How to spend one day at Niagara Falls with kids
One of the most iconic places to add to your summer road trip itinerary is a visit to Niagara Falls. This is probably one of the most visited places in the country, and rightly so.
It’s such an incredible sight to see, and so worth planning a visit during the kids summer break!
Niagara Falls is open year round and is one of the oldest state parks in the United States. The best part is that it is completely FREE to visit!
On the blog, I will share the top things to do in one day at Niagara Falls with kids in the New York side. We have visited a few times and it’s always amazing to see the falls up close!
You can easily experience all that the park has to offer on a day trip to Niagara Falls with kids, or make it a weekend visit and experience the falls from the Canada side as well!
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Best time to visit Niagara Falls
We visited Niagara Falls a few times now and I believe the best time to plan your visit is during the summer.
May to August is the perfect time to plan your day trip to Niagara, so you can enjoy all that the park has to offer including the boat tours, and the Cave of the Winds experience.
Since you will be visiting during the warm summer months, be prepared for crowds!
I suggest planning a weekday visit, and plan to come early to ensure you have a parking spot, and to enjoy the falls before the hot afternoon sun!
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Where to park at Niagara Falls
If you are driving to Niagara Falls NY, there are several parking lots in the area to choose from.
Keep in mind that parking can get pretty packed, especially during the summer and weekends.
I highly recommend you arrive early in the morning to ensure you have a parking spot. There are also parking garages in the area as well.
Parking fees:
- Monday-Thursday: $10
- Friday-Sunday: $15
- Parking Lot 1 is located close to the Visitor Center.
- Parking Lot 2 is located on Goat Island.
- Parking Lot 3 is also located on Goat Island, and is open Friday-Sunday, and costs $10
- Parking Lot 4 is at the Niagara Gorge
What to pack for Niagara Falls
When planning your trip to Niagara Falls with kids, there are a few things you should add to your packing list, especially If you plan on doing the Maids of the Mist, and the Cave of the Winds Tours because you will get wet! Here are some of our must haves:
- Crocs
- wet/dry bags
- water resistant back pack
- extra clothes
- first aid kit
- camera
- cell phone
- snacks
How to get around Niagara Falls State Park
Niagara Falls State Park can easily be explored on foot, but you can also get around on the Niagara Scenic Trolley for an historic overview, with fun facts & tips.
Trolley tickets costs:
- Adult: $3
- Child (Ages 6-12): $2
- Child (Ages 5 and Under): Free
One day at Niagara Falls with kids
Niagara Falls State Park
Niagara Falls State Park is situated on 400 acres, with over 15 miles of hiking trails and stunning views of the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and a portion of the Horseshoe Falls.
If you’re planning a day trip to Niagara Falls, there are so many fun things to do on your visit.
The park features thrilling attractions, interactive exhibits, miles of hiking trails and more.
Niagara Falls State Park Visitor Center
Your first stop on your visit to Niagara Falls State Park is the Niagara Falls Visitor Center.
This is where you can get park maps and information. This is also where the Niagara Adventure Theater and the parks main gift shop is located.
There’s also a cafe where visitors can enjoy deli sandwiches, specialty coffees, ice cream and more. The Visitors Center is open 8 AM – 6 PM daily.
Fun attractions at Niagara Falls
Admire the Waterfalls
Of course one of the top things to do on a day trip to Niagara Falls with kids are the waterfalls! There are a few locations to admire these stunning waterfalls at Niagara Falls State Park.
The most popular spot for viewing the falls is at Prospect Point. This is where you can get the most stunning views of the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and a portion of the Horseshoe Falls.
Cross the pedestrian bridge over the American Rapids to Luna Island and get an up close and personal look at Bridal Falls and views of the observation tower and Rainbow Bridge.
From there, head over to Goat Island to Terrapin Point to get up close to the Horseshoe Falls. Be aware that you may get wet here! This is also where the Cave of the Winds experience is located, and the Top of the Falls restaurant.
Niagara Falls Observation Tower
One of the best places to view both the American and Horseshoe Falls is from the Niagara Falls observation tower.
