7 Bucket List Things You Need To Do On A Niagara Falls Day Trip

Planning a Niagara Falls day trip and not sure what to include on your itinerary? These are the best things to do so you have an unforgettable day trip that your whole family will enjoy – even toddlers!

Niagara Falls should be on your bucket list to visit at least once in your life. With so much to do on both the U.S. and Canadian sides, you can easily spend a weekend in Niagara Falls.

However, a visit to Niagara Falls is also a great day trip. Niagara Falls is close to a lot of other New York destinations including:

Buffalo NY – 30 minutes away
Rochester NY – 90 minutes away
Syracuse NY – 2.5 hours away
Watkins Glen NY – 3 hours away

We took a day trip to Niagara Falls while visiting other areas of New York and it was the perfect amount of time. While you need more than a day if you want to explore both sides of the falls, one day is plenty of time to enjoy the Niagara Falls attractions on the U.S. side.

There are a lot of tourist attractions. We rounded up the best things to include on your Niagara Falls day trip itinerary. As a bonus, these attractions are toddler-friendly so your whole family can enjoy.

Let’s dive into the best things you need to do on a Niagara Falls day trip!

Bucket List Things To Do On A Niagara Falls Day Trip

1. Cave Of The Winds

What Is Cave Of The Winds?

The Cave of the Winds tour is the best way to get up close and personal with Bridal Veil Falls.

The tour begins with time at the World Changed Here Pavillion and a short video to learn about the history of Niagara Falls. Then you take an elevator down into Niagara Gorge where you will walk along wooden decks close to Bridal Veil Falls.

It is a sensory experience that allows you to hear, see, and feel the power of the falls. If you’re brave enough, you can venture up to the Hurricane Deck to get within feet of Bridal Veil Falls.

Things To Know Before You Go

Cave of the Winds is on Goat Island and there is a parking lot near the attraction’s entrance. Unfortunately, you have to pay to park.

Tickets have to be purchased at the attraction and entrance is timed so make this your first stop to avoid a wait.

Ponchos are provided and you will want to wear shoes that can get wet. The ponchos do a good job of keeping you dry. However, if you wear a long-sleeved shirt or pants, then the lower part of your shirt and pants might get wet. Especially if you go up to the Hurricane Deck.

We also recommend a waterproof bag for your belongings. If you don’t have one, then keep your bag under the poncho and close to your torso.

Cave of the Winds is toddler-friendly. Once you exit the elevator and get your poncho, the tour is self-guided. So you can move at a pace that works for you and your little one. We put our toddler in a swimsuit and rain jacket, which worked out great since he only wanted to carry his poncho. You can’t bring a stroller so either bring a carrier or carry your toddler as needed on the wooden decks and stairs.

This is a totally unique experience that you don’t want to miss!

2. Goat Island

What Is On Goat Island? Goats?

Goat Island is in the middle of Niagara Falls with Horseshoe Falls on one side and Bridal Veil and American Falls on the other.

Even if there aren’t goats on Goat Island, you will still find there is a lot to do so it is definitely worth a visit during your Niagara Falls day trip.

There are walking paths on the island and you can walk around the island in about 30 minutes. Goat Island is also home to Cave of the Winds and has a bridge to Three Sisters Islands. On top of all that, Goat Island is where you will find Terrapin Point, which gives you the best view of Horseshoe Falls on the American side.

Things To Know Before You Go

You don’t need to pay to visit Goat Island. However, there are two parking lots on Goat Island and you do need to pay to park. Also, there is a cost for the Cave of the Winds tour.

If you don’t want to drive to Goat Island, you can take the pedestrian bridge, which connects Goat Island to the rest of Niagara Falls State Park.

You will also find restrooms and food on Goat Island so you can really spend as much time as you want on the island enjoying the falls and the Niagara River.

You can easily push a stroller around Goat Island. The walking paths are paved and if there are stairs you will find an accessible alternative close by.

3. Top Of The Falls

What Is Top Of The Falls?

Top of the Falls is a restaurant on Goat Island serving American cuisine such as burgers, sandwiches, and salads. However, the restaurant is most noteworthy for its panoramic view of Horseshoe Falls. You will have an unforgettable experience eating delicious food while enjoying a stunning view of the falls.

Things To Know Before You Go

The restaurant is not open year-round and its hours vary by season. You will need to check with the Top of the Falls for their hours before you visit.

The restaurant is close to paid parking on Goat Island.

There is indoor and outdoor seating at the restaurant. You will have great views no matter where you sit, but there is something to be said for sitting indoors close to the floor-to-ceiling windows.

