Playing with the Animals
Aquarium of Niagara
701 Whirlpool St (at 3rd)
Niagara Falls, NY 14301
716-285-3575, Toll Free 1-800-500-4609
A short walk from Falls, see 195 aquatic species, in more than 50 exhibits ranging in size from 200 gallons to the 100,000 gallon Atlantic bottlenose dolphin exhibit. Species include sharks, sea lions, endangered penguins, harbor seals, electric eel, brilliantly colored fish. Self guided tour takes about 1 hour.
Open year round, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, open July & August 9:00 am to 7:00 pm daily. Admission Adults $6.95, Children $4.95, 3 & under free
Camberwell Learn to Ride
2745 Wessel Dr., St. Catharines
(905) 682-4062
Happy Rolph’s Bird Sanctuary and Children’s Petting Farm
1 Read Road (off Lakeshore Road)
St Catharines, ON
This 16 acre municipal park is on the shores of Lake Ontario and is home to a variety of farm animals and hundreds of ducks, geese and birds that live in the pond inlet (you can feed them!), sheltered by countless evergreens, grassy banks and willow trees. This park has a picnic and playground area and is part of the Lakeshore recreational pathway. Open Victoria Day to Thanksgiving weekend.
Horseplay Niagara
Hwy #3, West of Port Colborne
(905) 834-2380
Marineland Canada
905-356-9565
8375 Stanley Avenue,
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X8
Marineland provides a day of entertainment featuring unlimited access to amazing killer whale, dolphin, sea lion and walrus performances; thrilling amusement rides including the world’s largest steel roller coaster, Dragon Mountain; the world’s highest triple tower ride, Sky Screamer; and other attractions that will appeal to the entire family. Park is open until nightfall, but admission only during gate hours. Open Victoria Day to end-June: weekdays 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.& weekends 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; End-June to Labour Day – daily 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Labour Day to early October – daily 10 am to 5 pm. Admission $$ (kids under 4 free)
Uncle Porky’s Horse Drawn
4461 Spring Creek Rd., Vineland
(905) 563-8497
Warm and Wonderful Wool Farm
83577 Old River Rd., Wellandport
(905) 386-5192
Zooz (Fort Erie)
West of QEW between exits #7 and #12
2821 Stevensville Road
Stevensville, ON, L0S 1S0
905 382 9669, Toll Free: 1 866 367 9669
Features a wide variety of zoological exhibits of both domestic and exotic animal species in well-designed enclosures along a handicapped-accessible 2.9 kilometer walkway through lushly landscaped and manicured gardens & animal exhibits, stocked ponds, original pieces of modern sculpture and numerous educational exhibits.Trolley tours, outdoor picnic facilities, Petting Area , Children’s Play Area. FREE parking. Open mid-May to mid-October: May 14 to June 30 – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily,
July 1 to Sept 5 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, September 6 to September 16 – 10:00 am to 4:00pm daily, and
September 17 to October 10 – weekends only 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission $$, Children 2 and Under FREE . All prices plus tax.
Communing with Mother Nature
Agape Valley
392Kilman Rd. Ridgeville, Ontario
Tour the sugar bush and taste the sap from the maple trees. Open each Saturday in March and on the March Break.
White Meadows Farm
2519 Effingham Rd (at Roland Road)
St. Catharines
(905) 682-0642.
Hayrides for the family and a 45 minute hiking tour through the sugar bushes. The White Meadow Farms has some of the oldest sugar maples in Canada. Open every weekend in March plus daily during March Break
Balls Falls Heritage Conservation Area
Victoria Ave, Jordan
(905) 788-3135
This natural setting in Lincoln, at the point where 20 Mile Creek cascades down the Escarpment, is also home to a well known historical village. The annual Thanksgiving Festival Craft Show and Sale features more than 140 artisans, live entertainment, children’s events, heritage activities and tours ($, children under 14 free).
Bruce Trail
Hike along the Niagara Escarpment.
Welland Farmer’s Market
Young Street, Welland
(905) 732-1414
Niagara’s Greenways
You and your family can explore the many trails available to you in Niagara; this web site links you to the trails, giving you the location, length, recreational use and significant features it may offer.
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (Outdoor Adventures)
250 Thorold Rd. W., 3rd Floor
Welland
(905) 788-3135
For more information on how to experience spectacular views, unique trails and fascinating rock formations during the winter months, the Conservation Authority webs ite can give you suggestions for your family adventures in Niagara.
Niagara Nature Tours
Jordan Village Nature, History & Garden Tours
(905)-562-3746 or 1-888-889-8296 (Contact Carla Carlson)
The whole family can enjoy a 30 minute to ½ day tour of unique programming combined with the art and sciences of nature. Winter months can still offer families the opportunity to explore outdoors and to discover its many secret places.
Maple Syrup Adventures
Agape Valley Sugar Bush and Pancake House, 392 Kilman Rd., Ridgeville
Each spring the sap runs and local Maple Sugar Bushes host tours and sampling opportunities. Find out more about Vineland Quarries Sugarbush at www.conservation-niagara.on.ca/whatsnew. Free sugar bush tours through their 140 acres- open every Saturday in March and everyday during March Break.
