- Most attractions are walkable from Clifton Hill
- Combo passes save 30 to 40 percent
- Many activities run in winter, the falls do not freeze fully
- Strollers are allowed on most tours, double check the boat
- Kids under 6 are usually free, ages 6 to 12 pay reduced rates
How we picked these family activities
We selected activities that suit ages 4 to 14, with safety, attention span and stroller access in mind. We included a mix of indoor and outdoor options so a rainy or cold day does not derail your plans.
The 10 best family activities
1. Hornblower Niagara Cruises (or Maid of the Mist)
The boat ride is the universal family favourite. Free for kids under 5 on the Maid of the Mist, CAD 25 on the Hornblower for ages 5 to 12. Get the front row of the upper deck for the best view.
Combine the boat with Journey Behind the Falls for kids 6 plus.
Check availability →2. Butterfly Conservatory
Over 2,000 butterflies fly free in a 1,000 square metre indoor rainforest. Strollers welcome. Kids love the daily release at 11:30 AM. Adult $19, child 6 to 12 $13.
Family friendly tour, boat plus butterflies in one trip.
Check availability →3. Bird Kingdom
The largest free flying indoor aviary in the world. Walk through the rainforest dome with macaws, toucans and cockatoos. Best for ages 3 plus. Combo with the Niagara SkyWheel saves about 25 percent.
4. Niagara SkyWheel
175 foot Ferris wheel on Clifton Hill, climate controlled gondolas, runs day and night. Open year round, the night ride with the falls illuminated is the most photogenic.
5. WildPlay Whirlpool Adventure Course
Aerial obstacle course suspended over the Niagara Gorge. Three difficulty levels, kids from 7 years old. Closed in winter.
6. Niagara Glen Nature Reserve
Free hiking trails through old growth Carolinian forest down into the gorge. The 4 km loop is moderate, allow 2 hours. Bring water and proper shoes. Best for kids 8 plus.
7. Old Fort Erie
30 minute drive from the falls, this restored fort hosts daily reenactments of the War of 1812. Kids try on uniforms and load (blank) muskets. Adult $14, child 6 to 12 $7.
8. Falls Avenue Resort indoor waterpark (Fallsview Indoor Waterpark)
Three acres of indoor waterpark connected to two hotels. 16 slides, wave pool and a lazy river. Open 365 days. Day passes from CAD 39.99 child, CAD 49.99 adult.
9. Old Falls Village
Historic village re-enactment area with a candy store, blacksmith demos and pony rides on weekends. Free entry, pay per activity.
10. Niagara Falls Tour: Boat Cruise, Journey Behind Falls and Skylon
A complete family day in one ticket.
Check availability →Family friendly tips
- Adventure Pass Plus from CAD 89 covers boat, Journey Behind the Falls, White Water Walk and the Floral Showhouse, the cheapest way to do four attractions
- WeGo bus connects all major attractions for CAD 12 per day, kids under 6 free
- Picnic at Queen Victoria Park if you are short on lunch budget
- Avoid Clifton Hill arcades on the way in, kids will not let you leave
Internal links
For full planning see our Niagara Falls with kids planner and the Toronto day trip. Browse all parks and nature options.
Questions Frequentes
Hornblower welcomes all ages, including babies. Children under 5 must wear an infant life jacket provided at the dock. The poncho is one size fits most older kids.
Most attractions allow strollers, including the Butterfly Conservatory, Bird Kingdom and Floral Showhouse. The boat ride and Journey Behind the Falls require strollers to be folded and carried.
Niagara Parks sells four versions of the Adventure Pass that bundle the boat, Journey Behind the Falls, White Water Walk and other attractions. The Plus version costs CAD 89 in 2026 and saves about 35 percent vs individual tickets.
Yes. The Marriott Fallsview, Embassy Suites Fallsview, Sheraton Fallsview and Hilton Fallsview all have family rooms with falls views. Book at least three months ahead for July and August.
