Niagara Falls USA is a favorite vacation destination for millions of families all over the world.  It has many attractions for children and adults.  A vacation in Niagara Falls NY could be one of the happiest memories your kids will have.  Here is a list of some fun activities for children:

Maid of the Mist

Children will love this boat ride that takes you so close to Niagara Falls, you will get drenched.  The sight of the massive Horseshoe Falls is awesome and is sure to thrill kids. Click here for more details.

Viewing Niagara Falls from Prospect Point

Kids will love seeing the American Falls from Prospect Point.  The Visitors Center, Niagara Adventure Theater, the Observation Tower and the Maid of the Mist are all located here.  Prospect Point Observation Tower extends into the Niagara Gorge and offers amazing, unobstructed views of the American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls.

Take a ride in Niagara Falls State Park USA’s Niagara Scenic Trolley

Niagara Scenic Trolley passes through the whole of Niagara Falls State Park.  You can stay aboard the trolley during its entire 3-mile route or get on and off as you wish.  The onboard tour guide provides a history of the park and points out the various landmarks and points of interest.

Niagara Gorge Discovery Center

Kids can learn about the geological history of Niagara Falls from the interactive displays at the Center.  You can also watch a short informative movie about Niagara Falls.

Old Fort Niagara

Kids will love the battle reenactments and the hourly musket demonstrations.  Visiting Old Fort Niagara will be a great history lesson for kids.  You can see the garrisons and how soldiers lived in the past.

Take a Jet Boat ride

Kids will love this thrilling jet boat ride that goes over the Niagara River’s class 5 white water rapids.  Take the open jet boat ride if you do not mind getting wet.  This ride is operated by Niagara Jet Adventures from Youngstown, NY.  There is even a closed dome jet boat for those wishing to stay dry.  The 360-degree turns made by the boat are especially fun.  You can also check out Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours that are operated from Lewiston.

Aquarium of Niagara

With a vast display of aquatic life from fish, turtles to whales and sea lions, the aquarium is a great educational experience for kids.  There is a penguin exhibit and seal petting sessions too.

Visit Goat Island and Luna Island

Goat Island and Luna Island are in the middle of the Upper Niagara River and offer great views of Niagara Falls.  The majestic Horseshoe Falls can be viewed from Terrapin Point on Goat Island.  Luna Island separates American Falls from the Bridal Veil Falls.  The view from the precipice of the island is breathtaking.

Take a Helicopter ride

A helicopter ride over Niagara Falls is going to be the highlight of your kids’ vacation in Niagara Falls, NY.  The aerial view of the Niagara River and its 3 waterfalls is amazing.  Rainbow Air Inc. is located close to Rainbow Bridge and offers tours from mid March through November, 9:00 a.m. to dusk, weather permitthing.

At The Falls Arcade

Located at the Sheraton, At The Falls Arcade features over 30 games and can be a great hit with kids.

Bird watching

The Niagara Falls State Park has a number of species of ducks and gulls.  You can help your kids spot peregrine falcons and bald eagles.  Each season, the park attracts various migratory birds.

Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum

This place in North Tonawanda is ideal for kids and is a testament to the wonder of a bygone era.  Kids will love the wooden handcrafted carousels.  There are many other kids’ rides too.  If you have time, you can visit the chocolote shop, Platter’s Chocolates.

Martin’s Fantasy Island

This amusement park in Grand Island, NY is just a short drive (roughly 15 minutes) from Niagara Falls, NY, and has 40+ roller coaster and thrill rides, a wave pool, a water park, live shows and many other attractions.

Experience culture

You can visit the Castellani Museum of Art and the Native American Museum of Art.

Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park

This waterfront attraction in Buffalo is just a 30-minute drive from Niagara Falls, NY.  It is the largest inland park of its kind in the country, and all branches of the Armed Forces are represented in the park’s exhibits.  Tour a guided missile cruiser, a destroyer and a WWII submarine.  Children will love the planes, uniforms and other memorabilia on display.

Learn all about electricity at the Robert Moses Niagara Hydroelectric Power Station

The power station located 4-1/2 miles downstream from Niagara Falls in Lewiston, NY, is a great place to visit.  Learn how power is generated and supplied to New York State.  The power station offers fabulous views of the Niagara River.

Exploring Niagara Falls NY with kids

While travelling with kids, some ground rules about not wandering off from the group, where to meet if anyone gets lost, etc., should be laid down.  If you are staying for more than 3 days, you can visit some of the neighbouring areas such as Lockport Locks and Erie Canal, The Buffalo Zoo, and Buffalo Botanical Gardens.

Depending on your kids’ interests, you can try out kayaking and canoeing, fishing, and hiking.