Niagara Falls ... Again
Niagara Falls ... how many times have we been here before? Probably more than I wish to count. But I refuse to think that the list of things one can do is limited. And when you have 2 little kids and limited time and budget, Niagara Falls seems to be a mini-vacation option over and over again so here are some interesting points of interest/tourist attractions/tips I have encountered in our many visits in the last few years....
Waterpark: We like the layout of this park. Kids have to be measured at the entrance to see whether their height allows them to go on certain rides. There is something for every age practically and our kids seemed to love the wave pool the most. There is food you can buy inside the park so beware that people will be eating and drinking inside - if you have kids that are allergic to dairy or foods you probably need to be aware of this. Otherwise, it is a nice treat I think though we never ate inside. Considering that people eat inside, I never found any garbage or spills or anything like that.
Take your time to explore everything - we really enjoyed the park the most the second time around as we knew where everything was. We also knew my son would probably stay close to ground level while my daughter would want to ride the bigger rides though she is not tall enough (she could only go on one high one). So on the second time there, mommy (me!) just left the rest of the family at the wave pool and explored all the rides alone!!!! yahoo!!!!!
To enjoy the most of the park, bring large bags for you to put your clothes to change in the changing rooms at the park. You can play from 1PM on Day one even though Check in is at 4PM. And on the second day you have to check out at 11AM though you can technically stay till 8PM.
There is a family changing room but very few stalls...On our last stay we had to separate and go to the men and women's rooms. Oh, and a nice bonus was the bags they provide for you to put your wet swim suits when you leave the park.
Skylon Tower
We went there ONCE, when I was pregnant with baby no. 1 and and splurged on a nice evening dinner there....worth going? I'm not a fan of towers so I'd say no. But I can say we've been there :D
For some reason this has always been a pit stop for us. Whether it is to stop for a break, to look around stores, to find a bite to eat, or to find parking! By the way I finally joined the PAC (Players Advantage Club) - I got inside the casino and got a card while hubby and the kids played outside so that we can now park for free there. Took me only 5 minutes to get the card.
We have learned also to just do MacDonalds and Tim Hortons for lunches and breakfasts but find the best breakfast for us? Just go to a nearby No Frills, get some juice fruit and buns and voila! you have breakfast.
We have been to other chain restaurants - nothing really worth mentioning other than it is all overpriced. If you don't mind that then I guess it is ok. For our kids though, Rainforest Cafe is a No No after we tried it twice! The kids are just frightened by the sounds and darkness.
If you want to just eat at a chain restaurant and don't mind driving then just leave the tourist area and you can find chain restaurants at regular prices.
SOMETHING TO WATCH FOR: Look carefully at your bills - there is something called TIFF (Tourism Infrastructure Funding Fees) - it is OPTIONAL - ONLY IF YOU OPT OUT. Otherwise they just 'assume' you are willing to pay the extra 3+% tax.
On a brighter note...this is our favourite restaurant in Niagara Falls - you will never find it unless you know what to look for -
Waterpark winner so far: Great Wolf Lodge
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| Bowling at Great Wolf Lodge |
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| Bonus tickets by a nice Great Wolf Lodge worker! |
There are many waterparks in the area. We have so far visited only 2: Americana and Great Wolf Lodge. Definitely try Great Wolf Lodge if the price is right. I didn't really care for Americana and was underwhelmed by what I saw for the price I paid for it. Nevertheless, as you can tell from the pictures, the kids still had a great time. Great Wolf Lodge, on the other hand, has impressed me so far (twice there this year).
Americana Waterpark Pics:
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| First time riding |
For the record, there is one more waterpark in the area - an even bigger one, but we still have yet to go there (ahem, yet to find a deal worth taking us there) but I have heard good reviews from other families (especially if you have older kids)
To start off though, both times we have been at Great Wolf we have paid under $180 for a night for 4, which meant (this is standard for all reservations) 2 full days of play in the waterpark (start at 1PM on day one and all day till 8PM on second day). For both times we were there our rate also included $50+ use in some of their stores and/or restaurants. Anything more than that and I feel it would be a little stretching for our budget conscious family vacations when you factor in all the other expenses (keep on reading)
Crowds? For BOTH times we went the day after a holiday. First time it was after the Thanksgiving Weekend and the last time? The day after March Break. It was refreshing to see everyone checking out as we were checking in!
