Things to do in Niagara with family
Niagara · Family · Kids · Outdoors · Rainy day
Niagara is more than the Falls, though the Falls never get old.
Between the gorge, the Welland Canal, the lakefront and the escarpment, there's enough here for a dozen family days.
Here's where to start, from the big-ticket attractions to the small ones kids remember longest.
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Niagara City Cruises
Niagara Falls
The classic: a boat ride past the American and Bridal Veil Falls and into the mist of the Horseshoe Falls.
Ponchos provided, soaked smiles guaranteed. It's Canada's only Niagara Falls boat tour, and it runs in the warmer months.
5920 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls
Good for: familykids
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Journey Behind the Falls
Niagara Falls
Head down through the bedrock into 130-year-old tunnels and stand on platforms beside the Horseshoe Falls as they thunder past. Open year-round, so it works in winter too.
Table Rock Centre, 6650 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls
Good for: familyrainy daywinter
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The Butterfly Conservatory
Niagara Falls
A warm, quiet, tropical break from the crowds, with about 180 metres of paths and thousands of butterflies landing wherever they like, sometimes on you. Perfect for little ones.
2565 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls
Good for: familykidsrainy day
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The Whirlpool Aero Car
Niagara Falls
A century-old cable car that carries you high over the Niagara Whirlpool and its teal water. Short, unforgettable, and great for kids who like a little thrill.
3850 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls
Good for: familyolder kids
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Watch the ships at Lock 3
St. Catharines
At the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre, an elevated viewing platform puts you right beside Lock 3 as freighters from around the world rise and fall through the Welland Canal.
Ships pass from spring to early winter. Add the museum inside for the story behind it.
1932 Welland Canals Pkwy, St. Catharines
Good for: familykidsfree viewing
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Lakeside Park Carousel, Port Dalhousie
St. Catharines
A beautifully restored century-old carousel by the lake, with an original Looff lion to spot. It runs seasonally from mid-May to Thanksgiving; follow it with ice cream and a walk on the beach and pier.
Good for: familysmall kidssummer
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Ball's Falls Conservation Area
Lincoln
Two waterfalls, a restored 1800s village and trails along Twenty Mile Creek in Lincoln, with the Bruce Trail running through. Easy enough for kids, pretty in every season.
3292 Sixth Ave, Lincoln
Good for: familyoutdoors
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Clifton Hill
Niagara Falls
Loud, bright and exactly what kids want after a day of nature: arcades, rides and attractions a short walk from the Falls. Set a budget before you arrive.
Good for: familykidsrainy day
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Volta Sports & Social Club, opening soon
Grimsby
On the way home along the QEW in Grimsby: a kids zone, so parents can play padel or pickleball, train, or have a coffee with the kids right there.
Plus indoor golf simulators, a 24/7 gym, studio classes, sauna and cold plunge, and a café and lounge.
Padel · Pickleball · Indoor golf · 24/7 gym · Pilates · Yoga · Spin · Wellness hub · Kids zone · Lounge and café
Questions we hear a lot
What is there to do in Niagara with kids?
What can families do in Niagara on a rainy day or in winter?
Journey Behind the Falls is open year-round, the Butterfly Conservatory is indoors, and the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre has exhibits inside.
Once it opens, Volta in Grimsby adds indoor courts, a kids zone and a café.
What are free things to do in Niagara with family?
Where can you see ships on the Welland Canal?
Follow Volta from the beginning.
Free. No payment today.