5 Reasons Why NYC Families Should Visit Niagara Falls This Summer
While there’s an abundance of attractions and activities for families to enjoy in New York City, it can be nice for parents to get out of the bustling metropolis on the weekends to rest and recharge while enjoying quality time with their kids. States like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut can be reached within a few hours’ drive from the Big Apple, and there are several smaller and charming towns and cities in New York that are suitable for family-friendly weekend trips.
Located near Buffalo along the Canadian border, Niagara Falls is about a seven-hour drive from New York City on either the I-80 W or I-81 N and I-90 W, meaning you’ll likely want to save the trip for a long holiday weekend. However, it’s definitely worth the drive, as it’s home to one of the world’s most impressive water attractions, which includes three distinct and easily accessible falls that run into the Niagara River and flow into Lake Ontario.
Below is a closer look at the falls and the other attractions in Niagara Falls. Remember to bring a passport, as the Canadian side of the border town not only offers unmatched views of the falls, but also features several child-friendly entertainment attractions.
Niagara Falls State Park
Niagara Falls State Park on the American side of the falls covers 400 acres and features more than 15 miles of hiking trails. It is the oldest state park in New York (1885) and was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, the same landscape architect who designed New York’s Central Park. The Observation Tower is the park’s most popular attraction. Visitors can reach the tower via a vintage-style trolley to experience unmatched panoramic views of the three falls: Bridal Veil Falls, American Falls, and Horseshoe Falls.
Horseshoe Falls, also known as Canadian Falls, is on the Canadian side of the border and is the biggest of the three falls with an estimated crestline of 670 meters wide. While it’s not even one of the 500 tallest waterfalls in the world, it’s the largest in terms of the volume of water siphoned at 750,500 gallons per second. The falls are illuminated in several different colors at night.
Maid of the Mist and the Cave of the Winds
The Observation Tower is a great place to look upon the falls, but visitors can get even closer and feel the mist of the falls through Maid of the Mist. In operation since 1846, the double-decker boat leaves from the base of the Observation Tower and takes visitors on a 30-minute tour along the base of the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls. Niagara City Cruises operates a similar boat tour on the Canadian side. Passengers for both tours are given ponchos to keep their clothes dry.
The Cave of the Winds presents another opportunity for people to experience the falls up close. Visitors are given ponchos and souvenir sandals before descending 175 feet into the gorge where they stand on a wooden platform about 20 feet from Bridal Veil Falls.
Aquarium of Niagara
If it’s raining — or you aren’t up for getting wet on a waterfall boat tour — be sure to check out the Aquarium of Niagara. The aquarium has more than 200 marine species and in excess of 30 educational exhibits. It also offers regular presentations, including sea lion shows and penguin feedings.
Old Fort Niagara
Older or more inquisitive children might be interested in learning about Niagara Falls’ history and its strategic importance during wartime. Old Fort Niagara, for example, was critical to controlling and protecting access to the Great Lakes. Once held by France and Britain, it has been under US control since 1815 and served as a training station and barracks for American soldiers in both World Wars. It now boasts an impressive display of military architecture and related artifacts from the 18th and early 19th centuries.
Entertainment Offerings
The Canadian side of Niagara Falls has plenty of entertainment offerings for families while still offering beautiful views of all three falls. The Niagara Skywheel, at 175 feet, is among Canada’s largest observation wheels; on clear days, visitors can see skyscrapers in Toronto. The Whirlpool Aero Car, an aerial cable car that travels 3,500 feet across the Niagara River at an elevation of 240 feet, is another unique way to view the falls. Interestingly, this ride travels into the US, but Canadians don’t require a passport as they don’t actually leave the car and touch land.
The Skywheel is located in Clifton Hill, also known as Niagara’s Street of Fun. The festive downtown street also features the Niagara Speedway, restaurants, and shops selling all kinds of treats. Other fun family attractions include Fallsview Waterpark, Ripley’s Museum, Wizards Golf, Movieland Wax Museum, Louis Tussauds Museum, Bird Kingdom, Nightmares Fear Factory, and Strike Rock N Bowl.