Visit Local Farms
Pick your own strawberries, apples, berries and peaches, to name a few. Learn more about how fruit and vegetables grow and help your children develop an appetite for healthy foods. Each summer, local newspapers print information about “Pick Your Own” farms. Also, Foodland Ontario distributes a brochure listing “pick your own” farms. Log onto Foodland Ontario’s web site at www.foodland.gov.on.ca for more information.
Niagara Falls Scenic Tunnels
For something different, try exploring the tunnels behind the Falls. This excursion is a favourite of children. Admission $
Niagara Falls Walk
Freely walk around one of the wonders of the world and hike to the famous Botanical Gardens, just a short walk from the brink of the falls.
Howell Pumpkin Patch
2878 Holland Rd, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E6
905 892-3918
Enjoy this Niagara favourite at both Halloween and Christmas. Hay rides and fabulous displays will delight any age group. Located at 2878 Holland Road, Thorold. Call for dates and hours of operation.Admission $
Greater Niagara Circle Route
Enjoy the day walking and cycling on the paths in St. Catharines, Thorold, Welland, Port Colborne, Fort Erie, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls, Visit www.computan.on.ca/canal for more information.
Journey Behind the Falls
6650 Niagara River Parkway
Table Rock House Plaza beside the Canadian Horseshoe Falls
Niagara Falls, ON
Go down under the falls using the elevator at Table Rock House, which drops you 45m (150 ft) through solid rock to the Journey Behind the Falls. The tunnels and viewing portals are open all year, where you can see the river explode after a thirteen storey free-fall. Open Year Round, daily 9:00am-5:30pm . Admission $, 5 & under Free
Konica Minolta Tower
6732 Fallsview Boulevard,
Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3W6
905-356-1501
A Niagara landmark since 1962, the tower was the first tower built in Niagara Falls and offers the best view of the Falls and the Niagara River. The indoor Observation Deck atop the tower rises approximately 525 feet from the brink of the falls and provides a spectacular view day or night when The Falls are illuminated nightly. Fine dining at the Pinnacle restaurant! Elevation pass $$; Child 5 and under Free*; Family 2 adults & up to 3 youths $19.95.
Simcoe Park
Niagara on the Lake
A beautiful park setting in historical Niagara-on-the-Lake. It is also the home to wading pools and playground equipment.
Technology & Playthings
Niagara Steamship
Enjoy walking through the steamships at Navy Hall Dock in Fort George
Lakeside Park and Carousel
Port Dalhousie Boardwalk
One of the largest parks in St. Catharines is also home to the historic Port Dalhousie Carousel which is still only 5 cents a ride. This area boasts a large playground area, sandy beach and pavilions for picnics.
Welland Canals Centre @ Lock 3
1932 Welland Canals Parkway (formerly Government Road)
St. Catharines, ON, L2R 7K6
Mailing: St. Catharines Museum, Box 3012, St. Catharines, ON, L2R 7C2
(905) 984-8880, Fax (905) 984-6910, toll-free: 1-800-305-5134
From the elevated viewing platform at Lock 3, get a close-up look at ships from around the world and experience the wonder of the Welland Canal. Inside, watch the 15 minute video presentation Welland Canals Past and Present and learn more about the four Welland Canals in the Museum exhibits and education programs. The Museum chronicles the industrial, cultural and social history of the area with an emphasis on the Welland Canal. Browse in the museum gift shop. The Welland Canal connects Lake Ontario to Lake Erie, which is 100m (327ft) higher than Lake Ontario. Some 8m (27ft) deep, the canal enables large ocean vessels to navigate the Great Lakes. Each year, more than a thousand oceangoing vessels travel through the seven locks that make up the 42km (26mi) long canal. The average transit time for any vessel is 12 hours.
IMAX Theatre Niagara Falls
6170 Fallsview Boulevard,
Niagara Falls, ON L2G 7T8
905-358-3611, Fax: (905) 358-3613
See the spectacular IMAX adventure, “Niagara: Miracles, Myths and Magic”, on a six-story-high screen where you travel back in time for a glimpse of Niagara Falls 12,000 year history and experience the wonders of thundering falls, fascinating history, treacherous rapids, heroic acts and death defying stunts.
Mildred Mahoney Dollhouse Gallery
Fort Erie,
905-871-5833
Believed by most Fort Erie natives to be haunted, the museum is home to the fascinating miniature world of the dollhouse. Housing one of the world’s largest collections of dollhouses in North America, there are 140 exhibits spanning two centuries and rare masterpieces from England, Europe, the Orient and North America Whether you visit for the miniature wonders or the building’s historical and cultural significance, it will be a memorable visit. Admission $.
Fights & Forts & History
Queenston Heights
This large park is a one time battleground in the war of 1812. For a work out, try climbing the steps of Brock’s Monument. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Lake Ontario at the top.
