4-Day Niagara Falls Family Friendly Itinerary

  • Day 1: Niagara Falls State Park
    10 minutes (1.5 miles) from Niagara Falls International Airport

    Niagara Falls State Park is a natural wonder and a must-see destination in Niagara Falls. Visitors can take a Cave of the Winds tour, walk along the Niagara Gorge Trail, or ride on the Maid of the Mist to get up close and personal with the falls.

  • Day 2: Old Fort Niagara and Aquarium of Niagara
    30 minutes (11 miles) from Niagara Falls State Park

    Old Fort Niagara is a historic site with a museum and guided tours that transport visitors back to the 18th century. The Aquarium of Niagara is a small but impressive aquarium with interactive exhibits and a variety of marine life.

  • Day 3: Niagara Falls Culinary Institute and Niagara Wine Trail
    15 minutes (4.2 miles) from Aquarium of Niagara

    Niagara Falls Culinary Institute offers culinary classes, wine tastings, and dining experiences in a state-of-the-art facility. After that, take a scenic drive on the Niagara Wine Trail to enjoy the picturesque vineyards and sample some of the award-winning wines.

  • Day 4: Whirlpool State Park and Niagara Jet Adventures
    15 minutes (5.1 miles) from Niagara Falls Culinary Institute

    Whirlpool State Park boasts incredible views of the Niagara River and Whirlpool Rapids. For an adrenaline rush, hop on a Niagara Jet Adventure and experience high-speed thrills through the Class V rapids of the Niagara River.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Niagara Falls State Park (2-3 hours, $20 parking fee)
  • Old Fort Niagara (2-3 hours, $12-$15 per person)
  • Aquarium of Niagara (1.5-2 hours, $12-$14 per person)
  • Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (1.5-2 hours, prices vary)
  • Niagara Wine Trail (3-4 hours, prices vary)
  • Whirlpool State Park (1-2 hours, free)
  • Niagara Jet Adventures (2 hours, $61 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $129-$170 per person

Transportation:

The best way to explore Niagara Falls is by car, as most of the attractions are spread out. Uber and Lyft are also available in the area, but can be more expensive. Parking can be limited and expensive near popular attractions, so plan accordingly.

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake for its charming small-town vibe and wineries. For those with less time, prioritize what attractions you want to see the most and plan your route accordingly.

Airports:

Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG) is the closest airport to the falls, located just 10 minutes away. The Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is about a 30-minute drive from the falls and offers more flight options. Both airports offer car rentals, shuttles, and taxis for transportation to and from the falls.

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