Family Attractions in Niagara Falls
When you think Niagara Falls you probably conjure up images of a romantic get away for two or the perfect honeymoon location, but Niagara Falls is so much more than the world renowned waterfalls. If you are thinking about taking a family vacation, Niagara Falls may be the perfect destination and you may even be able to rekindle a little romance along the way. 
photo credit: wonkanerd
The following list of family attractions in Niagara Falls is an excellent tool to help you pick and choose the best activities for you and your family as you visit the Niagara Falls area.
As long as you’re at Niagara Falls you should really take advantage of everything there is to see and Journey Behind the Falls is a great way to do that. The thunderous roar of the falls creates an air of excitement and thrill as you travel deep behind the curtain as the Horseshoe Falls crashes 13 stories above you. Elevators take you down 150 feet through rock to the Cataract Portal and the Great Falls Portal and then you’ll get to take in the view from the upper and lower observation decks. It’s an awesome spectacle as one fifth of the world’s fresh water is crashing around you. In the summer months you’ll get a free souvenir biodegradable rain poncho to protect you from the spray of the falls. But it’s the winter months that make this a remarkable sight you’ll never forget as the mist freezes into spectacular ice formations.
Another great way to experience all that Niagara has to offer is by taking a ride on the Maid of the Mist. Not only are you getting the chance to experience the falls in an up close and personal way, but you’re also taking a ride on North America’s oldest tourist attraction which has been in operation since 1846. The tour runs past the Canadian docks to the base of the American Falls, on to the basin of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. This thrilling ride is only open during the summer months and you can expect to get a little damp.
Niagara Falls Aviary/Bird Kingdom
Another historical landmark, the Bird Kingdom is housed in the old Spirella Corset Factory from 1907, one of the first poured concrete buildings ever made in Canada. The building went through a few transformations until 2000 when it grew an extension and became the Bird Kingdom. The huge collection of aviary friends is an awesome sight for guests of every age. There are a variety of areas to explore including the small aviary, nocturnal birds, java house, a reptile zone, a macaw market and much more. If you’re looking for a deeper experience, there are a number of programs that give you in depth information about the birds at the Niagara Falls Aviary including encounter, educational and specialty programs and there is a free flight bird show that everyone should experience.
After the roar and pulse pounding excitement of Niagara Falls the soothing calm and gentle beauty of the Butterfly Conservatory is a welcome reprieve. More than 2000 dazzling tropical butterflies flutter through the exotic greenery. Spend your time meandering through the paths in the rainforest setting which includes a pond and a waterfall. Make sure you take time to examine the Emergence window where butterflies leave their pupae to emerge and take flight. A great way to cap off a day at the falls.
Moving from the air to deep beneath the sea, Marineland is an exciting adventure park for the entire family. Whether you’re looking to be entertained by trained creatures from the sea, seeking an educational experience or hoping for a wild ride, you’ll be satisfied by your experience at Marineland. Perhaps the most adorable animal on the entire planet is the beluga whale, at Marineland you get the rare opportunity to interact with a beluga whale at a feeding and touching experience, if you ask me, this is worth the trip alone. In addition to a beluga whale exhibit there is a killer whale area which includes regular splash and jump performances. For more shows, the King Waldorf Stadium Show gives an exciting presentation with dolphins, sea lions, and walruses. In addition to many marine mammal and interactive animal exhibits there are a number of very exciting amusement park rides that you can ride over and over again.
For an unusual amusement park ride with a view that simply cannot be beat the entire world over, the Niagara Skywheel offers both. The Niagara Skywheel is one of the tallest Ferris wheels in North America at 175 feet. The view encompasses both the Horseshoe and American Falls and the surrounding Niagara River area. The cabins are completely enclosed and climate controlled so it’s not as frightening as it appears on first glance and on a clear day you simply will not believe the beauty that surrounds you.
Love the view from the top? Then head over to the Skylon Tower for a different view of the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls, the Great Gorge, Niagara wine district, and the city skylines of Buffalo, New York and Toronto. The glass enclosed exterior elevators take you up the breathtaking tower in only 52 seconds, showing you more of the sights as you go. Once there, you can find a photo op at the indoor/outdoor observation deck. Atop the tower are two revolving restaurants so you can sit and enjoy the view from 360 degrees as you take in a fine dining experience.
Whether you’re visiting the falls from the Canadian side or the American side, it’s an incredible experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation of the awesome wonder that Mother Nature has to offer, with a total height of 176 feet and more than 150,000 gallons of water traveling per second, its one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Not just for couples seeking romance, the falls and surrounding area has something to offer everyone from historical and natural wonders to manmade fun and excitement.
Your family will appreciate all the money you can save by booking your Niagara Falls hotel at Hotels Cheap.
Categories: Family Fun
