My family (me, my wife, & 2 boys age 7 & 3) will travel to Niagara Falls. I am driving from New York City. First night will be staying at downtown Buffalo. Next day will drive to Canada side. We will be staying at Renaissance Fallsview for 2 nights. Last day we will be staying at Sheraton Four Point Niagara Falls NY side. Questions:
1)Any must do activities on the Canadian or American side that is fun especially for kids?
2)Any good or fun family restaurant in the Canadian side?
3)Do I need to exchange any Canadian $? I will assume most places (restaurant, ... etc) in Canada accept credit card?
4)Is things (restaurant, grocery, ... etc) in Canada is generally more expensive than in US? I heard the Ontario tax rate is very high? Can we claim any tax back and how?
5)Is Canadian restaurant expects to get like 15% to 20% tips like in US? Or is bill including tips?
Thanks

Fantasy Island is an amusement park on Grand Island, just a few miles from Niagara Falls, NY. It's not huge, but a nice size, especially if you have young children. They have a children's section with appropriate rides, as well as a large roller coaster and some other non-toddler rides, as well. They also have a western shoot out. It's not very expensive, and the kids will like it, I'm certain.

If you do a search here (and on the Canadian board) of Niagara Falls, you'll find loads of info. about what to do in Niagara Falls....but I'm guessing that with kids they'll like the butterfly conservatory (Canadian side) and maybe the Maid of the Mist?

You'll probably get a better rate using your credit card, but there are plenty of places to change your American $$ to Canadian $$.

Sorry, I don't have all the info. you're requesting. Hope this helps.

If you drive up the river towards Lake Ontario on the American side, you will find Fort Niagara. Very interesting and the kids can participate in reenactment type activities. There is also a very nice park and picnic area there. You can save your receipts for certain things and get some or all of the VAT tax returned to you. Inquire at a bank or one of the duty-free stores.

Thanks. Any good family restaurant on the Canadian size recommend?

There's really not much to do on the US side of Niagra Falls other than the main visitor center. On the Canadian side there is plenty to keep your children occupied. Maid of the Mist & the Butterfly Conservatory were neat. I think we ate at the Rainforest Cafe when we were there a couple of years ago. There is a tacky little tourist strip that the kids love (I think there was a Wax Museum and definitely an IMAX). We could walk to everything. Have fun!

Marineland on the Canadian side was nice. Nothing huge, but a nice little amusement/animal park for kids. They had a neat little dolphin and whale show. The splash zone is clearly labeled. Maid of the Mist was easily the biggest hit for my kids. There's a touristy type road with several Myrtle Beach/ Gatlinburg type attractions.

Tips were not included and and are expected at the same rate.(at least where we went)Rainforest was nice, but expensive !!

I got some Canadian money, but mainly used my credit card. The exchange was figured on my bill. I used MBNA and they charged me no extra fees or surcharges.

There is a form available a number of places to get some tax money back.(your hotel will probably have one)

Ultimately, the entertainment is the falls and anything related to the falls. We had a great time. My kids were 9 and 12 at the time, if that helps. We went last year. Feel free to ask questions. If I can answer them, I'll be glad to. Have fun!