Niagara Falls with Children Yes or No??

My son was approximately 2 and a half when we went, and he was simply amazed. He was not frightened at all.

D.,
There are plenty of colorful flowers to see, lots of black squirrels (indigenous to Canada :) and very cute).

I can't say the younger ones will understand the scope and velocity and awesome noise of the falls but your older one will. :)

Expensive food, but if you're on vaca, that might not matter.

Pack your passports, too, unless you call ahead and ask that birth certificates will do for all 5 of you. It used to be that, but I think it changed. Might change your mind.

Truly beautiful in that you are less than 5 feet from the water (and the edge of the falls, just like in the Superman movie).

Plenty of grass to picnic in the area, and other sites to see.

Good luck!
M.

PS: Allow at least double the time to get back over the border.

I went with my kids, we all had a blast. Our youngest was under a year old at the time and he even enjoyed himself. We made it a "go look at a college and see Niagara Falls vacation" all in one. What we did was set up our appointment to see the college on the last day so that once we were done visiting the college we could head for home. The restaurants we chose were all child friendly as well. The one thing the 2 little ones were not able to do was go on Cave of the Winds because they were too young but what we did was go to the state park and other attractions that were suitable for them, this way the older ones got to do things they wanted and the little ones got to have fun too. All in all it was a great vacation. Hope you have a wonderful time too.
T.

I went to Niagara Falls with my husband and our two year old over Memorial Day weekend and we had a blast! My son wasn't scared of the waterfalls at all. He loved looking at them and getting sprayed by the mist. We stayed at the Marriott that overlooks the falls on the Canadian side and it was gorgeous. There were great views of both falls, and we had a birds-eye view of the fireworks show on Friday night (not sure if that is still going on, check to see if it is). We took the Maid of the Mist tour and he was a little frightened at first when we approached Horseshoe Falls, but it didn't take him long to get over the fear. We did not go to any of the other tours that take you directly to the falls as we felt he was still a little too young. We also didn't do any of the super touristy things (IMAX, water park, attractions, etc.) because we were only there for two days before heading off to Toronto for the rest of the long weekend.

My son still talks about his trip to see the "big waterfalls" and he asks when we are going to go back. It's an amazing sight to see! Don't forget to bring your passports if you plan on heading into Canada.

Have fun!!

I recall going to the falls as a child and loving it.
although, things have changed alot since then, not sure how many "kid friendly" things there are to do on the American Side. The Canadian Side has some neat wax museums and shops, but i'm not sure how easy it is to cross these days.
But i'm sure the kids will enjoy it either way!

Hey D.,
Ever since my husband and I went there many years ago, we have been returning there as often as we could. We just took 4 of our kids at the end of June. We stayed on the Canadian side right off Clifton Hill so everything was with in walking distance. My kids, 13, 10, 7, and 2 1/2, LOVED it. They enjoyed the fireworks and illumination. We had gotten fun passes and rode the free trolley to other attractions. Niagrara's Fury is not for the little ones. My two youngest were very scared and I had to walk out. My 2 yr old didn't like the Maid of the Mist when I held her close to the falls, but she was very happy to be in her carriage on the boat. They really liked the Butterfly conservatory. Please make sure you have the proper paperwork before crossing the boarder. They are very strict, especially when it comes to kids. My best advice is to have fun and enjoy the time together.

We went in April. We stayed at the Sheraton on the Falls on the Canadian side. Be sure you research what documents you need to go over the border. The Canadian side is great, our hotel had a indoor waterpark and many Restaurants and a arcade and fun center. It was great. We went for 3 days and could have stayed longer. The kids loved it. Mine our 11,10 and 2. The falls are not scary we even went on the tour behind them. We did not do the Maid in the Mist because it dint open till may. Have a great time if you go!

Hi D. -- We went two years ago with my daughter who, at the time, was 1 year old. She wasn't afraid at all. She even travelled on the Maid of the Mist although we stayed on the lower level to keep from getting too wet. There are places that you might not be able to walk (e.g. behind the falls) because the rocky/slippery terrain might be too much for your youngest child. Overall, there are nice areas to stroll and explore. Have fun!

We went last summer with my girls, ages 9,6 and 2 at the time. We had one of the best family vacations there. Stayed on the Canadian side with an amazing view of the falls. There was so much to do there that we didn't get to do everything we wanted.

Hi D.,
I've never known a child to be scared by Niagara Falls, there's nothing frightening, it's just something to look at. I hope that you all enjoy yourselves!

Hi D.,

I went to Niagara Falls almost 20 years ago. It's a beautiful place with lots to do. However, in my opinion its not a place for little children. I would highly recommend you save this trip and go in another 5 years when your children are old enough to enjoy and appreciate it.

Hi D., I went there 3 weeks ago with my 2 year old daughter. We stayed at the Canadian side, so you can see falls from a reasonable distance (instead of walking over them). But we also took the boat excursion, all of us got completely wet and my daughter even went with the husband to see the falls from its back! and as other moms said, there are plenty of picnic and parks areas....so I think you'll enjoy it! and yes, food is not cheap but just take as part of the trip!
F.

Definitely go! My girl loved it. She was about 2 years old. We donned the raincoats and took the boat trip and walked through the tunnel. It's very impressive and very safe.

IMO too young. They really will not enjoy it. Little ones may be frightened. Some railings are right on top
of the water. I would spend the money on a trip close
to home that is age appropriate. Something the whole
family can enjoy. Have fun!

Hi D.,

Things have changed in Niagara Falls so it's more family friendly. I would suggest staying at Great Wolf Lodge which has an indoor water park...great if you end up w/ a rained out vacation. There's a huge video game place at the corner of Clifton Hill. There are affordable places to eat....there's an interactive dinner theatre called "Oh Canada!" (the 2 yr old may not find that too enjoyable). If you wanted to take a trip a little further up the QEW, I heard the African Safari near Toronto is fun. Just don't use your own car....you can take a bus through it so the animals don't rough up your car. On top of what I & the other moms have mentioned, I would suggest pulling up an official Niagara Falls web site.

Take care & have fun!
A.