Niagara Falls is one of those alluring destinations that make the bucket list of most at an early age. The magnificent size of the Falls (the second largest in the world!) and the power behind the water all add to the mystery and attraction for so many people.
When researching destinations for a recent family reunion, Niagara Falls popped up as a suggestion and I couldn’t think of a better place to explore with my entire family and finally check it off my list.
Unbeknownst to my family, Niagara Falls is not only a state park, but also the oldest state park in the U.S. with many attractions worth exploring. Located just 20 minutes outside of Buffalo, Niagara Falls State Park is an easy day trip from the city.
When looking into the Park’s attractions, we decided to purchase the Discovery Pass, which includes entry into five very different adventures, rides on the Niagara scenic trolley, and special attractions fit for every person in my family.
We started with the Cave of the Winds, which offers a unique look of the Falls from underneath. In fact, it’s the closest to the Falls that you can get unless you were in the water. This was the perfect activity for my adventurous teenage nephews. While the souvenir ponchos and water sandals caused non-stop laughter from them, they eventually awed at the sound and strength of the nearby Bridal Falls.
Our next stop was the Niagara Legends of Adventure Theater, ideal for my history-loving uncle. This special movie presentation looks back at the history of Niagara Falls history and the quirky characters that were a part of it. Known as the Daredevils, they dared to go over the Falls in barrels and other crazy vessels. The video delighted the whole family, as we ourselves were explorers discovering Niagara for the first time.
Before visiting our next spot on our Discovery Pass, we hiked around one of the many trails to find a nice picnic area where we could relax and take in the sights. The trails began near the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center where we learned about the different types of rocks found in the area. My brother and sister-in-law planned on going back to hike the more difficult and longer trails another day of our trip.
After lunch, we took my sister’s children to The Aquarium of Niagara, showcasing marine life from the Great Lakes to the Florida Keys. The girls loved the sea lion show and danced around like the penguins for the rest of the day.
Finally, we ended our trip at Niagara Falls the way most people probably start it- by embarking on the double decker, Maid of the Mist boat tour. As the most well known tour in the state park, the Maid of the Mist offers an unparalleled experience of the Falls; even with our ponchos, we were soaked from the spray of the mass amounts of water. The family photo of our wet heads in front of one of America’s greatest landmarks goes down in history as our best photo yet.
After our day at Niagara Falls and our experience with the Discovery Pass, I can’t imagine a better family reunion trip. The Discovery Pass offered something for everyone and each family member found a new adventure within the Park. If you are looking to book your own adventure to Niagara Falls, build a few days into your trip. Be sure to add a visit to a nearby winery or dinner at Top of the Falls Restaurant before you leave the Park. There are so many exciting areas to explore, so give yourself time to fully embrace the grandeur of Niagara Falls.
Want to learn more about the Niagara Falls Discovery Pass? Learn more now!