– This post was written by Emma Levin –
Planning your next family vacation? Look no further than the iconic Niagara Falls. Whether you plan to get soaked on the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour or zipline high above the Falls, there’s guaranteed to be something for you in this one-of-a-kind location. Holding around one-fifth of the world’s freshwater, Niagara Falls has more than just awe-inspiring scenery, it’s the perfect place to combine adventure with spectacular views and heart-racing fun. If you’re searching for the best Niagara Falls tours for families, then this is the perfect guide for you. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to plan the greatest family vacation ever and make the most of what Niagara Falls has to offer.
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All aboard the Maid in America Niagara Falls Boat Tour
Don’t miss out on the oldest running tour of Niagara Falls. Enjoy up-close views of the giant whirlpool, rapids, and the lower Niagara River. Between the 570 liters of water per second descending over the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls, your little ones are likely to get wet. Thankfully, your handy souvenir ponchos are both practical and stylish! You’ll become fully emersed in this natural phenomenon on one of the best Niagara Falls boat tours. Remember to listen closely to the guide’s thrilling tales of the historic Falls and take time to ponder over its unsolved mysteries.
What’s included:
Enjoy a guided tour of the spectacular views from the United States’ side of Niagara Falls. Your ticket includes admission to the Cave of the Winds. Show your smartphone voucher to the driver-guide at the Welcome Center.
Length of tour:
4h 30 min
What to wear/bring:
Comfortable clothes and shoes are a must. Don’t forget to bring your camera.
Best for:
Parents wishing to captivate their toddlers and young kiddos. Keep in mind that children under four ride for free, but will not be reserved a seat.
Time to freefall with WildPlay Niagara Falls: Zipline to the Falls
What better way to see the Falls than suspended from the skies above? This adrenaline rush is perfect for families with a sense of adventure. Enjoy a hands-free, secure view of this natural wonder while being guided by a professional. Not just for seasoned adrenaline junkies, this action-packed experience will have your kids on cloud nine all day. It’s time to forget the ground’s perspective and take to the skies. If you’re visiting Niagara Falls with spirited kids, then don’t miss out on booking the Zipline to the Falls.
What’s included:
Your host will bring you to the Launch Deck, where you’ll receive safety precautions and necessary equipment. Then, you’ll fly like a bird past the American Falls and toward the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
Length of tour:
60-90 min
What to wear/bring:
Make sure the family wears their athletic clothes and sneakers. Leave your fear of heights at home!
Best for:
Families with kids that love a thrill. Keep in mind you must be at least seven years old to zip this line.
Tour a tranquil tropical oasis in the Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory
Is your family looking for a more tranquil visit to the Falls? Then, there’s peace to be found amongst 2,000 butterflies. Wander inside one of the largest glass-enclosed butterfly conservatories in North America and view its 45 species of butterflies. Flutter amongst the lush greenery and trickling waterfalls inside this gorgeous rainforest-like atmosphere. If you listen closely, you may even hear the rush of Niagara Falls in the background. Take a break from the splash zone and enjoy this natural, transformative experience. The animal lovers in your family will thank you for booking this tour.
What’s included:
This is a self-guided tour of 590 feet (180 meters) of winding pathways within an enclosed glasshouse. The tour begins with a short video presentation, where you and your kids will learn about all the stages of a butterfly’s life. If you’re lucky, you might even see a new butterfly emerging from its cocoon, readying to take its first flight. You can find the Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory located on the grounds of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens.
Length of tour:
60 min
What to wear/bring:
Wear your best walking shoes and most comfortable clothes.
Best for:
Little kiddos that consider themselves a creature enthusiast or entomophile! Remember that kids five and under are free.
Step into a history book on the Whirlpool Aero Car
Do you have history buffs in your family eager for an incredible, unobstructed bird’s eye view of the Falls? Then the aero car could be just what they need! Cross the Niagara Gorge in an old-style cable car, the only one of its kind in the entire world. You and your kids will love the ride over the magnificent Niagara Whirlpool and its next-door neighbor, the powerful whitewater rapids. This antique cable car has been crossing the Niagara Gorge since 1916. Don’t worry about its age because you’re more than securely suspended by six sturdy cable wires. Ideal for the avid photographer in your crew, seeing the Falls from above gives you a perspective like no other. This is one of the best Niagara Falls tours, so ride through your own slice of heaven as you hover above Niagara’s beautiful, teal-colored waters.
What’s included:
Soar 3,500 feet (1066 meters) above the Niagara River and travel across the US/Canadian border up to four times during the trip. You won’t need your passport to ride this cable car. Keep in mind this tour is seasonal and is in operation between April and November.
Length of tour:
45 min
What to wear/bring:
As always, wear your most comfortable clothes. It may get windy, so bring lots of lawyers!
Best for:
A family with youngsters or curious teens–the only requirement is that you leave your fear of heights at home!
The ultimate splash zone adventure: The Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour Lewiston
The Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour is ideal for thrill-seekers and families who are truly adventurous at heart. Ride directly into the bumpy Devil’s Hole Class 5 Whitewater rapids north of Niagara Falls on the Niagara River. Your guide will teach you about the river’s historical significance as you get drenched in knee-deep waters. Be sure you don’t get sucked beneath by the powerful whirlpool! No need to worry, as your captain is well-versed in navigating the boat safely across the waters. Put on your lifejacket and trusty poncho, and get ready to enjoy the refreshing spray. If you desire a similar experience but wish to stay fully dry, you can reserve a seat inside the boat’s glass enclosure.
