Tag Archives: Things to do in Niagara Falls for kids

PA Day Activities in Niagara

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Gear up for an exciting PA Day on Friday, January 19th, 2024, as elementary schools in the Niagara region take a break. Don’t fret about idle moments because we’ve got a fantastic lineup of PA Day Activities for everyone to enjoy! Get ready to explore our top recommendations for a day filled with fun and adventure.  

Embark on Family Fun: Discover Clifton Hill’s Wonderland for Kids!

In the vibrant heart of Niagara Falls lies a popular place for families – Clifton Hill. A haven where every corner is crafted to delight kids and ensure that your family adventure is nothing short of spectacular. Forget about the weather dictating your fun in Niagara Falls because we have curated an exciting list of activities that promise joy, regardless of rain or shine.

Strike Game Zone!

There’s no better way to have your kids release some pent up energy than by taking them to the Strike Game Zone. It’s the place to go for a bounty of midway and arcade games.

Here you’ll find 14 full size 10 pin bowling lanes, a high-def audio/visual system, intelligent LED lane lighting and touch screen monitors for easy, automated scoring. Plus, with special bumper-rails that can be raised or lowered for each player, kids and novice bowlers don’t have to throw gutter balls.

After bowling, you can stick around to enjoy high-tech arcade games, and racing simulators.

More Clifton Hill Fun!

Immerse yourself in the wonders of our top museums, attractions, and amusements, guaranteeing a diverse range of indoor entertainment options in the popular Niagara Region. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through Clifton Hill, where every moment is tailored to make family memories that last a lifetime.

Movieland Museum
Fallsview Waterpark
Strike Game Zone
Niagara SkyWheel
Bird Kingdom
Wizards Golf
Zombie Attack
Ripley’s Museum
Greg Frewin Theatre

Restaurants

Boston Pizza
Kelsey’s

Retail

Canada Trading Company
Fudge Factory


City of NIagara Falls Activities at MacBain Community Centre

7150 Montrose Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2H 3N3 | (905) 356-7521

January 19th PD Day Programming 

Join us as we expand our programming for all ages to provide safe family fun across the City!

Crazy Clay Creations

  • Join for a hands on art workshop led by the Niagara Falls Art Gallery at the MacBain Centre! Participants will be guided through the creation of their very creation made out of clay. The only thing participants need to bring is their imagination!
  • 12:30-1:30 Ages 4-7. Click here to register!
  • 2:00-3:00pm Ages 8-12. Click here to register!
  • $10 per person
  • Pre-Registration Required!

Open Swim

  • Leisure Pool: 8:00am-3:45pm & 6:00-8:30pm
  • Lane Pool with slide: 6:00-8:30pm

Drop In Badminton

  • 11:30am-1:30pm
  • $5 per person / $10 per family

Drop In Volleyball

  • 2:00-4:00pm
  • $5 per person / $10 per family

Drop In Basketball

  • 4:15-8:45pm
  • $5 per person / $10 per family

Drop In Table Tennis

  • 7:15-8:45pm
  • $5 per person / $10 per family

Drop In Indoor Play Structure

  • 8:30am-8:30pm
  • $7 per child / $15 per family

Library PD Day Drop In Fun

  • 10:00am – 11:30am
  • Have some fun at the library on your day off from school! Board games, crafts, obstacle challenges.. who knows what we’ll do!

Day Passes: Get access to all the great drop in programs, including the pool and indoor play structure, for only $10 per child / $15 per adult / $25 per family.


Niagara Falls History Museum 

PD Day: Mad Science

January 19, 2024
Shows at 11am & 1pm

$5 or free for members

Get ready to ignite the curiosity in your budding scientists! Join us for the Science Show, a journey that introduces your little ones to the fundamental realms of Chemistry, Physics, and Biology. Engaging experiments curated from the vast spectrum of science will show kids that, no matter the field, the essence of science lies in questioning the world around us.

Following the show, dive into the Museum galleries and embark on an exhilarating scavenger hunt, adding an extra layer of discovery to your scientific exploration.

Please note that pre-registration is essential. For safety, children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and all attendees, including adults, must secure a ticket to join this enlightening adventure. Let the scientific wonders unfold!

Register for 11am Show: https://bit.ly/40Vi6aC
Register for 1pm Show: https://bit.ly/47RBOWV


PA Day At The Rink

526 Regent Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, L0S 1J0, Canada

This PA Day, head to the “Ice Rink” at The Gardens at Pillar & Post and enjoy the lovely grounds, skate on a 120 by 60 ice rink, and experience The OutPost’s trademark food and beverage offerings.

