US.

 

[thesaurinis]

On the Canadian side there is the HUGE ferris wheel. If you time it right at night you can be on it while the fireworks are going off. Thats a site to see.

Marine land if you have smaller kids, there is the water park, Hard Rock Cafe, Dave & Busters arcade, mini golf, wax museum.

 

[CTdiznymom]

Do you need a passport to get back into the US? Because you don't need one to get into Canada. I found this on the Canada Border Safety website:

Non-Canadians
Requirements to Enter Canada
When you enter Canada, a CBSA officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if one is necessary. If you are a citizen of the United States, you do not need a passport to enter Canada. However, you should carry proof of your citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, as well as photo identification. If you are a permanent resident of Canada or the U.S, you should bring your Permanent Resident Card with you.

We were planning a trip to Niagra falls but not if we need a passport to get back into the US.

Sorry, but we went last Memorial Day and we needed to show our passports upon entering Canada. Didn't ask for them on return, but I was glad we had them.

If you are going to Clifton HIll, you can buy a combo ticket at most of the attractions on the Hill. We found that saved a few dollars. We did Ripleys, and the Wax Museum. I would make the Butterfly Conservatory a must do. The butterflies are beautiful, and you can stay as long as you wish. The garden grounds are very nice for walking. Food is VERY expensive, so be prepared for that. They also shoot off fireworks over the falls on specific evenings so inquire about that too. Have fun.

 

[rkandmjsmommy]

http://www.niagaraparks.com/plan/buy-tickets-packages.html

Found this ticket package when we were looking to go...decided to do free dining at Disney instead
Hope this helps you

 

[mikkishelles]

http://www.niagaraparks.com/plan/buy-tickets-packages.html

Found this ticket package when we were looking to go...decided to do free dining at Disney instead
Hope this helps you

This looks like a great deal! Thanks for posting!!

 

[rkandmjsmommy]

This looks like a great deal! Thanks for posting!!

You are welcome, I got it on another dis thread, and I never seem to post good things, so Im glad this will help

 

[MedicGoofy]

Hi there!!

there is TONS of stuff to do in Niagara Falls. First off, I would just google Niagara Falls tourism and start looking.

There is a main street in the tourist area called Clifton Hill. There, you will find tons of stuff to do. There is a large ferris wheel. HUGE. Climatized as well. So, runs with A/C. love it Get a couple of spins around that. But def do it at night, when everything is lit up. Certain nights there are fireworks, I just forget which nights. I know Fri nights there are. But there is also anothere night they do them

There is a Lego area, kind of a walk thru play area. 3 or 4 of the 3D or 4D movie rides. A HUGE arcade area. There are 2, maybe 3 wax houses, with statues of famous people. They are pretty cool. Kids love them. Haunted houses, from flipping scary to tame. Build a bear stores. Candy stores.

There is the big Hershey store there, that I certainly wouldn't miss out on the candy inside, is certainly to die for

Then there is the butterfly conservatory. All the 'parks' places.

I thing I do suggest is getting 'fun packs'. Where you buy multiple tickets at once. Gives you big ssavings over buying individual tickets. But google it. Will give you lots of info for what's down there, the fireworks and even music that is going on.

Hope this helps!!! Enjoy your time

 

[MedicGoofy]

P.S. Another thought, there are the jet boat tours that run out of NOTL. Those are awesome and kids would love that! And NOTL is a great place with lots of shops and stuff to walk around. Could get a horse and buggy ride (corny sounding but nice when it takes you through the city).

 

[rigs32]

I always recommend the Carousel Museum in North Tonawanda. Not far from NF on the US side and a cheap option for an afternoon of stuff. It's a small place, but it shows the development of carousels, they have people restoring them that you can talk to (or videos showing the process if no one is there that day) and a carousel at the end. Your admission gives you 1 free ride and you can pay 50 cents for more.

Also, depending on how long you'll be there, consider a day or two trip to toronto. It's only another 2 hrs or so away. The QEW moves fast. Kids love the CN Tower since there is a place where the floor is see through and you're looking down at the ground below. The science museum there is pretty good as well - a hands on type of place.

Depending on the age of your kids, stop off in Rochester on the way there or back for the Strong Museum of Play. Lots of interactive exhibits in addition to the history of toys and play.

 

[Holly324]

We went up on the Skylon tower (I think that is what it is called) and had lunch. Then we went up to the observatory...GREAT views! Loved it!