Fort Erie Railroad Museum
Central Ave. near Gilmore Road, next to Oakes Park
Fort Erie, ON
905-894-5922
Climb into the cab of CN No.6218 and sit where the engineers once commanded the mighty locomotive or wander amongst the other wonderful exhibits. The Ridgeway Station, c.1910, and the 1837 B-1 Station feature railroading exhibits and a reference library. Open daily May 20 to Labour Day Thanksgiving.
Admission to all three of Fort Erie’s three civic museums is $2 per adult and $1 per child.
Fort Erie Historical Museum
402 Ridge Road
Fort Erie, ON
905-894-5922
This 1874 former Town Hall is a historical site which feature a 4,000-year-old archaeology collection, with pottery and flint points dating back to the Genesee culture of 200 B.C.; part of the one million artifacts uncovered at the Peace Bridge site. The century-old Crystal Beach Amusement Park is brought back to life with photographs, memorabilia and video footage. An extensive genealogy and reference room includes 23 original watercolour paintings done by a soldier depicting the 1866 Battle of Ridgeway. The gift shop specializes in Fort Erie mementos. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from mid-June to Labour Day and weekdays the remainder of the year. Enjoy watching a re-enactment of the Battle of Fort Erie. Admission $.
Fort George – Parks Canada
Queen’s Parade (Fort George)
Niagara-on-the-Lake L0S 1J0
905-468-4257, Fax: 905-468-7638
This British fort played a key role in the struggle for the Niagara Frontier during the War of 1812, and has been restored to its state on the eve of the war. The Americans invaded and destroyed the Fort in May 1813 and it was rebuilt in 1815, abandoned in 1828, and reconstructed in the1930s. Experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of a garrison in the early 19th century. Costumed staff recreate lifestyles and activities of the period, so you can watch soldiers perform drill or listen to the music of the fife and drum corps as both prepare for battle on the Niagara frontier.
Just for Fun!
Guinness World Of Records Museum
4943 Clifton Hill,
Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N5
905-356-2299
Learn record breaking facts in our Sports, Animal and Structures sections. Enjoy watching: adventures in space, the marathon toppling of dominoes, or the crazy food eaters, and more… See life-size models of the world’s most extraordinary humans, from the tallest man (Robert Wadlow at 8 feet 11.1 inches), to the most tattooed woman.
The Haunted House
4943 Clifton Hill
Niagara Falls ON L2G 3N5
905 357-4330
Prepare to be scared at Niagara Falls’ Haunted House. Recently updated, this haunted house features ghouls, ghosts, goblins and more. Open daily.
House Of Frankenstein
4967 Clifton Hill,
Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N5
905-357-9660
A classic haunted house, the House of Frankenstein is complete with animated wax figures, creepy organ music and many surprises. Features include a eerie graveyard, Frankenstein theater, and a giant Jack-in-the-Box.
Horror Manor
5026 Centre Street
Niagara Falls ON
905 371-8251
Beware of what lurks around the Horror Manor. Watch out for the werewolf and avoid the Black Hole. State-of-the-art special effects coupled with a stunning set are aimed at scaring all who come through the door….but may never leave!!
Alien Encounters
5743 Victoria Ave,
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 3L6
905-374-8211
If the thought of life on other planets leaves you breathless, you’ll want to stop by this attraction. Inside are replicas of some of Hollywood’s best-known extraterrestrials, including Yoda, E.T., and those from “Alien” and “Independence Day.” You’ll also find displays about aliens at Roswell and the autopsies supposedly conducted there. For an extra measure of intrigue, step into the alien haunted house. Depending on the path you choose, the aliens will either get up-close or even more personal.
Martin’s Fantasy Island
2400 Grand Island Blvd
Grand Island, NY 14072
716-773-7591
This 80-acre theme park featuring more than 100 rides, shows, attractions and water park. Open May 11 – Jun 16, Sat & Sun; Jun 17-Sep 2,daily 11:30am-8:30 pm; May 8 & Sep 7,8 11:30 am. Admission $5 – $20
Driving Directions: I-190 Exit 19, Whitehaven Rd, 8 mi from Niagara Falls.
Wax Museum Complex
303 Prospect St
(Across from NYS Parking Lot)
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
(716) 285-1271
See 46 exciting was figure exhibits taking you on a walk through history, including explorers, pioneers, statesmen and daredevils prominent in the history of the Frontier. See the Niagara in Summer and in Winter including the Drama of the Old Scow, and the ill-fated Ice Bridge.
Admission $, Children 5 & under: FREE
(plus tax).
Waves Water Park
Americana Conference Resort and Spa
8444 Lundy’s Lane
Niagara Falls, ON, L2H 1H4
(905) 356-8444 o Fax (905) 356-8576, Toll Free 1-800-263-3508
25,000 square feet of indoor water park with a wave pool, water slides, play areas, and whirlpools. Kids and adults can relax, or enjoy the video arcade and food. Open 10 am to 8 pm, weekends till 9 pm.
Merrit Island, Welland
Paddle Boat around the island