The Ultimate Guide to Having Fun With Your Grandchildren in Niagara Falls
Things to do in Niagara Falls for kids in Winter or Summer
Grandchildren are a blessing and a gift, but it can be hard to come up with fun kid-friendly activities that they’ll want to do. But it shouldn’t be a chore to enjoy your time with your little ones.
Spending time with your grandchildren is easier than ever in Niagara Falls. There are so many activities, attractions and things to do in Niagara Falls for kids in Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall.
Be the grandparent of the year by taking the kids to one of these fun and exciting activities.
23 Things to do in Niagara Falls With Your Grandchildren
When you become an empty nester, you start a new chapter in your life. The good news is that once your kids have grown up and left the house, you have grandchildren to look forward to.
Niagara is a hot destination for children. The region is bursting with fun and exciting things to do for kids and adults of all ages.
To make things even easier for you, there’s a shuttle that runs every 90 minutes between Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake. It will get you to almost all of these activities and attractions, so you won’t have to worry about driving and parking in the Niagara Falls tourist traffic.
Give Them Thrills on Clifton Hill
Clifton Hill is a world of excitement for your grandchildren. The beauty of this spot is that everything is located in one main area, and there are many options for food and snacks along the way. You also will be able to do multiple activities without walking too far in between.
As a bonus, you won’t be able to do everything there is to do all in one day, which is perfect to keep the kiddos coming back for more quality time! Check out these options for the ultimate fun fest.
Wax Museums in Niagara Falls
If your grandkids love wax museums, they’ll love Niagara Falls. There are so many choices that your most difficult decision will be which one to try first.
Louis Toussad’s and Movieland Wax Museum both showcase a variety of your favourite celebrities and familiar figures. If the kiddos are too scared of the horror section, there’s an option to skip it!
Great Canadian Midway
This large arcade is an exciting place for kids of all ages. It hosts tons of classic and modern arcade games as well as a moving theatre and an interactive Ghostblasters ride.
Let the kids win as many tickets as they can, and then exchange them at the prize counter to get a fun reward. This is a great opportunity to give them something they can take home to remind them of how awesome a grandparent you are.
Moving Theatre Experience
There are a few moving theatre options and ride simulators to choose from on Clifton Hill. There’s one at the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum, and a Spongebob 4D ride at the Falls Avenue Resort.
The Wild West Coaster at the Midway is a new 6D ride experience that puts guests right in the middle of the action, all from your seat. You’ll experience the bumps and twists of the ride on the screen, so it feels like you’re actually in the movie.
Mini Putt
Who doesn’t love mini putt? On Clifton Hill there are many options for mini putt, so you just have to choose what your grandkids love more: dinosaurs, wizards, or sea creatures.
The dinosaur mini putt is outdoors and includes some really cool figures spread throughout the course, as well as a volcano that spits fire and a moving tyrannosaurus rex.
All in one “Fun Centres”
Adventure City and Captain Jack’s Fun Center are two fun centres that feature all kinds of activities, from arcade games to laser tag and mini putt.
You can get passes for these places that let you enjoy a number of activities all for one price. These passes often include food deals so you can give the kids some refreshment to restore their energy.
Haunted Houses
Niagara Falls has some pretty thrilling options for haunted houses, but this might be an option only for older children. Some houses have varying levels of scariness you can choose, but tread carefully with this activity.
There are multiple haunted house locations scattered throughout the hill, including Nightmares Fear Factory, The House of Frankenstein and The Haunted House.
Hershey’s Chocolate World
This sweet and delicious place is located at the foot of Clifton Hill. It’s packed with 7,000 square feet of sugary goodness to explore.
Sample the fudge and house-made treats, and then leave with some unique brand merchandise. You’ll get to indulge your own sweet tooth while you give the kids a treat.
Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum
Ripley’s just went through a brand new facelift and debuted an all-new building with even more exciting things to see. Inside, you’ll explore the “odditorium” and see all of the unique, strange items they have.
It’s hard to miss this attraction with its giant gorilla figure on the side of the building, as well as the climber scaling the side.
Upside Down House
This is a quick little activity to do when you’re trying to get one more activity in before you call it a day. Just like the name says, this entire house is upside down. As you walk through, try to keep your balance!
This is a great photo op as well. Take some really cool pictures at this spot to put on your fridge or send back to your children.
Niagara Skywheel
This is one of the biggest landmarks in Niagara Falls, located right in the heart of Clifton Hill. Climb into one of the air conditioned and heated gondolas, which are perfect for any time of the year.
The view from the top of this ferris wheel-esque ride will amaze you at any time of the day. However, take it at night to see beautiful lights and the lit up falls. What a great way to end the day!
Take Them up Close to The Niagara Falls
The Niagara Falls are a beautiful sight to see. Your grand kids might not care about the natural beauty of the water rushing from North America’s most powerful waterfall, but they’ll enjoy the activities you can do with them there.
A word of warning: some of these activities are sure to get you wet. They are best enjoyed in the summer time, and most of them provide rain ponchos.
Journey Behind the Falls
This experience is truly unique and gets you right up close to the behind the scenes action of the falls. You’ll take an elevator down to the base of the falls and enjoy watching them come thundering down right in front of you.
You’ll also come out to 2 observation decks, one upper and one lower, to watch this wonderful sight. Kids will love the loud excitement of the falls with the experience of getting sprayed with water.
Hornblower Niagara Cruises
Get as close as you can get to the falls without actually jumping in them with this exciting boat ride. You’ll board a catamaran and get up close to all 3 of the waterfalls, on both the Canadian and American sides.
This is one of the most iconic visitor experiences in Niagara Falls, so you won’t want to miss the opportunity to show the grand kids what this area is all about.
