Family trips are a magical time when stepping away from the daily routine ushers in special opportunities for parents to enjoy even more moments of wonder and delight with their kids. From awe-inspiring experiences like standing beneath or flying over one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls to unique interactions with the natural world that leave an equally impactful impression, family trips to Niagara wow in every season.
Niagara’s famous waterfall isn’t the only captivating example of Mother Nature’s influence to experience when visiting Niagara Falls. Niagara Park’s Butterfly Conservatory, one of North America’s largest glass-enclosed butterfly conservatories, is a tropical garden oasis with over 2,000 vibrantly coloured butterflies fluttering freely. Kids will adore exploring meandering pathways, watching butterflies at feeding trays, and marvelling at the Emergence Window, where butterflies hang in their pupae stage.
Nature lovers will also adore exploring all the aviary action at Bird Kingdom, the world’s largest free-flying indoor aviary. Prepare for awesome memories to be made as your gang hand-feeds Lorikeets, explores the Night Jungle, and meets exotic rainforest creatures, including snakes, tortoises, bearded dragons, and parrots.
If your Niagara getaway coincides with maple syrup season in March and April, White Meadows Farm’s Sugar Bush Trek is a tasty way to wow your crew with the wonders of biology. The 45-minute walking tour includes the quintessentially Canadian experience of making maple taffy on snow. Can’t make it to the farm? Stop by White Meadows’ shops at the Fallsview Casino or in Niagara-on-the-Lake, or make a visit to Maple Leaf Place.
A visit to any of The Niagara Geopark’s 20 Geosites across the Niagara region is another excellent way to open your family’s eyes to the wonder of nature as they discover off-the-radar waterfalls, cliffs, vistas, and gorges that help paint a picture of the Earth’s evolution.
A visit to a museum is a great way to make Niagara’s rich past jump out of the history books and into your family’s heart. Head to Niagara Falls History Museum, where kids will love trying on a replica uniform from the War of 1812, feeling the heft of a musket, building a bridge to span the Niagara Gorge and walking a tightrope like daredevils from the past! St. Catharines Museum is also a compelling stop that is home to over 800,000 fascinating artifacts that tell the story of St. Catharines and the Welland Canal. The museum is also home to the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame. In Jordan Village, the Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre embraces its goal of acknowledging our past for our future with a diverse range of exhibits and programming. Be sure to snap a family photo at the Distelfink located at the museum’s front entrance. This delightful art piece and climber is made in the likeness of the lucky golden finch based on the motifs of the early 1800s Fraktur displayed inside the museum.
Until you’re actually standing within earshot of Niagara Falls, it’s hard to comprehend the sheer power of one-fifth of the world’s freshwater flowing over the Falls! Fortunately, even in the winter, there are some really cool ways to get up close and personal with the Falls.
Journey Behind the Falls offers a unique view of the Falls from below and behind. Visitors descend 125 ft. on an elevator to a short tunnel with access to two outdoor observation decks and two portals located directly behind the Falls.
The Niagara Parks Power Station offers another can’t-miss view of the Falls. After gliding 180 feet down in a glass-paneled elevator, guests walk along a 2,200-foot-long tunnel leading to an observation deck at the river’s edge. An all-new nighttime experience blends state-of-the-art LED lighting technology, immersive sound effects and the iconic backdrop of the illuminated Falls to take guests on a truly unforgettable journey.
After experiencing the wonder of Niagara Falls, let the kids create a big splash of their own at one of the city’s three waterparks. Choose from Great Wolf Lodge, Americana Resort or Fallsview Indoor Waterpark.
Families who prefer their water on the frozen side will want to pack some skates to enjoy a glide at a picture-perfect outdoor rink like those at Wayne Gretzky Estates or Pillar and Post.
Treat the family to a few hours of enchantment and illusion in Niagara Falls. The Evolution Magic Show is an unforgettable Vegas-style performance featuring International Grand Champion of Magic Greg Frewin alongside Canada’s Lady of Magic, Alexandra.
Be sure to leave some time before or after the show to explore the magical world of Clifton Hill. Interactive attractions like Ripley’s Museum, Ghost Blasters, Wizard’s Mini Golf, and Carnival Chaos will keep the excitement level high!
For an unparalleled perspective, go up! Niagara Helicopters’ sky-high tours run right through the winter and offer passengers the view of a lifetime that, on a clear day, stretches all the way from Lake Erie to Toronto.
For those who prefer a sky-high view with a slower pace, Niagara SkyWheel delivers a breathtaking panoramic view of Niagara Falls from 175 feet up from the comfort of a climate-controlled gondola. Another fun option is a trip to the top of the Skylon Tower, which combines an exhilarating 52-second ride with the awe of seeing Niagara from 775 feet above the mighty Falls.
Are you ready to start planning a wonder-filled Niagara getaway for your family?
Check out our Family Fun, Attractions, Winter pages and @visit_niagara on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for trip inspiration and to learn about upcoming events. Then, browse through accommodations and dining options to discover places that will perfectly round out your trip!
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