Visiting Niagara Falls with Kids (One day Trip)
Planning on visiting Niagara Falls with kids? In this post I will share our trip visiting Niagara Falls with kids, tips for visiting, and more to help you plan your trip. Spending a day at Niagara Falls in New York offers an immersive experience, where you can witness the sheer magnitude of the cascading waters, feel the mist on your face, and make memories.
Embarking on a vacation to Niagara Falls promises an extraordinary adventure, where nature’s grandeur and awe-inspiring beauty are a must-see. Nestled on the border of the United States and Canada, this iconic destination is a testament to the Earth’s raw power and captivating allure.
Visiting Niagara Falls with kids
On our way home from visiting Rochester New York we made a quick overnight trip to Niagara Falls to see the New York side. We checked off everything we had on our Niagara Falls bucket list on this quick overnight stay and it was perfect. We do have plans to check out the Canadian side of the falls at some point, but on this trip, the border to Canada was closed.
Niagara Falls NY has been on our bucket list for a long time and being so close to the area when we were in Rochester we added the adventure of seeing the falls to our trip.
The quick trip was great, in less than 24 hours we checked off all the Niagara Falls USA bucket list items that we had and had a great time doing so. We do plan on going back at some point so we can see Niagara Falls Canada side, but for now, we are counting it as a bucket list item checked off.
One Day Trip to Niagara Falls
We arrived at the Hilton Double Tree Niagara Falls, ordered dinner from the downstairs restaurant, and then took a walk over to the Falls to see them lit up. Then we came back to the hotel and the kids went swimming in the pool and then went to bed.
We woke up in the morning and took the walk back to the falls to the Prospect Point Observation Point viewing area.
After seeing the falls from the Prospect Point Observation Point viewing area we took a drive to Stop Cafe to grab breakfast.
After breakfast, we headed to Niagara Falls State Park to go on our Maid of the Mist boat tour and then check out the views of the waterfalls from that top observation deck.
The Observation Deck in the Niagara Falls State Park is the perfect place to simultaneously view all three waterfalls – the American Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls that together makeup Niagara Falls. You will want to stop here when you are Niagara Falls with Kids and you will want to take photos.
Tips for Visiting Niagara Falls with Kids
Stay at a nearby hotel. Walking to the observation areas is easy and being at a hotel that is within walking distance will make things much easier. You will be able to enjoy the views while walking and then be able to enjoy the views without worrying about having to find parking.
Make it an overnight trip. Staying one night so you can see the illumination show on the falls and then doing the Maid of the Mist and seeing the falls during the daylight the next day will make it so you see the whole experience.
Wear the Poncho on Maid of the Mist. If you are going on Maid of the Mist wear the poncho. You are going to get wet and there is no way around that when you are on the boat tour.
Skip going during peak season. If you go when it is not peak season you will have fewer visitors exploring the area with you. Peak season at Niagara Falls is June thru August.
Dress comfortably. After the Maid of the Mist boat tour, you can walk up the path to get a closer view of the falls before taking the elevator back down to the ground level.
Where is Niagara Falls Located?
Niagara Falls is located in North America on the border between the United States and Canada. The falls themselves are situated between the state of New York in the United States and the province of Ontario in Canada. The city of Niagara Falls, New York, and the city of Niagara Falls, Ontario, both serve as gateways to this iconic natural wonder.
How many days do I need in Niagara Falls?
You can see the main attractions on the American side of the falls with a one-night stay. Visit the Falls at night to see them all lit up. Then the next day see them during the daylight and then take a boat ride on Maid of the Mist to see Niagara Falls up close.
Is it worth going to Niagara Falls at night?
Yes! The view of the falls while they are lit up with bright colored lights is breathtaking and a must-see when you are visiting.
Are there any other attractions in the Niagara Falls area?
If you are looking for more fun when you are in the area there are many other options to enjoy the natural beauty of the area with.
- Get closer to the Falls. If you are wanting more upclose fun then you can do the Journey Behind the Falls and the Cave of the Winds tours. On the Journey Behind the Falls, you will get close to the Horseshoe Falls which is the largest of the Falls. You can also do Cave of the Winds which allows you to touch the Bridal Veil Falls on the Hurricane Deck.
- Dinner with a view. You can eat dinner at the Skylon Tower Restaurant
- Go on a Helicopter ride. If you are wanting a different view of the falls there are multiple helicopter tours that will take you on a ride above the falls.
- Go on a hike. There are quite a few hiking trails in the area and near the falls that you can go on.
When is Niagara Falls open?
While Niagara Falls State Park welcomes visitors year-round to witness the captivating beauty of the Falls, it’s important to note that certain attractions within the park operate on a seasonal basis. For instance, renowned experiences like the Maid of the Mist boat tour and the exhilarating Cave of the Winds are available until October or November. Additionally, during the winter months, some viewing areas might be temporarily closed due to icy conditions, ensuring the safety of all guests.
Can you see both sides of Niagara Falls in One Day?
Yes! You can visit both sides of the Niagara Region in one day via the Rainbow Bridge. This bridge connects the United States side and the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. You can cross the bridge on foot or by car. You will need a valid passport to be able to see both sides of the waterfalls.
Where to stay that is Close to Niagara Falls
We spent the night at the Hilton Double Tree Niagara Falls which was the perfect spot. We wanted a hotel that would put us within walking distance of Niagara Falls. The walk from the hotel to the Falls was about 15 minutes.
You also have the Marriott Fallsview Hotel, Sheraton Niagara Falls Hotel, and Seneca Niagara Resort to name a few others that are within walking distance of the falls.
How to Walk From Hilton Double Tree Niagara Falls to the Niagara Falls Viewing Area
You will walk out the backdoors of the hotel and then walk straight ahead of you until you get to the road. This road is Riverway. Carefully cross the street and keep walking forward until you get to the walking path. The crosswalk on the road will lead you right to the walking path.
You will then make a right and walk down the walking path that lines the shoreline. While walking you will see the Niagara River on your lefthand side. Keep walking and you will get to the open area to see the views of the falls on the American side of Niagara Falls. While walking you will pass the American Rapids viewing area. Continue walking just a bit further and you will end up at the Prospect Point Observation Point viewing area.
Things to Do in New York With Kids
- Things to do in Rochester New York with Kids
- Visiting the Strong Museum of Play
- Things to do in Schenectady New York
- Mining for Herkimer Diamonds with kids