The skating rink is open to the general public and hotel guests of Vintage Hotels and Niagara’s Finest Hotels. The rink is available for skating, gliding, and having fun.

COMMUNITY SKATE HOURS (Subject to Change)
Monday – Thursday – 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday – Saturday – 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday – 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

HOTEL GUEST SKATE HOURS
Monday – Thursday – 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday – Saturday – 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday – 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Please keep in mind that, depending on ice conditions and weather, the rink will be closed for cleaning at various points during the day, normally around 3:00 p.m. Cleaning time is about 30 minutes.

The Gardens offers skate rentals.
Skate rentals are provided for $5.00 at The OutPost; however, rentals are limited, and visitors to The Gardens are advised to bring their own skates. Helmets are mandatory for all skaters under the age of 12, and helmet rentals are free.

Get Details


Cyclamen Display At The Floral Showhouse

January 13, 2024, to March 3, 2024

Discover the Magic of the Cyclamen Display at the Floral Showhouse

Get ready to step into a botanical wonder as the Cyclamen Display makes its grand return to the Floral Showhouse, captivating visitors from January 13 to March 3, 2024. Brace yourself to bid farewell to winter blues and embrace the burst of colors, featuring cyclamen flowers in stunning shades of burgundy, pink, and magenta, promising to turn the chill of the season into a warm and joyful spectacle.

Event Details:
Date: January 13, 2024, to March 3, 2024
Location: Floral Showhouse, Niagara Falls

Escape the Winter Blues: Immerse yourself in a visual odyssey through the enchanting North and Centre Houses, where the Cyclamen Display takes center stage. After a three-year hiatus, this event is back to mesmerize your senses, offering a picturesque escape from the frosty winter outside. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the delicate beauty of cyclamen flowers in all their glory!

Get Details


Dancing Queen at OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino

Thursday, January 18th 2024 through Sunday, January 21st 2024

Prepare to groove down the lanes of nostalgia at our sensational 70’s Disco Dance Extravaganza! It’s a funky fiesta that thrusts you right into the heart of the disco era, spotlighting the timeless hits of Abba, The Bee Gees, Village People, and beyond! Envision glittering dance floors, infectious beats, and an irresistible temptation to showcase your most fabulous disco moves. Let’s boogie!

Event Dates

  • January 18 3PM & 8:30PM
  • January 19 3PM & 9PM
  • January 20 3PM & 9PM
  • January 21 3PM & 7PM

Get Details


Winter Birds At Heartland Forest 2024

Embark on a Winter Bird Adventure at Heartland Forest!

Date: Jan 19 2024
Time: 9:30am – 11:30am

Join us at Heartland Forest for an exciting exploration of the enchanting realm of Winter Birds. Gather the whole family for an inspiring experience that includes creating your very own bird feeder to take home! During your visit, venture on a brief self-guided hike through our protected forest—challenge yourselves to spot as many birds as possible! Wander through our treehouse and marvel at lifelike models showcasing our local feathered friends.

Tickets are required per child, and adults accompanying children can attend for free. Once you’ve snagged your tickets, feel free to drop in anytime between 9:30 and 11:00. Let the avian adventure begin!

Tickets are $2.50 per child: Click here to purchase tickets

Get Details


Niagara Falls Library Drop In Fun

Niagara Falls Public Library:
4848 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario L2E 4C5, Canada

Celebrate your day off from school with a burst of excitement at PD Day Drop-In Fun in the vibrant atmosphere of Victoria Avenue Library!

From 10:00 am to 11:30 am on Friday, January 19, 2024, the Children’s Story Garden transforms into a hub of joy and creativity. Join us for a mix of board games, crafts, and obstacle challenges – the perfect recipe for a day of fun. Geared towards children of all ages, this event promises an energetic and engaging experience for families.

Get Details


Additional PA Day Activities in the Niagara Region

Pelham PA Day
Grimsby Museum
Steam Thorold Library

Niagara Falls Student Group Package on Clifton Hill

Reading Time:  2 minutes -

Our Niagara Falls Student Group Package is back! Come visit us to see for yourself why we are called the “Street of Fun by the Falls”.

There is no better way to experience a one of a kind school trip than to experience our Niagara Falls Student Group Package. We are currently taking bookings for the 2024 school year. If you are a teacher, part of the school council, or know of anybody that may be thinking about a unique, educational and exciting trip for students, please share this post and do not hesitate to contact us for more information.

Our Niagara Falls Student Group Package is a popular and economical choice for school trips. Come visit us to see for yourself why we are called the “Street of Fun by the Falls”!

Bringing a group to the Niagara Falls area that is not a school group? Why not take advantage of some of our other Clifton Hill Group Attraction Packages? Whether you’re a leisure tour group or corporate travelers, everyone will have fun experiencing Clifton Hill’s excitement!

