Niagara Falls—the epic natural wonder on the New York-Canada border—has been on my bucket list forever. And while it’s not exactly close to New Jersey (a 7-8-hour drive depending on where you live), it’s a family destination that fits the bill for all ages and for creating core memories: think giant waterfalls, breathtaking views, and the sheer power of millions of gallons of water rushing over the edge every minute. When my family and I visited Niagara Falls recently, we were in awe of the Falls and blown away by how much there is to do beyond the views. It was a family trip at its best—one that sparked our kids’ curiosity, taught them about the power of nature, and gave us the time of our lives, making it unforgettable and one we’ll cherish forever. Keep reading to find out more about what to do when you visit Niagara Falls with kids. (NJ Mom Tip: Stay on the Canadian side to take the experience to another level with gorgeous views of the Falls). (featured photo credit: NJMOM)
Visit Niagara Falls With The Family
Maid of the Mist
This electric boat tour was one of our most memorable experiences at Niagara Falls. The boat took us right up close to the action, and feeling the mist hit our faces as the water roared made us realize how powerful and awe-inspiring the Falls were. My family loved getting so close to the Falls. It gave us a completely different perspective than viewing them from the shore (just don’t forget to bring waterproof ponchos).
Cave Of The Winds
For an even closer experience, take the elevator 175 down into the Niagara Gorge, right to the base of the Falls. You can get even closer by walking along the Hurricane Deck, a wooden platform that goes to the base, where winds can blast up to 68 mph. We were given souvenir rain ponchos but still got soaked when we left, and we didn’t mind one bit.
Skylon Tower
There are so many ways to see the Falls, and one of our favorites was heading up the Skylon Tower. From this observation deck, we got aerial, sweeping views of the Falls, the Niagara River, and the surrounding area, which really helped us appreciate the landscape’s immense scale. Though we didn’t visit the restaurants, they are also a great way to take a break and enjoy the spectacular scenery, with fine dining at 775 feet in the Revolving Dining Room or casual dining at the Summit Suite Buffet. NJ Mom Tip: Plan this excursion for a clear day for an even better view.
Clifton Hill
When we wanted a break from sightseeing, we headed to Clifton Hill, a boardwalk-style amusement area that felt like the Jersey Shore. The street is packed with rides, eateries, mini-golf, live entertainment, and games, and we spent a few hours wandering around and finding something both of my kids (and the adults) wanted to try. The lively atmosphere made for a fun night with our littles.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Looking for a day trip? Niagara-on-the-Lake wasn’t far from where we stayed at the Falls and was a nice way to unwind and explore the area’s quieter side. We enjoyed walking through the charming downtown, browsing the shops, and taking in the historic buildings without the crowds. I highly recommend taking a day and exploring this spot.
Butterfly Conservatory
The glass-enclosed Butterfly Conservatory transported us to a rainforest-type setting, and we felt like we had left the Falls altogether. While we were there, we walked through the tropical greenhouses as over 2,000 colorful butterflies flew around us, sometimes landing surprisingly close. The butterflies at the conservatory are free-flying and all around you. My kids loved trying to spot different butterflies, and we found it to be so peaceful. Make sure you leave yourself at least an hour to take it all in.
Rainbow Bridge
There are many ways to see the Falls, and walking across the Rainbow Bridge, which connects Niagara, NY, to Niagara, Canada, is one of the coolest because it puts you above the Niagara River and gives you a different perspective. As you cross the border, stop to take a family photo with the rainbow in the background. NJ Mom Tip: Bring your passport to cross the bridge, since you’ll need to show it to enter either side.
Niagara Gorge Rim Trail
If you want to see the Falls without hopping on a boat or visiting an attraction, walk the Niagara Gorge Rim Trail from the dam to the Falls and back. The trail follows the gorge and gave us a few opportunities to stop, look out over the river, and take in the gorgeous landscape. One of the best parts of this spot was walking at our own pace, especially with two little ones, and letting them burn off energy as we explored.
Top of the Falls Restaurant
For a meal with a view, head to the Top of the Falls Restaurant within the Niagara Falls State Park. When we sat down for lunch, we looked out over the Falls, which turned an ordinary meal into something spectacular. With floor-to-ceiling windows right beside me, I was at a loss for words. The food was delicious, and the menu had something for even the pickiest eaters (hello burgers, salads, and more).
Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Welcome Center
One of the best things about visiting Niagara Falls is that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to enjoy the experience. We stopped at the Welcome Center for free family fun and had a blast learning about the park, finding information about the attractions, and planning our trip. This 28,000-square-foot building has glass walls that enthralled my kids, and we grabbed a snack and took a bathroom break while we were there.
Learn more about Niagara Falls on their website, Facebook, and Instagram.
Become an NJ MOM Insider—sign up for the NJ MOM newsletter to get the lowdown on everything for your family, filled with in-the-know tips for NJ moms. And be sure to follow @NJMOM on social for all the latest info and family fun.
(Includes material Copyright 2026 NJ MOM LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
