Nine Tips for Families Travelling to Niagara Falls this Summer
Some Helpful Hints for Planning Your Family’s Summer Vacation in Niagara Falls
Traveling to a world-famous tourist destination like Niagara Falls sounds fun, exciting, and exhilarating … and then you realize the stress and expense of planning any family vacation. School projects, work deadlines, pet sitters: it can be a lot to coordinate. Whether you’re planning for a single family or a family reunion, these tips will help you all survive, thrive, and enjoy your trip. Booking with us at Holiday Inn by the Falls has unique advantages of its own, on top of these tips that anyone travelling to Niagara Falls can benefit from.
- Hit up Hornblower Niagara Cruises. A must-do Niagara Attraction that lets you experience the Falls close up. Safe and enjoyable for families, you can take your pick from wet and dry decks, or mingle in between. Feel free to literally soak up the Niagara Falls or stay with in the safety of the dry zone where you can comfortable take out your camera for one-of-a-kind photos. Rain gear and bags to keep your possessions dry are also available, but it’s best to know what you are in for and wear appropriate clothing that you can roll up or that dries quickly. Make sure to have a safe place for your valuables and electronics. Check online for the latest deals and combine attractions to save money. Ready to set sail on one of Niagara’s favourites attractions? Kick off your socks and roll up your sleeves! You’re in for an experience like no other. Want to kick it up a notch? Get on The Fireworks – Illumination Cruise to watch the fireworks right from the boat! These cruises, however, do not go as close to the Falls, so you will not get soaked at all.
- Arrive early. Whether you’re planning a Hornblower Niagara Cruise or have another popular attraction in mind, consider starting your day off early to avoid long lines and wait times while having to keep your children entertained. And think of how great it will be to start your day with a refreshing Hornblower Niagara Cruise into the mists of the Horseshoe Falls!
- Picnic lunch. If you are looking to save time and money on food, or if your children have allergies that restaurants might struggle to accommodate, then pack a picnic lunch. There are landscaped grassed areas along the parkway where you can sit in the shade of an old tree and enjoy the beautiful gardens around you. In addition, Dufferin Islands is a nice secluded nature area just upriver from the Falls. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind. Also, you’ll find Queen Victoria Park located adjacent the brink Niagara Falls. This large park has plenty of space for your family to enjoy an affordable home-made picnic lunch.
- Journey Behind the Falls gives you a glimpse from just where it advertises—behind the Falls. Explore tunnels that penetrate the rock face to give you a close up look at the water as it free falls. Journey Behind the Falls is a more relaxed experience that you can enjoy at your own pace. Your kids will love this behind-the-scenes look and feel of the mighty Niagara Falls.
- Plan an age-appropriate visit to Clifton Hill & District. If you’ve got tweens, then wax museums, rides, games, and haunted houses will probably be a big hit. The little ones will like attractions like Bronto’s Playhouse better. The Niagara Skywheel is suitable for any age, with enclosed climate-controlled cars where you can safely and securely enjoy a birds-eye-view of the Falls and surrounding area. The gift shops offer a variety of gifts for kids and adults of any age, with fun photo booths and other novelties along the way.
- The Skylon Tower is the quintessential family attraction in Niagara Falls, and it’s a quick walk from our hotel! The entire Lower Concourse of the Tower is dedicated to their Family Fun Centre, full of arcade games, with bowling, as well as a 3D/4D movie and more. Hungry? Take a trip up the Yellow Bug Elevators to Summit Suite Buffet or Revolving Dining Room and enjoy access to indoor and outdoor Observation Decks. Of course you’ll also want to get a photo of your family going over the Falls in barrel, one of those must-have souvenirs that we love to post on social media.
- If you’re travelling from the United States, make sure you check with Canada Border Services Agency and your State’s website for information about the travel documents you’ll need to cross the border, questions you might be asked, and the items and food that you can and cannot bring into Canada. A little research ahead of time can help you avoid long delays, fines, or problems coming across to Canada. Note that your kids may be interviewed as to who they are traveling with and why. Let them know that they may be asked some questions so they are not caught off guard. Make sure they understand that these questions are for their own safety.
- Come prepared for the weather. Niagara summers come with rain, shine, and everything in between, with temperature that can reach boiling in the day and bring chills at night. Make sure you bring items like sunscreen, waterproof cameras, hats, umbrellas, and water bottles. If you have to purchase these items in Niagara Falls, expect to pay a premium.
- Look for an online package. There are a number of packages that include accommodations and attractions, like the Holiday Inn Fallsview Attraction Package, where kids 12 and under stay and eat for free! These packages are ideal for families who plan to hit all the major entertainment areas of Niagara Falls. They include entry fees with the cost of meals and accommodations, saving you money.
Photo Credit- Instagram user kaythanksrachel