Whether you are planning a family vacation, a weekend getaway, or a spectacular honeymoon, chances are that you will sometime end up researching Niagara Falls. For decades the town has been known as one of the honeymoon capitals of the world, but there are plenty of things to see and do to keep whole families busy with activities.
If you will be traveling with children, be sure to have them research the history of the area and how the falls were formed. It is a fascinating story involving "cool" things that excite kids including bits of Ice Age history and glaciers.
If you like to be physically active for your vacations, the Niagara Falls area is home to a number of state parks that offer everything from hiking, biking, and fishing to water sports to cross country skiing. An added bonus is the gorgeous scenery found in this part of the state.
One thing to keep in mind is that the New York winters, especially in this part of the state can, and usually do, get brutally cold. This trip is generally better for a spring, summer, or fall vacation agenda unless you do indeed want to visit off-season for the skiing or to see the falls in its winter glory. If you want to visit during a time that is not extreme at either end of the spectrum, July is generally the warmest month with January and February being the coldest (not to mention the great amount of lake effect snow that falls in this area each winter).
If you are a gamer, be sure to visit one of the numerous casinos found on either the American or Canadian side of the falls. There are thousands of slots and other games available and casino complexes that have hotels, fabulous restaurants, and so on.
So what will you be able to find to do in town other than actually seeing the magnificent falls? If the weather is warm enough, you may want to take the Maid of the Mist boat ride that allows you to get up close and personal with "The Great Falls" which means that you will be getting wet, too. The operation usually begins in April sometime, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it will be warm enough for getting wet to feel good to everyone.
If you enjoy spelunking or even if you want to try it for the first time, try the Cave of the Winds tour. Again, remember that caves are generally always cooler than the surface, and always damp.
There are many museums of various types in the area, especially if you want to take a day trip to Buffalo. You will be able to find cultural activities there as well, and many of them are found in Niagara Falls, Ontario, too. One museum is even dedicated to the daredevils who have tried a variety of stunts concerning the falls.
One thing that should definitely be on your agenda no matter what kind of group you are traveling with, or if you are traveling solo, is the Aquarium of Niagara. It is found at 701 Whirlpool Street and houses about 1,500 animals, fish, etc. One of their most unique offerings is the Peruvian Penguins exhibit. It is one of more than 40 exhibits that are found at the aquarium.
Be sure to see Niagara Falls Wintergarden found on Rainbow Boulevard especially if you are visiting during a cooler time of year. This botanical garden is enclosed in glass and also has an observation deck to see the falls. Thousands of trees and flowers are found here along with gorgeous settings for them.
No matter what your original reason was for spending some time in Niagara Falls, the view of the falls itself and the activities make the trip a memorable one. There are all kinds of dining experiences available from fast food to upscale eateries. If you have enough time in the area (and have the necessary documents) travel the three miles or so to see Niagara Falls, Ontario, on the Canadian side of the falls.
If you are traveling by car, you will be using Interstate 190 to get to Niagara Falls. Flying in will take you to the Buffalo Niagara Airport (Buffalo is 20 miles away) and if you wish to use Amtrak, there is a station found in town.