Unpredictable weather can make spring travel feel tricky. Plans for a sunny day play can quickly go awry if unexpected showers roll in. Fortunately, Niagara’s incredible range of family-friendly pursuits ensures there is always fun in the forecast, no matter what conditions may blow in. Keep a few Sunny Day and Rainy Day suggestions listed below in mind so you can pivot your play plan should the weather change during your next Niagara getaway.
There’s nothing like experiencing Niagara Falls on a beautiful spring day. This spring, Niagara City Cruises will begin offering their signature Hornblower boat rides on May 1. The breathtaking voyage offers spectacular views of the Niagara Gorge, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, as well as an up-close encounter with the iconic Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
Niagara Parks’ White Water Walk, which opens April 19, offers another incredible way to experience the sheer power of Niagara Falls! As your crew explores the wooden boardwalk that runs alongside the Niagara River, they’ll be blown away by the Class 6 rapids crashing beside them. Niagara Parks’ Whirlpool Aero Car, opening April 12, provides riders with a birds-eye view of the swirling Niagara River rapids from an antique cable car that soars 3,500 feet across the Niagara Gorge.
Families who want an even closer Niagara River run-in can opt for a Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour, beginning May 17. Guests on this 45-minute adventure into the Niagara Gorge and through the Devil’s Hole Rapids can choose between the Wet Jet, a completely open-topped boat where every rider gets soaked, and the Wet Freedom, which offers some covered seats that allow riders to stay dry.
Niagara Falls is just one of many natural wonders born from the Niagara Escarpment. Five hundred million years of natural processes have created a fascinating collection of smaller waterfalls, one-of-a-kind rockfaces, forests, wetlands, bogs and more that provide incredible landscapes for outdoor adventures. A choice of 20 unique Niagara Geosites makes it easy to always find a new place to explore.
Canadian history comes to life in Niagara, and touring the grounds of a storied fort is a really fun way to spend a spring afternoon. Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Fort George National Historic Site, which opens for weekends on April 5 and weekdays and weekends on May 17, offers a glimpse into what life was like in a fort poised for war in the 1800s with live musket demonstrations, informative talks, costumed interpreters, and chance to tour the grounds, barracks, and officer’s quarters. Old Fort Erie, opening for the season May 10, is another excellent destination for families eager to learn about what life was like for War of 1812 soldiers. Interact with uniformed soldiers in entertaining tours as they share riveting war stories and perform heart-pounding artillery demonstrations.
A scenic trail ride is another fun way to explore Niagara with the help of a horse. Local companies like Horseplay Niagara and Niagara Riding Stables offer a range of guided tours that allow riders of all ages to enjoy incredible Niagara scenery straight from the saddle.
A family round of golf is always a good idea on a balmy spring day. Seasoned players who fancy nine or 18 holes can choose from dozens of Niagara golf courses. Mini golf at an outdoor course like Dinosaur Adventure Golf or Brock Mini Golf & Foot Golf is another fun option for families who are new to the game or tight on time.
Rainy weather doesn’t have to dampen the fun of experiencing the Falls. Journey Behind The Falls, which is offered year round, is an excellent option for families who prefer a more weather-proof plan. The experience allows guests to explore the 130-year-old tunnels running through the Horseshoe Falls bedrock. Viewing portals cut straight through the rock offer a once-in-a-lifetime view of one-fifth of the world’s fresh water crashing down in front of you. There is also a misty outdoor viewing platform for those who don’t mind getting a little wet.
The Niagara Parks Power Station is another fun experience that offers a powerful Niagara Falls experience from an indoor vantage point. In addition to exploring the fascinating history of Canada’s first major power plant, guests can go deep underground in a glass-paneled elevator to explore a 2,200-foot-long tunnel leading to an observation deck at the river’s edge with an excellent view of Niagara Falls.
Since admission to the Skylon Tower’s Ride-to-the-Top and Observation Decks attractions is always free when dining, a rainy day lunch or dinner in the revolving dining room is an excellent way to get a sky-high view of the Falls. The restaurant silently rotates 360 degrees every hour, giving diners a constantly changing vantage point of the over 125 km that is viewable from the dining room.
Insect and animal lovers can step inside a tropical jungle, no matter the weather, when they visit the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, where over 2,000 vibrantly coloured butterflies flutter freely. If the winged wonders there leave your family wanting more, head to Bird Kingdom, the world’s largest free-flying indoor aviary.
The gamers in your group will be hoping for rain if they know it increases their play time at Clifton Hill’s Great Canadian Midway. The 70,000-square-foot complex houses over 300 games, including old favorites like Skee-Ball and new hits like Pop the Lock and Whack N Win. There are also interactive rides, a bowling alley, and more.
Niagara’s many child-friendly museums, including Niagara Falls History Museum, St. Catharines Museum, Lincoln County Museum and Cultural Centre, and Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, are another excellent rainy-day destination. Interactive exhibits, special workshops, and interesting artifacts offer something for everyone.
International Grand Champion of Magic, Greg Frewin, puts on an absolutely jaw-dropping Vegas-style show. The Dinner Show, which includes an all-you-can-eat buffet, is a nice option for families who prefer not to be out too late.
The Shaw Festival typically offers at least one family-friendly production, and this season’s is sure to excite! The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, which opens April 9, is filled with breathtaking battles, mythical creatures and unforgettable characters. A Pre-show Workshop for children and families is also an option before every performance.
Are you ready to start planning some weather-proof spring fun for your family? Check out our Family Fun, Attractions, History & Heritage pages and @visit_niagara on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for trip inspiration and to learn about upcoming events. Then, browse through
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