Niagara’s Fury
This is an interactive experience where you stand on a moving platform and witness the creation of the falls. A 360 degree theater experience gives you an exciting story about the history of the falls and how they were created.
You’ll experience different temperatures, weather conditions from snow to rain, and water bubbling beneath your feet. The adventure is led by Chip the Beaver and some of his animal pals, making it a great family activity.
Explore Exotic Animals and Wildlife
Niagara Butterfly Conservatory
Over 2,000 colourful butterflies roam freely in this tropical setting. Everyone loves walking along the self-guided tour and watching as butterflies land all around you. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, they even land on you!
Kids will also get to look in the emergence window, where they can watch butterflies leaving their pupae and taking their first flight. The conservatory is located in Niagara’s beautiful Botanical Gardens, surrounded by lush green plants and flowers.
Safari Niagara
This exciting zoo is located outside of Niagara Falls, but it’s just 10 minutes away in Stevensville. Kids can feed giraffes, get up close to tons of animal species, and interact with reptiles.
There are also many other activities including great picnic spots, a rope course, and a splash pad where the kids can cool off on hot summer days. Throughout the season there are regular concerts and events here.
Bird Kingdom
Bird Kingdom is a free-flying aviary where you can watch your favourite birds play and fly right above your head. In addition to birds, there are reptiles, bats, and some fish to check out and learn about.
Kids will enjoy regular activities like feeding and holding various bird species, as well as watching feeding time for other animals.
Choose From Land, Air, and Sea Adventures in Niagara
Niagara Helicopters
What wouldn’t kids love about flying through the air in a helicopter, just like they see in the movies? Niagara helicopter rides give you an amazing view from the sky of the falls and surrounding area.
Your grandkids will be able to see for miles when they go up in the air, and you’ll pass over various landmarks along the route.
Whirlpool Aero Car
Ride an antique cable car over the Niagara Gorge as the Niagara River thunders below you in the Niagara Whirlpool. This is the best way to see this exciting natural phenomena- right from above.
Kids will be really excited to be high up in the air, crossing over on a round trip from one side of the Gorge to the other. They’ll also be excited by the whirlpools and watching the water change direction below them.
Whirlpool Jet Boats
Niagara has some pretty fun boat tours, but nothing is quite like the Whirlpool Jet Boats. Climb aboard a jet boat that will take you right into the whirlpools and rapids.
Everyone is going to get soaked on this ride, but kids will love the excitement of bouncing up and down through the Niagara River’s rapids.
Let Them Splash Around at One of Niagara’s Waterparks
Fallsview Indoor Waterpark
This is North America’s largest indoor waterpark and resort. Therefore, it’s the perfect place to take the grandkids to spend the day- or as an overnight trip.
Bask in the sun on the sundeck, swim in the giant wave pool, or let the kids enjoy the 16 different waterslides. There’s some water fun for everyone here.
Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls is one of the most exciting Great Wolf Lodge locations in the family of waterparks. With daily coordinated activities, tons of waterslides and pools to choose from, and snacks available, it’s hard to get the grandkids to leave this resort.
There are tons of things for kids to do here, and some of these activities will take them off your hands for a little while and give you time to relax by the pool.
Take Them to an Exciting 3D Theatre
IMAX Theatre
There is always something exciting playing at this theatre that gives you an engaging experience while you learn about Niagara Falls. Journey through time with the special films that play here and surround yourself with the history of the area.
The Niagara Falls IMAX Theatre also includes the Daredevil exhibit. Here, you can learn about all of the brave souls who have done over the falls throughout history.
3D Movies at the Skylon Tower
There is always a fun 3D movie about Niagara Falls playing at the Skylon Tower’s movie theatre. Step into a comfy seat, put on your 3D glasses, and jump into the thrilling story of this area’s rich heritage.
Passes and Deals to Cram in More Fun
Kids have a lot of energy, so you might want to consider getting a pass. This will let you cram as much excitement as you can into the day. Instead of swiping your credit card every time the kids want to do something, you can just use your fun pass.
There are a few different options for fun passes in Niagara Falls.
Clifton Hill Fun Pass: This handy pass gives you admission to the Skywheel, Movieland Wax Museum, Ghostblasters ride in the Midway arcade, a round of mini putt, the Wild West Coaster, and extra Midway tokens.
Niagara Falls Adventure Pass: There are a few different options for the Adventure Pass, with different themes and attraction styles. Ranging from 4 to 7 various activities, you can pick and choose what you want to experience.
Each Adventure Pass comes with a two-day shuttle pass perfect for going back and forth between attractions. They also come with bonus coupons to enjoy discounts on other activities and items.
Groupon Deals: There are tons of Groupon packages available on a regular basis that let you enjoy a lot of different options for one base price. These packages also usually include food vouchers and Niagara Falls coupons, so you can get more out of the experience.
When Your Grandkids Visit You at Upper Vista, You’ll be Close to all the Action
Upper Vista is Niagara Falls’ first luxury condo project. It’s located just minutes away from the Falls and Clifton Hill, so you’ll always be close to something to do.
Whether you’re getting soaked by the falls or enjoying some quality time in the butterfly conservatory, your grandkids will always enjoy themselves.
Retire in style and comfort in the heart of Niagara. Your grandkids will want to visit you all the time, and you’ll always have something fun to do with them.
A life of luxury can be yours when you retire at Upper Vista condos on the 18th hole of the Thundering Waters Golf Course. Choose from a luxury vacation suite or a sophisticated penthouse, and enjoy first class amenities at your disposal.
Register now to view floor plans, check out pricing options, or book a time to visit the Markham showroom.
