Visitors to the Niagara Falls, New York, region can experience the falls in various ways through the attractions in the area. See the falls from a boat, from a walkway or from a trolley car. These are 5 unique things to do in Niagara Falls, NY that you should visit on your vacation.
Unique Things to Do in Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls, New York is one of those places you must see in person to appreciate. The sheer power and magnificent natural beauty of the falls are awe inspiring and humbling.
1. Maid of the Mist
One of the top attractions in Niagara Falls, New York is the Maid of the Mist boat tours began in the 1840s with a side-wheel steamboat ferry. This makes the boat tour one of the original attractions in both Niagara Falls and North America.
Open from April to the end of October annually, the Maid of the Mist boat tour takes vacationers to the base of both the Canadian and American Falls. Riders put on rain jackets prior to boarding to keep dry during the trip. The boats depart every 15 minutes for a 30-minute ride, witnessing the magnificent and powerful falls from below among the mist.
2. Cave of the Winds
The Cave of the Winds entrance is a small stone building, but what lies inside is an incredible experience. Begin your journey with an elevator ride down 175 feet to the Niagara Gorge, where you must put on protective footwear and a bright yellow rain poncho before walking along a series of wooden walkways and decks at the base of the Bridal Veil Falls.
Follow an experienced guide to the “Hurricane Deck,” located only 20 feet from the falls, where you can experience hurricane-like storm conditions, including gushing winds over 65 miles per hour.
3. Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley
One of the unique things to do in Niagara Falls, NY with the family is actually done aboard a Trolley! The Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley takes visitors around the area on a relaxing and informative guided tour aboard an old-fashioned trolley car. Learn interesting details and see amazing views of the Niagara Falls region.
Located in the Niagara Falls State Park, the trolley tour covers a three-mile route with six different stops along the way for visitors to disembark and explore the areas further before continuing on their journey. Spend 30 minutes on a complete trip or take an entire day getting on and off as needed. The tours begin daily at 9 a.m. and typically run from Memorial Day to Columbus Day.
4. Aquarium of Niagara
In Niagara Falls, NY water is obviously a permeating theme. The Aquarium of Niagara is one of the area’s most popular spots for families. The aquarium, located just outside the boundaries of Niagara Falls State Park, boasts more than 1,500 aquatic animals, from seals to eels to a variety of fish, including piranhas.
This aquarium also has a number of activities for children to enjoy, including many animal displays, daily shark and penguin feedings, sea lion shows and seal presentations. The aquarium gives children a glimpse into a wide variety of water ecosystems, including coral reefs and saltwater lakes.
5. Adventure Theatre
Another way to experience the falls is by taking the family to Adventure Theatre to watch “Niagara: Legends of Adventure,” an IMAX production about the falls. This 40-minute show will educate your family on the history of the falls, the explorers and settlers who founded it and adventurers who have used the falls for unimaginable feats.
If you’re visiting Niagara Falls in the wintertime, check out Snow Park Niagara, where kids can enjoy snow sports like tubing and skating. Family-friendly museums and exhibits are also abundant in the region. There are the top attractions in Niagara Falls, New York to enjoy with the family during your vacation. If you have some free time on your hand, you can also cross the border and enjoy the Niagara Falls in Canada!
I would love to visit Niagara Falls
I would love to take the Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley tour.
Was just there with my family this past summer. It was awesome!