Niagara Falls With Kids

Families can fill several days at Niagara Falls without repeating themselves. The US side leans toward nature, aquariums and the park, while the Canadian side has the butterfly house, the Clifton Hill strip and the tunnels. US prices are in US dollars and Canadian prices are in Canadian dollars. Crossing between the two needs passports for every child as well as every adult.

On the US side

Great Lakes 360 and the Aquarium of Niagara share one ticket at 701 Whirlpool Street. Great Lakes 360 opened in July 2024 with 16 exhibits on lake wildlife such as sturgeon, turtles and frogs. The neighbouring aquarium building has rescued seals and sea lions. Tickets are $25 for adults and $18 for children 3 to 12, with children 2 and under free. Doors are open daily from 9:00 to 17:00.

Niagara Scenic Trolley loops around Niagara Falls State Park, so tired little legs can ride between Prospect Point, Cave of the Winds and the Three Sisters Islands. The 2026 season ends on November 29, and fares are a few dollars per ride.

Cave of the Winds gives older children a soaking on the wooden walkways beside Bridal Veil Falls. Tickets are bought in person on Goat Island or at the Welcome Center. In winter the Hurricane Deck is closed and the lower walkways stay open.

On the Canadian side

Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory is at 2565 Niagara River Parkway, about 9 km north of the falls. Over 2,000 free-flying butterflies of 45 species live in an 11,000 square foot glass house, and windows show butterflies emerging from chrysalises. Adults pay $20 CAD and children 3 to 12 pay $13 CAD, plus tax. It opens daily from 10:00 to 17:00.

Niagara SkyWheel on Clifton Hill rises 53 metres in enclosed gondolas that seat six. The ride takes 8 to 12 minutes and costs about $15 CAD for adults and about $7 CAD for children. It runs from 10:00 until 2:00 in the morning.

Dinosaur Adventure Golf has two 18 hole courses with 50 life-size dinosaurs and an erupting volcano. Tickets are about $13 CAD for adults and about $9 CAD for children.

Niagara Parks Power Station has hands-on generators and turbine displays that explain hydroelectric power.

Boats and spray

Maid of the Mist (US) and Niagara City Cruises (Canada) both soak passengers at the foot of Horseshoe Falls. Children under six can find the noise and heavy spray overwhelming, so bring waterproof clothing and a spare layer. Both boats stop for winter, so cold-weather trips should use the tunnels, aquarium and butterfly house instead.

Safety near the water

Currents in the river above the falls and in the gorge are deadly, so no child or adult should swim, wade, kayak, paddleboard or raft there. Keep children behind the railings at every viewpoint.

Tips

  • Plan one side per day to avoid the border queue, which can reach 45 to 60 minutes in summer.
  • The viewing areas at Queen Victoria Park and Terrapin Point are free and suit every age.

Read more: Things to do at Niagara Falls covers the main attractions on both sides.

Official sites and booking

Check hours at the Aquarium of Niagara and Niagara Parks . Family tour bundles can be compared on GetYourGuide .