This 230-foot overlook provides the only U.S. location where you are able to view out into the Niagara Gorge, with unobstructed views of the falls.
This is also where the elevators are located to get you to the base of the gorge, where you will board the Maid of the Mist boat tour. The observation tower is open from 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM and admission is currently free!
Cave of the Winds
One of the best attractions that you can add to your one day itinerary at Niagara Falls is the Cave of the Winds experience! Explore beneath the American Falls, along Hurricane Deck, and descend 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge.
Be aware that you will get wet at this attraction! You are provided a poncho, but that’s nothing against the power of the waterfall! I suggest wearing dri-fit clothing and sandals, and make sure to pack extra clothes!
This attraction is fun for all ages, because you can control how close you want to get to the falls. You don’t necessarily have to get under the falls and get soaked.
Some people just like to descend into the gorge to take photos of the waterfalls from a different angle!
Be aware that Face coverings will be required while riding in the elevator, and while traveling through the tunnel from the elevator to the Gorge.
Tickets costs:
- Adult: $19
- Child (Ages 6-12): $16
- Child (Ages 5 and Under): Free
Maids of the Mist Boat Tour
One of the most iconic tours you can take at Niagara Falls is the Maids of the Mist Boat Tour. This is the best family activity at Niagara Falls with kids.
The boat tour begins at the Observation Tower at Prospect Point, where you are given a souvenir rain poncho, and where you will board the double-deck Maid of the Mist boat.
The boat tour ferries past the base of the American Falls, and onto the basin of Horseshoe Falls where you will get the most stunning and up close views of the falls. Be aware that you may get wet on the boat tour!
Face masks are required during the boat tour, and tickets can be purchased onsite. Reservations are not accepted. Get here early to avoid the long queues!
Tickets costs:
- Adult: $25.25
- Child (ages 6-12): $14.75
- Child (Ages 5 and Under): Free – with accompanying adult.
Admire the Waterfalls at night
Another must see attraction at Niagara Falls with kids is the nighttime illumination of the Falls.
The waterfalls are illuminated every night beginning at dusk from about (8:00 PM – 2:00 AM).
It’s really a beautiful sight to see, and is worth staying the night at Niagara Falls!
Other Niagara Falls Attractions:
- Niagara Falls Adventure Theater
- Aquarium of Niagara
- Visit the Shoellkopf Power Plant Ruins site
- Go hiking at Niagara Falls State Park
Where to eat at Niagara Falls
Cafe fare, snacks and treats are available for purchase throughout the park. Here is a list of some of the cafes at Niagara Falls State Park, as well as a few restaurants in town:
- Prospect Point Cafe is located on the lower level of the Niagara Falls Visitor Center. The cafe serves deli sandwiches, wraps, salads, pizza and snacks in a casual setting.
- Prospect Point Grill is also located at the Visitors center on the outside patio. This place serves flame-grilled sandwiches and soft drinks.
- Cave of the Winds Snack Bar is located in the Cave of the Winds building on Goat Island, and serves grilled sandwiches, French fries, pizzas, and ice cream.
- Hard Rock Cafe is located across the park. Make reservations, as this restaurant gets pretty packed!
- Rainforest Cafe is located just a short walk from the park, located at the Sheraton Hotel. Make sure to reserve a table beforehand.
Hotels near Niagara Falls
When planning a one day visit to Niagara Falls with kids in New York, make sure to stay in a hotel that’s close to Niagara Falls. Here are a few that are located just a walk away:
- Comfort Inn the Pointe is our favorite hotel. This hotel is literally located across from the park and you can easily walk to the falls. Parking is onsite and costs $5 and it’s the perfect stay for a day trip to Niagara.
- Sheraton Niagara Falls is about an 8 minute walk to the park. It’s located in town next to lots of restaurants with an indoor pool and fitness center. There is On-site parking which costs $21.60
- Hyatt Place Niagara Falls is also located close to the park and offers an indoor pool as well. Public parking is available across the street from the hotel with a fee!
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