What’s included:
Every family member must participate in a safety orientation. Life jackets and ponchos must be worn while aboard the boat. The boat departs from the waterfront boardwalk in the historic village of Lewiston, NY. If you wish to get utterly drenched, then choose the four front-row seats of the boat.
Length of tour:
45-60 min
What to wear/bring:
Water shoes are not included, so either purchase shoes on-site or bring a pair with you. You will definitely get wet, so make sure to pack an extra set of dry clothes. Either leave your camera at home or make sure it’s waterproof!
Best for:
Courageous families that are comfortable with getting soaked and potentially being knee-deep in water. You must be 40″ tall to ride inside the glass enclosure. For those who are braving the whitewater rapids, then a minimum height of 44″ is required.
Tunnel your way through the Journey Behind the Falls Tour
Ready the troops, grab your ponchos, and begin a glorious expedition through the cave-like tunnels of the Journey Behind the Falls. This is a self-guided tour, so put on your most stylish explorer’s hat and rally the kids. Go deep into the bedrock of the fascinating tunnels and feel the thunderous vibrations of the Horseshoe Falls, the largest of all the falls. You’ll hear the roar of water before you see the water. As you traverse through the caves, take peeks out of the viewing portals that have been cut straight through the rock. Finally, emerge from the tunnels onto an observation deck built into the cliffside at an impressive 13-story height. Remember to wear your poncho as you’ll probably get wet admiring the world’s most stunning natural spectacle. If you’re planning a day trip to Niagara Falls, then this tour is one of the best ways to see the Falls.
What’s included:
Descend 125 feet (38 meters) to the 130-year-old tunnels and feel the thunderous vibration of the powerful Falls. You will receive another handy souvenir poncho. This tour is open year-round.
Length of tour:
60 min
What to wear/bring:
Everyone should wear athletic clothes, comfortable walking shoes, and bring a camera, of course!
Best for:
Families with older kids and teens who are natural explorers and trailblazers!
Reach new heights on the Niagara Helicopter Tour
Who wouldn’t want to soar high above Niagara Falls? There’s a reason the helicopter ride is one of Niagara Falls’ most popular tours. Why not give your youngsters the ride of a lifetime and an experience they’ll never forget? The helicopter follows the Niagara River, flying above the Whirlpool Rapids, before turning around at the Rainbow Bridge. Rainbows will suddenly appear and disappear out of nowhere, so keep your eyes peeled and camera ready. Don’t miss out on these unforgettable views of the Falls. Keep in mind the pictures do not do the views justice.
What’s included:
As the tour gently lifts off from the Victoria Avenue location, the Niagara Region will begin to appear below. Large windows allow for breathtaking views as you soar over the Whirlpool Rapids and the gorgeous Rainbow Bridge.
Length of tour:
15 min
What to wear/bring:
Keep your camera at the ready! You won’t want to miss out on a second of these majestic views.
Best for:
Fearless families looking for a bird’s eye view of all the Falls has to offer.
Explore beyond the Falls:
Anyone else tired of getting a little wet? Well then, it’s high time your family gets dry, and ready to explore the area surrounding Niagara Falls. Between amusement park rides, adventure courses, and great places to stay, there’s plenty of things to do for families with kids of all ages. Consider visiting one of the spots below to complete your spectacular trip to Niagara Falls!
Test your balance on the Whirlpool Adventure Course
Get your adrenaline pumping on this world-class adventure course. Traverse wobbly bridges, climb over rope swings, and race your older kids on ziplines across this three-hour course. The adventure course consists of three different levels that get harder as you move from tree to tree. This course is guaranteed to give your entire family a bonding experience that no one will soon forget. You must be at least 4’8’’ to join the adventure course, so this activity is best for your teenagers and older kids. However, there is a kids’ adventure course, so the little ones don’t have to miss out.
Clifton Hill offers the most “Fun by the Falls”
Clifton Hill is a top destination in the surrounding Niagara Falls area. Located near Horseshoe Falls along the Niagara River, Clifton Hill’s Street of Fun provides entertainment, thrilling amusement rides, and delicious food all day and night. The Boston Pizza restaurant is the go-to favorite of tourists and locals alike. While touring Clifton hills, you can visit the Queen Victoria Park or the Oakes Garden Theatre, which overlooks the Falls. Insider tip: You’ll catch stunning views on the Niagara Skywheel, Canada’s largest giant wheel!
The best hotel for families with kids: Great Wolf Lodge
One of the best hotels for families with kids big and small, the Great Wolf Lodge is the perfect place to stay for you and your little ones. There are plenty of activities to please everyone in the family, including a pass to their famous Great Wolf Lodge Water Park. Whether you embark on a magical quest, spend hours in the arcade, or grab a bite to eat, there’s something for every member of your family at Great Wolf Lodge. Their suites are spaciously designed to offer more than enough room for parents and kids to relax and recharge before heading back out to the Falls.
With so many incredible tours full of breathtakingly gorgeous views, it’ll be hard to choose just one tour – if not all of them! You can check out more activities to do at Niagara Falls and find more fantastic ideas for family vacations on Tiqets.com.
