Niagara Falls, NY

[RUDisney]

I'm going to take my teenaged nephews to Niagara Falls this summer.

Aside from the park, Maid of the Mist, etc., what else is there to do?

I was there 10 years for a day and we did all of the park things, except for walking behind the falls.

The boys don't have passports, so we can't go into Canada. This will be only the second vacation on which they've ever been. Their parents don't like to travel.

I want them to find out how much is ahead of them instead of staying home for every vacation. I'd take them to Disney, but I don't want to do that under a mask. Besides, that's the only place they've ever been and their mother hated it, and I'm sure made it miserable for everyone. I eventually want to take them so they can experience it for the good.

I have Hilton Honors points to use for lodging, so any recommendations for the best Hilton hotel (Hampton Inn, DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Garden Inn or Home2 Suites, etc.)? Restaurants? Fun things to do? My 25 yo DD will also be with us.

 

[soccerdad72]

Cave of the Winds was our favorite part on the US side.

 

[mrs. magoo]

We live a little over an hour away from the Falls in Rochester NY. I always find it so interesting when people say they are going there on vacation, but when I was younger we used to go with a large amount of people from our church for a fun weekend during February break. We loved Cave of the Winds - it was so interesting. There is a casino for your DD. What are the ages of your nephews because most of the best stuff is on the Canadian side. There is a cool observation tower and the park is good. There is a little aquarium that my kids used to like to see. There is a good outlet mall on Military Rd and if you venture down to Lewiston you can visit Ft Niagara and go to eat at my favorite sandwich place - The Silo. If they are looking at colleges you could drive through Niagara University. You could also go to Buffalo and sight see there. If you are inclined to head east down the thruway to Rochester I could give you some suggestions here.

 

[mrodgers]

Don't go on the weekend, LOL. My girls wanted to go so we headed out on a Saturday. 6 hours for a 3 hour drive because it took us 2 hours just to drive around 1 block and get back onto the highway and go home for 4 hours. We stopped in Erie and got Cold Stone Creamery for dinner and that's the only thing that was accomplished for 9 hours in the car.

Took that Monday off and we went back, 3 hour drive and had plenty of parking and they got to see the falls and ride Maid of the Mist.

 

[AaronB]

I'll also add to the recommendation for Cave of the Winds.

If you want something a little more thrill seeking, look for the jet boats (which I think may be on the US side). Basically, you get on a powerful jet boat and they thrash you around in the rapids a little ways down from the actual falls. You will get absolutely soaked, but it is a blast.

 

[RUDisney]

Don't go on the weekend, LOL. My girls wanted to go so we headed out on a Saturday. 6 hours for a 3 hour drive because it took us 2 hours just to drive around 1 block and get back onto the highway and go home for 4 hours. We stopped in Erie and got Cold Stone Creamery for dinner and that's the only thing that was accomplished for 9 hours in the car.

Took that Monday off and we went back, 3 hour drive and had plenty of parking and they got to see the falls and ride Maid of the Mist.

I was thinking this. I plan to go during the week with the boys. It's a 6 hour trip from our house, so I don't need to add any time to it.

@mrs. magoo, the boys are 15 (almost 16) and 17 when we're going. I feel the same way about people saying they are going to the Poconos for vacation. That's 30 minutes from my house, and while we head there occasionally, its for a few hours only.

 

[AppleDumpling]

Cave of the Winds is great, especially in the summer. You’ll get very wet, especially on the Hurricane Deck, but it’s exhilarating. Also be sure to go to Goat Island, which is part of NF State Park. From there, you get a unique perspective, in between Horseshoe Falls and Bridal Veil falls.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Besides the Falls, we enjoyed this, too.

https://www.oldfortniagara.org/

There is also a family amusement park not too far away that was fun. Just check to make sure it’s open.

https://fantasyislandlbi.com/

 

[NYCgrrl]

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attract...bright_Knox_Art_Gallery-Buffalo_New_York.html
There’s a Floyd Wright house up there and many other museums.

