If you’re making summer travel plans, there’s no shortage of destinations to choose from. But if you’d like to visit one of the most majestic sites in the U.S., direct your eyes towards Niagara Falls, NY. Not only does upstate New York have plenty of small-town charm, delicious food, and endless history, but the stunning scenery is mesmerizing. We’ll help you look beyond the water for things to do in Niagara Falls, NY for families who don’t want to spend the day waiting in a line.
Family vacation to Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls has three separate falls on the southern end of the Niagara Gorge, which are Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and American Falls. The falls border both New York state in the U.S. and the province of Ontario in Canada, and are formed by the Niagara River. OK, geography lesson over.
There are a multitude of family-friendly activities in and around Niagara Falls, but with almost 9.5 million visitors in 2023, many of the top attractions in the area are crowded during peak times. If avoiding people and lines but still enjoying the falls in all their splendor is on the top of your summer to-do list, here are a few can’t-miss attractions and things to do in Niagara Falls, NY, for families who want some space to themselves.
Activities in Niagara Falls
Hiking trails
Niagara Falls State Park in New York offers world-class hiking trails all throughout the scenic beauty of the region. The Great Gorge Scenic Overlook Hike is an easy 1-mile loop highlighting the park’s beautiful scenery, but won’t leave you sore and tired at the end of the day.
The Upper Great Gorge Hike is slightly longer than the Great Gorge Scenic Overlook Hike, but is still rated as easy and has no age requirement, making it perfect for the family. Devil’s Hole Rapids and Giant Rock is a moderate hiking trail providing adventures with stunning views of Devil’s Hole Rapids and Giant Rock, two of the area’s most stunning natural features. Hikers should be in relatively good shape, and children under 8 aren’t allowed on the trail.
Whirlpool Rapids Adventure Hike is a strenuous trek and is recommended for experienced hikers at least 8 years old. The trail features fun boulder hopping and is a 3.5-mile, out-and-back (as opposed to a loop) trail offering beautiful scenery and a trek down into the gorge.
Prospect Point Observation Tower
Get a bird’s-eye view of the falls at Prospect Point Observation Tower. At close to 300 feet high, the aluminum, steel, and glass structure holds pride of place at the base of the gorge. With high-speed elevators, there’s no need to worry about schlepping up the stairs to the top, unless you want to take the exterior stairs to the Crow’s Nest and feel the spray from the falls and the wind in your hair. The world-famous Maid of the Mist tour boat launches from the base of Prospect Point Observation Tower.
Maid of the Mist
While definitely not a low-crowd attraction, the Maid of the Mist is a must-do if you visit Niagara Falls. A Niagara Falls staple for more than 150 years, Maid of the Mist is actually two boats that ferry passengers from the U.S. side and allow visitors to get up close and personal (and wet) with the grandeur of the falls. Don’t worry, the park supplies you with a souvenir poncho to protect you from the spray.
Cave of the Winds
Get a VIP pass for Bridal Veil Falls with this must-see tour. Though it’s not exactly a cave tour, during the Cave of the Winds tour you’ll descend more than 150 feet via elevator into Niagara Gorge to the Hurricane Deck. A series of wooden walkways and traverses allow adventurers to roam close to the falls and feel the tropical velocity winds. If you decide to brave the falls this way, know you will come out drenched.
Old Fort Niagara
For the history buffs in your family, Old Fort Niagara is a can’t-miss attraction on the U.S. side. Originally a French fortification, the fort, which was built in 1726 and has changed hands several times, saw action in almost all the colonial era conflicts, including the American Revolution and the French and Indian War. Now home to numerous living history tours and exhibits, the fort is a beautifully restored example of life in the early days of the United States.
Tips for your Niagara Falls visit
If you want to make the most of your visit, consider going in the off-season when peaks wait times won’t be 2 to 3 hours long. Summer is not only the hottest weather-wise, but the crowds would make anyone want to cry. We won’t even mention the parking during the summer months. Not only that, but hotels will be more expensive and harder to book.
Better times to go
Winter sees the lowest number of visitors (December until February), and spring is next for the least crowded season (March through May). If summer is the only time you can get off, try to avoid the weekends. Weekdays, and as early as you can possibly get there, will give you the advantage.
Other places to try to see
Centennial Lilac Garden
Centennial Lilac Garden is a chance to see over a thousand lilacs of over 200 varieties in bloom. We can smell how amazing it must be from here.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Full of shops, places to eat, historical sites, and gorgeous gardens, Niagara-on-the-Lake has a bit of away from water sightseeing to do.
A visit to Niagara Falls combines the wonders of nature with the complexity of the rich history around the U.S. and Canadian border and provides families with many opportunities to learn. You won’t regret your visit, and if you plan it out, you could avoid the crowds and lines and enjoy the beautiful sites with your family.
