At Table Rock, located right at the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, kids can get a great view of the power and majesty of the falls. The rush of the water as it goes over the edge of the falls with the mist rising provides a close up view that’s as close as you can get. Inside the Table Rock complex, admission to the Journey Behind the Falls provides a different view – FROM UNDERNEATH THE FALLS year round. Visitors are provided with raincoats and taken by elevator down 150 feet to the observation levels. Tunnels then provide access to two outdoor decks where Children get to experience the roar from the falls while watching the water rush by. There are two portals accessed by tunnels where the view is directly under the rushing water.

Walking along the Niagara Parkway path towards Clifton Hill (a family tourist area) gives a broader view and the opportunity to see rainbows forming in the mist over the Canadian and American Falls.

Nearer to Clifton Hill and the Rainbow Bridge is the entrance to the Maid of Mist Attraction which gives yet another way to view the Falls close up by taking a ride aboard boat cruises that take you to the base of the American and Canadian Falls. This historical attraction has given entire families an up close look at the falls since 1846 and can be enjoyed from Late April to Late October. Raincoats are also provided and we recommend that you take advantage of them. You will really feel the water on this one.

Take a bird’s eye view of Niagara Falls by riding up the Skylon Tower. Kids are sure to enjoy a ride up in the yellow bug exterior elevators looking at the Falls on the way up and on the way down. 

From the observation deck of the Skylon Tower, 775 feet above the Falls and the Niagara Gorge, show your children all they can view – on a clear day the skyline of Toronto and Buffalo is visible. Kids can explore the view from 360 degrees from the most famous attraction at the Falls, next to the Falls itself. 

Opened in 1965, the Skylon Tower is a must for any family visit to Niagara Falls – you can’t miss it. An arcade area located at its base gives the Tower added entertainment value with games for young and old to enjoy. Family members can challenge each other with simulated virtual reality car races and there are even games that younger children can participate in.

Niagara Falls, famous the world over, now has a place where the family can enjoy a meal from 11 am to 2 am, seven days a week while watching the Stars on the Falls. PLANET HOLLYWOOD has arrived and with it comes the excitement and glamour of the movies combined with the natural wonder of Niagara Falls. 

Dining under the stars takes on a whole new meaning as you watch movie clips on a giant screen nestled in the mist (midst) of actors and actresses going over Niagara Falls, some in barrels, some in the bubbles, guess which movie one of the many artifacts were used in or just take in the action. Screens are placed throughout this memorabilia filled complex so that every diner can view the clips. The menu features children’s meals on a play sheet with crayons, generous portions of pasta dishes with exotic flare and king kong size hamburgers, among the other California style dishes, that will satisfy any appetite. Summertime affords the opportunity to enjoy the outside patio. Planet Hollywood also offers guests the opportunity to purchase merchandise at the entrance to the restaurant. Planet Hollywood looks down on Falls Avenue and is conveniently located beside Casino Niagara and a short walk from Clifton Hill or the Falls.

When visiting Planet Hollywood, don’t miss the Hershey Store. This is an unforgettable experience for the kid in all of us. Fudge, chocolate dipped strawberries, Hersheyä chocolate bars and even a life size Hershey’sä Kiss Character are just a few of the many treats to enjoy. Just look for the big Hersheyä Chocolate bar on the side of the building next door to Planet Hollywood and you are sure to satisfy every sweet tooth in the family. Open daily with hours varying during the season, make this a must stop on your Niagara Falls visit.

Ontario Science Centre’s Science Express, which can be accessed from the Hershey Store, Falls Avenue or the Skyline Brock Hotel provides some interesting experiments that will amuse and entertain your youngsters. Preschool children will thrill to putting the beach ball on the red cone and watch it fly in the air while older children can get an inside view of the body, organs and all, to put together as a puzzle. Feats of strength pit women against men to see who can touch their nose to the marker while sitting on their knees (apparently most of the time the female gender wins this one). This exhibit is open daily with hours varying during the season.

These are just a few of the natural and man made views of Niagara Falls that your family can enjoy when visiting this Family Destination located in Southwestern Ontario.

For a view of a different sort, consider  visiting the Butterfly Conservatory operated by Niagara Parks.  Opened to the public in 1996, the facility has 50 different species of butterflies with approximately 2000 live specimens in the building at any one time.  Open daily this year round facility brings visitors into a lush rain forest to experience the wonder and delicate nature of these creatures.  

Kids love watching the butterflies float all around, eat from the fruit trays and occasionally even land on a sleeve or shirt.  

A tip here is to wear bright colours, walk very slowly and be careful where you step.  The  butterflies,  especially near the area where they emerge from the pupas, can often be found on the ground.  Teach your children not to touch the butterflies.  There is an introductory video about 7 minutes in length and a information display before you enter the conservatory as well.  If you are lucky, a butterfly might land on you.