Approximately 12 million visitors every year visit the falls to wonder at its sheer size and beauty, but what fun things can you do afterwards? While the natural wonder of Niagara Falls may be Ontario’s top tourist hotspot, there are many top attractions to explore whilst in the area which are suitable for all ages. If you are planning a trip to Ontario’s waterways this year, get the most from your stay with this quick child-focused guide to the region.

Niagara Falls Discovery Centre

Rather than going home after your tour of the falls, you can stick around at the Niagara Falls Discovery Centre to learn more about the falls and the Niagara Gorge. Your kids will love the centre’s interactive experiences, 180 degree theatre presentation and a simulating elevator trip. Alongside a tour of the area’s natural geology, visitors can also get to grips with its hiking, walking and cycling trails at the Niagara Gorge Trail and Hike Centre. Trails include the Gorge Rim Trail and the Scenic Overlook Trail alongside four guided summer hikes which range in difficulty for ages 8 and over.

Marineland

Expect more water-based, fun-filled action at the theme park and animal park, Marineland on Portage Road. In May 2013, the park opened its large gates once again to begin its 52^nd year of business in Ontario. Marineland’s long list of attractions includes dolphin shows, beluga whales and Sky Screamer: the world’s highest triple tower ride. The park’s regular admission rate for ages 10 upwards is $42.96 while children under four go free. There are also campsites located nearby if you fancy a night away from Niagara Falls hotels.

Winter Festival of Lights

While many parts of the world seem to close shop for the winter, Canadians carry on the fun throughout the season with festivals right across the country. From November 9 to January 31, 2014, the Winter Festival of Lights illuminates the Niagara Falls’ skyline with more than 3 million lights along the five kilometre route. Alongside a variety of firework shows and light displays, including Enchantment of Disney displays and World Religions displays, an outdoor ice skating rink can also be enjoyed at the TD Rink. Better still; all this can be enjoyed for a free entry price!

Bird Kingdom

As the name suggests, Bird Kingdom on River Road is a young nature-lovers paradise with the world’s largest free flying aviary and more than 400 exotic birds. Reptiles, amphibians and insects can also be discovered at Bird Kingdom as well as a 40-foot waterfall and stunning tropical plants – all for a reasonable $11.95 child admission fee.

Niagara Helicopters

Explore Niagara and its top attractions from a new and exciting viewpoint from your very own helicopter. The highly popular Niagara Helicopters tours are the only year-round aerial attraction of its kind in the region so start booking now! The 12 minute tour, which follows the Niagara River, includes audio commentary of all the sites below in 12 different languages.

Guest post by Susan Varano

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