4. Luna Island

Another Island? What’s So Special About This One?

It might be small, but Luna Island has a lot to offer in the form of up-close views of the falls during your Niagara Falls day trip.

Luna Island sits right between the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. You will enjoy spectacular views of these two falls when you visit the island. You can also get a birds-eye view of the Cave of the Winds from Luna Island.

Things To Know Before You Go

You can access Luna Island from Goat Island. You can park on Goat Island and then walk to Luna Island. Or, you can take the pedestrian bridge from Niagara Falls State Park to Goat Island and then walk to Luna Island.

All the pathways are paved and stroller-friendly so the island is easily accessible.

You won’t find restrooms or food on Luna Island so you can visit Goat Island for these needs.

5. Prospect Point Observation Tower

What Is The Prospect Point Observation Tower?

Cave of the Winds, Goat Island, Top of the Falls, and Luna Island all offer amazing views of the falls. However, the only place to view all three falls at once on the New York side is Prospect Point Observation Tower.

The tower extends out over Niagara Gorge and is a great spot to get a panoramic view of all Niagara Falls has to offer. Not only can you see all three falls, but you also get a spectacular view of the Canadian side and Rainbow Bridge, which connects Niagara Falls Canada with the New York side.

Things To Know Before You Go

There is a fee for accessing the observation tower and hours vary by season so make sure to check before visiting.

In order to get up to the observation tower, you will have to walk up some steps. There is an elevator available as an alternative. We would recommend leaving your stroller behind and wearing your little one in a carrier or letting them walk on their own.

If you are parked on Goat Island, you can walk across the pedestrian bridge to the observation tower. There is also a paid parking lot in Niagara Falls State Park closer to the visitor center and observation tower so you can park there for a shorter walk.

6. Maid Of The Mist

What Is Maid Of The Mist?

The Maid of the Mist boat tour is a Niagara Falls attraction that needs to be on your bucket list.

While on the Maid of the Mist, you will travel along the Niagara River and get close to all three falls. Although you won’t get as close to the falls as you do during Cave of the Winds, this is another opportunity to see the falls from the bottom of Niagara Gorge.

Similar to Cave of the Winds, this is an amazing sensory experience that will allow you to hear, see, and feel the force and beauty of Niagara Falls.

Things To Know Before You Go

Maid of the Mist is not open year-round so check the schedule before you plan your Niagara Falls day trip.

You can buy tickets online. However, when you buy online, you are purchasing a ticket that can be used during the season. You can’t buy a ticket online for a specific date or time.

Tours depart approximately every 15 minutes, but in order to keep your wait time to a minimum, you should arrive early in the day.

You will access the boat from the Prospect Point Observation Tower and there is a paid parking lot in Niagara Falls State Park close by.

Ponchos are provided and they do a good job of keeping you dry; however, you should plan to get wet and dress appropriately.

Anyone can go on the boat ride, including toddlers. There is definitely enough to keep your toddler’s attention during the 20-minute ride. You can’t bring a stroller on the boat, but the Maid of the Mist can store it and you can get it when your tour is over. However, we recommend leaving your stroller behind to go to the observation tower and Maid of the Mist if possible.

7. Aquarium of Niagara

Is The Aquarium Of Niagara Worth Visiting?

The Aquarium of Niagara is not in Niagara Falls State Park. However, it is only 5 minutes away and it is worth a visit during your trip.

The Aquarium is small, but there is a variety of animals to see including penguins, turtles, frogs, fish, seals, and sea lions. They also offer up-close visits with some animals, but there are age restrictions so little ones can’t participate.

Things To Know Before You Go

There is a parking lot at the Aquarium, but unfortunately, you have to pay to park.

You can purchase Aquarium tickets online for your preferred date and time. However, if you are eligible for a discounted admission, then you can’t purchase tickets online.

The Aquarium is small and you can get through the exhibits in an hour. You can extend your visit by staying for some of the animal presentations and feedings.

You can bring your stroller to the Aquarium. However, it’s easier to get around without it so we recommend wearing your little one in a carrier or letting them walk on their own.

A Note About Niagara Falls Canada

The Canadian side offers a lot of fun attractions such as Skylon Tower and the Whirlpool Aero Car. However, if you are only visiting Niagara Falls for one day, then it’s best to stick to one side of the falls so that you aren’t rushed and can enjoy your experience. If you have more time, then it is definitely worth it to spend time on both the Canadian side and the U.S. side.

7 Bucket List Things You Need To Do On A Niagara Falls Day Trip