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Niagara Falls Family Adventure: Exclusive Fun Awaits

Posted on October 7, 2025 in Weekend Getaways

A weekend getaway to Niagara Falls, Ontario, is the perfect mix of stunning natural beauty, kid-friendly activities, and a touch of thrill. From boat rides up close to the iconic Horseshoe Falls to charming town explorations and family-friendly amenities, Niagara Falls offers something for every member of the family.

How to Get There

  • Distance from Cleveland: ~201 miles
  • Drive Time: Approximately 3–3.5 hours
  • Route Highlights: Scenic countryside and small towns along the way
  • Timing Tips: Leave early to maximize your first day or plan for a lunch stop en route
  • Parking: Downtown Niagara Falls can be busy; plan to park near major attractions or your first stop
  • Border Crossing: Bring valid ID or passport if crossing from the U.S. into Canada

Lodging Options: KOA Holiday Niagara Falls

We stayed at KOA Holiday Niagara Falls, just 15 minutes from the falls. Our Deluxe Cabin accommodated up to eight people and included: Two bedrooms and a pull-out sofa, a full kitchenette and full bathroom and a propane grill and outdoor fire pit!

The campground felt like a family-friendly mini-resort, offering amenities such as:

  • Two outdoor pools (including a shallow kids’ pool)
  • Indoor pool
  • Large playground
  • Mini golf
  • Bounce pillow
  • Pickleball and basketball courts
  • Outdoor movie screen
  • Bike and golf cart rentals

The safe, welcoming environment allowed our kids to explore freely.

Day One: Discovering Niagara-on-the-Lake

  • Lunch at The Irish Harp Pub: Authentic Irish dishes, kid-friendly, reservations for large groups
  • Strolling the town: Picturesque streets, historic architecture, and blooming flowers
  • Gelato at Nina Gelateria: Enjoyed at Simcoe Park, where kids could play

We returned to KOA for a classic campfire cookout, complete with s’mores under the stars.

boy having fun in niagara-on-th-lake
pretty building in niagara-on-the-lake
kids strolling through niagara-on-the-lake

Day Two: The Marvels of Niagara Falls

Voyage to the Falls

We began the day downtown with lunch at Hard Rock Café, where the kids loved their surprise toys. Then, we embarked on Niagara City Cruises – Voyage to the Falls, a 20-minute boat ride getting us up close to the Horseshoe Falls.

  • Wear ponchos! You’ll get splashed.
  • Kids love the excitement, but there’s an indoor section for those who need a break.

Journey Behind the Falls

After the boat tour, we walked about 0.7 miles to Journey Behind the Falls. Descend 125 feet in an elevator and explore historic tunnels leading to portals behind the thundering waterfall. The outdoor observation deck offers an awe-inspiring side view of the Horseshoe Falls—a completely different perspective from the boat.

  • Make reservations for both the Voyage to the Falls and Journey Behind the Falls to skip long waits.
A group of people seen from behind wearing bright yellow rain ponchos with a black tour logo, leaning on a railing inside a damp concrete tunnel and looking out toward a bright curtain of falling water.

Day Three: A Relaxing Farewell

Our final morning was spent leisurely at KOA, letting the kids enjoy one last swim. After packing up, we drove back to Cleveland with hearts full of memories from a Niagara Falls family adventure.

More to Explore in Niagara Falls

  • Niagara Parks: Scenic areas, gardens, and bundled family activities
  • Clifton Hill: Wax museums, indoor/outdoor mini-golf, go-karts, and arcades
  • Skylon Tower: Dining with panoramic views; observation deck access included with a meal
  • Wineries: Family-friendly outdoor seating and vineyard exploration in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Quick Trip Highlights

  • Drive from Cleveland: ~3–3.5 hours
  • Kid-friendly accommodations: KOA Holiday Deluxe Cabin
  • Must-do activities: Voyage to the Falls, Journey Behind the Falls
  • Town exploration: Niagara-on-the-Lake, gelato at Simcoe Park

Why Niagara Falls is Worth the Visit

From boat rides up to the falls, tunnels behind the waterfalls, charming town strolls, to family-friendly campground amenities, Niagara Falls provides a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories. It’s an ideal weekend getaway from Ohio that will delight both kids and adults.

Horseshoe-shaped waterfall with turquoise water plunging over the crest into rising mist, turbulent dark-green river in the foreground, cloudy sky above and a small grassy shoreline with wildflowers at the bottom left.

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