Jo

We are planning a weekend trip to the falls in the middle of May.<BR><BR>Any suggestions on what not to miss? We will be staying at the Sheraton Fallsview and will have a couple of kids with us.

Cheryl

Don't miss visiting the American side of the falls. You can stand at the railing where the water drops over the falls. It's an incredible experience. Also, visit Old Fort Niagara on the American side. A wonderful piece of American history. There's a lot to do with kids...the Maid of the Mist boat ride, the walkway down to the lower rapids, lots of shops and the butterfly conservatory. Have fun.

garyt

Jo - about 20 minutes away from the Falls is Niagara-on-the-Lake. It's a great little village with shops, restaurants, and an old fort for the kids... if the kids are over 8, take them on the Whirlpool Jet Boats that leave from the village marina. The trip is an unforgettable tour of the lower Niagara River (below the Falls) that takes you right into the rapids near the Whirlpool. This is the closest and safest way to experience high grade rapids similar to those you would see in a raft on the Colorado. Be prepared for a total soaking and bring spare clothes, but I promise you that you and the kids will never forget this tour...<BR><BR> We even bought the $20 video that shows us getting soaked in the boat... under age eights might be scared by the experience, but it seems some kids are tougher than the big people... They also have a glass covered boat, but the only way to go is open boat...I think it was about $40 for adults and less for kids(there are also discount coupons in all the hotel lobbys).<BR><BR>If your kids are toddlers, stick with the Butterfly Garden and Clifton Hill as well as the more touristy things around the hotel... have fun!

gail

We went to Niagara Falls with 2 kids, ages 9 and 13. They thought it was about the best ploace they had ever been. Along with all the standard Falls-related tourist stuff, they loved the wonderful tackiness of the shops, exhibits (such as Ripleys, etc.). Did not have the same positive feelings about things on the American side.

gary

I agree. Niagara Falls is a great place for kids between about 6-16. It is tacky but 'cool' with days worth of things kids that age find fun. A few years ago I took my kids - then aged 6, 11 & 13 to the Falls and they found it the most fun 3 days of our 10 day Ontario Vacation. It's true that over 90% of the worthwhile attractions are on the Canadian Side and I would go to the US side just to get a different perspective on the Falls.<BR><BR>For Adults and Honeymooners I struggle to see the charm. There are some good Restaurants, a great Casino and mediocre shopping but except for Niagara On The Lake, (a major exception), the whole place shouts T A C K Y!!!

Rachel

All the advice is good. Maid of the mist and the whirlpool boat are both great. One thing no one hass mentioned which is also fun is a simple walk accross the Rainbow Bridge which is the bridge that connects the US and Canada. You walk right over the Niagara River, very close to the Falls and the view is beautiful. It makes a great photo backdrop too. It's also kind of fun to walk thru customs, rather than drive. There is a 25 cent toll per person. I think the toll fors cars is about $2. If your kids are pre teens or teens there is a Hard Rock Cafe on the Canadian side which they will enjoy. If you are shoppers, there is a huge outlet mall in Niagara Falls, USA. Don't be fooled by the Rainbow Outlet Mall which is very close to the actual Falls, you want the Prime Outlet Mall which is about 3 miles from the FAlls.