Good eats at the following:

Charlie the Butcher - beef on weck is always good. Same for grilled sausages or hot dogs.

Schwabl’s - good deli sandwiches with beef on weck too.

Mike’s Candy Shop

Some nice state parks nearby; just google as I don’t recall the names

 

[1GoldenSun]

Can you currently go into the Canadian side, assuming you do have a passport?

 

[LoveSpringsteen]

I assume the 15 (almost 16 year old) doesn't yet have his driver's license, but if your nephews have an enhanced driver's license (or Real ID Compliant), you can cross the border by vehicle and don't need a passport. I do not know if the border is open yet for tourists since the COVID shutdown. I keep thinking they'll open them soon, but I haven't heard any news about it.

 

[soccerdad72]

Can you currently go into the Canadian side, assuming you do have a passport?

I believe the border is still closed, at least right now.

 

[RUDisney]

I'll check to see if the older one has a real id and if the younger brother can get one before we leave... assuming that the border is open, which it probably won't be.

 

[sls23]

Besides the Falls, we enjoyed this, too.

https://www.oldfortniagara.org/

There is also a family amusement park not too far away that was fun. Just check to make sure it’s open.

https://fantasyislandlbi.com/

I believe that link is to a Fantasy Island in NJ. The one on Grand Island close to Niagara Falls is currently closed as far as I know. They went bankrupt but had potential buyers but not sure if it will open this summer or ever.

There is Darian Lake which is a 6 Flags park about 1 to 1.5 hours from Niagara Falls. I believe they will be open this summer.

I would check ahead for availability of attractions in this area since we still have a lot of Covid-19 capacity restrictions.

 

[sls23]

I believe the border is still closed, at least right now.

The border is currently closed through April 21st I believe. I anticipate that will be extended.

 

[TraceyDisney2008]

Niagara aquarium, the fort is great, Buffalo and hour away has a great zoo and mall .

 

[Tink3815]

Maid of the Mist, Boat that goes right up to the falls

 

[AndreaDM]

I'll check to see if the older one has a real id and if the younger brother can get one before we leave... assuming that the border is open, which it probably won't be.

*IF* the border is open, under 16 don't even need that, a birth certificate will suffice, they only need to show proof of US citizenship.

 

[CdnCarrie]

There is no way the border will be open this summer. Ontario is locking down.
And if you are taking minors over the border you would need a notarized letter from their parents.
At least here you do. You can’t take minors that you aren’t legal guardian of across a border without a notarized letter.

 

[focusondisney]

I would say Niagara Falls can be done in a day, with the attractions already mentioned. But Buffalo is close enough to do at the same time. Lots more hotel choices in the Buffalo area too. You could stay in Buffalo & drive to NF in 30 -45 minutes. The Toronto Blue Jays are expected to play in Buffalo again this summer. Depending when you go, you might be able to attend a game. No announcement yet on ticket sales or what you need to do to attend (testing, vaccine proof etc). Will just be a unique opportunity to see a major league team play in a minor league stadium (although it is a very nice minor league stadium). Buffalo has the zoo, art, science & history museums, although I don’t know if teen boys are interested in those.

Since you mentioned being near the Poconos, I’m assuming you’re coming from Pennsylvania? The national Comedy Museum is in Jamestown NY & might make a good stop along the way, depending on your route. I haven’t been since they opened their new building, but it is getting very good reviews & we plan to go in the next few months.

There are a few retired naval vessels on the Buffalo waterfront that are open for tours (check COVID restrictions, of course). Darian Lake theme park is definitely planning on opening, they had a job fair recently. Although that is a bit farther from Buffalo than Niagara Falls is. Oh, and there is a very nice, modern drive in, the Transit Drive In, just south of Niagara Falls. If they’ve never been you might want to check that out. It has 5 screens, plays first run movies (when there are some, lol!). And they’ll definitely be open.