Destination: Niagra Falls!

image courtesy of George Stojkovic/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Niagra Falls, Ontario is more than just a spectacular natural wonder; it's a fantastic place to relax and enjoy some quality family time exploring our great neighbor to the north, Canada!  For those who have never seen the Falls themselves, there are a multitude of ways to enjoy the amazing spectacle of this aquatic phenom; whether you take a ride on the Maid of the Mist, or go in for an even closer look at the Table Rock Center's Journey Behind the Falls, there is a family-friendly adventure around every corner.  For the very daring, Niagra's Fury offers a 4-D sense-surround experience, complete with trembling ground underfoot, a blizzard, and a virtually instantaneous temperature drop from 75°F to 40°F (warning: this ride is not recommended for young children or those with neck or back injuries or heart problems).  For those who prefer a less up-close and personal view, the Skylon Tower Observation Deck with its glass elevator ride provides a breathtaking view from 775 feet above the Falls! 

No matter how you choose to experience their majesty, the Falls are a not-to-be-missed, bucket-list worthy experience; but the fun doesn't stop there - check out these other great family-friendly local attractions:

Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture: Explore the vast gardens and check out the massive Floral Clock, made up of over 20,000 plants!  The new Animals of the Rainforest exhibit is located here as is the Butterfly Conservatory. More than 2,000 breathtaking butterflies of 50 species flutter among beautiful flowers; and there are a variety of programs and presentations offered in the facility's auditorium and two theaters. Visitors are encouraged to wear brightly colored clothing to attract the butterflies! Open daily September through June 9:00am to 5:00pm, July and August 9:00am to 7:00pm.

Bird Kingdom: A tropical adventure located right in Niagara Falls, Ontario!  Visit the largest free-flying indoor aviary in the world; over 400 birds make their home in this amazing multi-level rainforest setting! Featuring a 40-foot waterfall, tropical plants, and hundreds of birds from around the world; this aviary offers visitors a chance to see some of the world's rarest birds, many of which are endangered or threatened in the wild.   In addition to birds, Bird Kingdom's aviary features collections of saltwater fish, spiders, bats, snakes, and reptiles who live happily within the indoor tropical paradise!  Open Daily from September through June 9:30am to 5:00pm and July through August 9:30am to 6:30pm.

Dinosaur Adventure Mini-Golf: Children of all ages will get a kick out of this fantastic mini-golf course! Life size dinosaurs, realistic sound effects, lush tropical foliage, and a volcano that erupts with real fire are just a few of the fun highlights of this mini putt course. Don't miss the $1.00 per person discount coupons in the widely available coupon books! Open seasonally - call ahead for hours: (905) 358-3676.

Marineland: Explore this park's multiple aquariums, featuring a walrus mascot, dolphins, sea lions, and freshwater fish. The aquarium's Friendship Cove affords even the littlest visitors a fantastic up-close view of killer whales and its Arctic Cove hosts an interactive beluga whale exhibit!  Marineland also has rides, including a spectacular Ferris wheel, Dragon Boat rides, and even a roller coaster!  The park is open daily mid-May through June and September through mid-October 10:00am to 5:00pm, July and August 9:00am to 6:00pm (closed mid-October through mid-May).

Whether you spend a weekend or a week exploring, Niagra Falls, Ontario is a great place to make fun family memories that will last a lifetime!

Safe and happy travels!

-Destination Mom