Crowds? For BOTH times we went the day after a holiday. First time it was after the Thanksgiving Weekend and the last time? The day after March Break. It was refreshing to see everyone checking out as we were checking in!
Some tips:
Rooms: We stayed in standard rooms. The rooms have a mini fridge and a microwave so this makes it convenient if you so choose to bring some goods that require refrigeration (aka milk).
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| Standard Great Wolf Lodge room - can sleep 4-6 |
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| Balcony |
Food: We never ate at their buffet. Though we could have used their credit, the meals are not cheap and we just couldn't imagine paying for our 5 year old that kind of money for a buffet. On our first time there though, we did order pizza combos from their pizza place. It was decent food but of course, expect prices to be considerably marked up. On our second time there, I simply called Pizza Pizza and got hubby to pick up the order (10 min drive that meant a pit stop by the nearby No Frills to get fruit, chips and juice and breakfast).
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| First time at the Lodge we ordered pizza in the resort - it is about $10-15 more than getting pizza outside |
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| This is where we ended up NOT eating - |
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| Second time around? We ordered the same thing from Pizza Pizza |
Waterpark: We like the layout of this park. Kids have to be measured at the entrance to see whether their height allows them to go on certain rides. There is something for every age practically and our kids seemed to love the wave pool the most. There is food you can buy inside the park so beware that people will be eating and drinking inside - if you have kids that are allergic to dairy or foods you probably need to be aware of this. Otherwise, it is a nice treat I think though we never ate inside. Considering that people eat inside, I never found any garbage or spills or anything like that.
Take your time to explore everything - we really enjoyed the park the most the second time around as we knew where everything was. We also knew my son would probably stay close to ground level while my daughter would want to ride the bigger rides though she is not tall enough (she could only go on one high one). So on the second time there, mommy (me!) just left the rest of the family at the wave pool and explored all the rides alone!!!! yahoo!!!!!
To enjoy the most of the park, bring large bags for you to put your clothes to change in the changing rooms at the park. You can play from 1PM on Day one even though Check in is at 4PM. And on the second day you have to check out at 11AM though you can technically stay till 8PM.
There is a family changing room but very few stalls...On our last stay we had to separate and go to the men and women's rooms. Oh, and a nice bonus was the bags they provide for you to put your wet swim suits when you leave the park.
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| Sorry for the poor quality - Wave pool - |
Rides: Busiest time seemed to be early and mid afternoon when guests on Day 2 are still around. Best times seemed to be at 9AM (when it's only overnight guests who are able to go into the park) and late night (after dinner when most overnight guests are long gone home). For both times we were there, though, we found line ups to a minimum since we were there on days after holidays.
Other things to do: There are other things to do in the resort but we only did the arcade a-la-Chuck n Cheese style (we limited the kids to $20 bucks of play which seem to have lasted forever) and on our second stay we tried the Bowling. It was 50% off that day ($5 per person regular). Other things in the resort: kids activities, story time, mini golf (seasonal), spa, etc. We didn't seem to need any of these to fill our days
Sand Sculptures in Niagara Falls?
Yes you heard right. There is a little exhibit in Niagara Falls - the Sand Sculptures. It is worth going if you are going with a Groupon Discount Code. Otherwise, I'd personally say though impressive, it is not worth $16 a person.
Butterfly Conservatory
We finally visited the butterfly conservatory on our last trip to Niagara Falls. Because it was a last minute decision we didn't really shop around and we splurged and paid full admissions fee. Yes, it broke my wallet but it was a fun way to spend a few hours seeing my son scream and cry and laugh and jump around all at the same time :D
A better deal? Get the Wonder Pass for $20 a person
We finally visited the butterfly conservatory on our last trip to Niagara Falls. Because it was a last minute decision we didn't really shop around and we splurged and paid full admissions fee. Yes, it broke my wallet but it was a fun way to spend a few hours seeing my son scream and cry and laugh and jump around all at the same time :D
A better deal? Get the Wonder Pass for $20 a person
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| A very Anxious Son |
The Floral Clock
On the road between Great Wolf Lodge/Butterfly Conservatory and Niagara on the Lake you should hit the Floral Clock. It's free. A nice pit stop
On the road between Great Wolf Lodge/Butterfly Conservatory and Niagara on the Lake you should hit the Floral Clock. It's free. A nice pit stop
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| A pregnant me at the Floral Clock |
The Falls
Of course, you have to take a picture by the falls, right? It's no secret - parking is super expensive if you park closed by, $15-20 bucks IF you find parking. Or, park a little further for $5-10 and walk a bit more. Either way, the falls are always pretty to me and worth checking it out -- in all seasons!
Of course, you have to take a picture by the falls, right? It's no secret - parking is super expensive if you park closed by, $15-20 bucks IF you find parking. Or, park a little further for $5-10 and walk a bit more. Either way, the falls are always pretty to me and worth checking it out -- in all seasons!
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| Baby got to 'see' the falls from mommy's belly |
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| baby is out! |
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| Look! a Second baby! |
Skylon Tower
We went there ONCE, when I was pregnant with baby no. 1 and and splurged on a nice evening dinner there....worth going? I'm not a fan of towers so I'd say no. But I can say we've been there :D
Short Kid Friendly Hike
One year we discovered a short hike from around Skylon Towers area down to the falls (around where the tram is). It was really neat and short enough for the kids. You have to find the place though, we never saw it marked as a tourist attraction
Safari Niagara
Yes, there is a zoo in the Niagara Falls area!!! Again, I've seen Groupon sales for this occassionally. Neat place. I was surprised at how much there was to see there. Worth going if you are looking for something other than the falls to do with kids!
Yes, there is a zoo in the Niagara Falls area!!! Again, I've seen Groupon sales for this occassionally. Neat place. I was surprised at how much there was to see there. Worth going if you are looking for something other than the falls to do with kids!
The Maid of the Midst
Unfortunately we never took the kids on the Maid and now we won't be unless we take it after we cross the border. yes, the maid sails out of the US now :( Booo.....
Unfortunately we never took the kids on the Maid and now we won't be unless we take it after we cross the border. yes, the maid sails out of the US now :( Booo.....
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| At one of the stores inside |
Bird Kingdom
We decided to visit Bird Kingdom this last time we were there, on the Last day of March break. They had a 50% off for all kids running all week. I had a 50% off because I was a member of a teachers' association, and hubby got the regular $2 off admission. It made it budget friendly. The place is interesting but again, like so many attractions in Niagara Falls, paying regular admissions seems a little expensive. The Kids saw lots of things, asked lots of questions and for our family, it was just the right amount of size (not too big). Paid Parking $2 an hour. We spent 1.5 hours here approx.
We decided to visit Bird Kingdom this last time we were there, on the Last day of March break. They had a 50% off for all kids running all week. I had a 50% off because I was a member of a teachers' association, and hubby got the regular $2 off admission. It made it budget friendly. The place is interesting but again, like so many attractions in Niagara Falls, paying regular admissions seems a little expensive. The Kids saw lots of things, asked lots of questions and for our family, it was just the right amount of size (not too big). Paid Parking $2 an hour. We spent 1.5 hours here approx.
Another almost free place!!! $5 for parking (on same parking as the Butterfly Conservatory). I've been here only once without the kids but this will probably be another pit stop for us in the future. It is very pretty and quiet...I love flowers so loved this place.
Places to Eat
I'm no expert when it comes to best places to eat but I'll highlight a few things worth mentioning. I do remember years back going to the buffet breakfast at the top of the Hilton (We were staying there) - the view was amazing and there was something special about breakfast and the falls...(as opposed to viewing the falls during dinner at the Skylon).
Talk about overpriced? Never step onto IHOP in Niagara Falls - way too expensive. Period. (even though I was smiling here...my wallet was not happy!)
We have been to other chain restaurants - nothing really worth mentioning other than it is all overpriced. If you don't mind that then I guess it is ok. For our kids though, Rainforest Cafe is a No No after we tried it twice! The kids are just frightened by the sounds and darkness.
If you want to just eat at a chain restaurant and don't mind driving then just leave the tourist area and you can find chain restaurants at regular prices.
SOMETHING TO WATCH FOR: Look carefully at your bills - there is something called TIFF (Tourism Infrastructure Funding Fees) - it is OPTIONAL - ONLY IF YOU OPT OUT. Otherwise they just 'assume' you are willing to pay the extra 3+% tax.
On a brighter note...this is our favourite restaurant in Niagara Falls - you will never find it unless you know what to look for -
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