List of Niagara Falls Splash Pads and Outdoor Swimming Pools

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Embrace the sun-drenched days as you immerse yourself in the refreshing waters of Niagara Falls’ public pools and splash pads. Best of all, swimming is absolutely free, offering you the perfect opportunity to indulge in endless aquatic fun without breaking the bank. Don’t miss out on this fantastic summer experience.

City of Niagara Falls Splash Pad Locations

Niagara Falls splash pads is open 7 days a week from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm (Weather permitting; Hours may be extended during heat alerts.)

  • Chippawa Lions Park 3970 Welland St
  • EE Mitchelson Park 3750 Springdale Ave
  • FH Leslie Park 5250 Valley Way
  • MacBain Community Centre 7150 Montrose Road
  • Niagara Falls Lions Park 4981 Drummond Road
  • Patrick Cummings Memorial Complex 8965 Willoughby Drive
  • Prince Charles Park 6320 Arad St

City of Niagara Falls Outdoor Public Pool Locations

Buck Hinsperger Pool, 3970 Welland St
Opening Date Thursday, June 29
Public Swim 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Closing Date Sunday, August 27

F H Leslie Pool, 5250 Valley Way
Opening Date: Thursday, June 29
Adult Lane Swim ($) 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Public Swim 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Closing Date Sunday, September 3

Niagara Falls Lions Pool, 4981 Drummond Rd
Opening Date Thursday, June 29
Adult Lane Swim ($) 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Public Swim 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Closing Date Sunday, August 27

Prince Charles Pool – 6320 Arad St.
Opening Date Thursday. June 29
Public Swim 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Closing Date Sunday, August 27

Check out the City of Niagara Falls website for more information and for facility hours: www.niagarafalls.ca 

Escape the summer heat and make a splash in one of our outdoor pools or splash pads!


Afterwards, why not bring the kids to Clifton Hill? Drying off will never be so much fun! $22.95 + tax for children to do 6 of Clifton Hill’s most popular attractions! Click below for details.

Dollar Day on Clifton Hill!

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On Sunday, January 12th, 2020 Dollar Day returns to Clifton Hill.

Niagara residents are encouraged to take part is this yearly event with select Clifton Hill attractions charging just $1 admission;  proceeds of the “Dollar Day” event goes towards Cystic Fibrosis research.

The event is open to local people only. Proof of residence is required, and kids under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult

About Cystic Fibrosis

Dollar Day on Clifton Hill has raised thousands of dollars each year for Cystic Fibrosis and we are hoping to raise even more this year. Cystic Fibrosis Canada describes Cystic Fibrosis (CF) as “the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults with no known cure. CF primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. In the lungs, where the effects of the disease are most devastating, a build-up of thick mucus causes increasingly severe respiratory problems. This mucus and protein also build up in the digestive tract making it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from food. Large quantities of digestive enzymes must be consumed with every meal and snack.”

Nancy Clayton, vice-president of the Niagara chapter for Cystic Fibrosis Canada has organized the Museum Day event since its inception in 1989, over 30 years ago. She came up with the idea of “Dollar Day” to find a way to raise awareness of a disease that few people know much about, while raising money for the cause. It has been a huge success ever since.

According to the organization, about one in 25 Canadians carries a defective version of the gene responsible for CF.

Dollar Day on Clifton Hill will run from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Niagara residents will be required to carry a form of photo ID to take part in the event that contains their Niagara residential address. A Driver’s license, passport or student card are valid sources of photo ID.  Children under the age of 12 are to be accompanied by an adult at the participating attractions.

Here is a list of the participating attractions:

If you wish to make a separate donation to Cystic Fibrosis please click here for the various way in which you may contribute.

FREE National Child Day Events in Niagara Falls

Reading Time:  2 minutes -Photo cred: Sander van der Wel 
FREE National Child Day Events in Niagara Falls
National Child Day is celebrated on November 20th each year.  It has been celebrated across Canada since 1993 to commemorate the United Nations’ adoption of two documents centered on children’s rights. These are the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child (November 20th, 1959), and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (November 20, 1989).
National Child Day is about celebrating children. 
The Niagara Children’s Planning Council, along with the participating municipalities and the YMCA of Niagara invite families to visit any of these locations for FREE SKATING or SWIMMING in recognition of the event (various dates and times)
FREE SKATING LOCATIONS
City of St. Catharines
November 20th: 4:00 – 6:00 pm, Bill Burgoyne Arena, 129 Linwell Rd., St. Catharines
City of Thorold
November 21st: 12:45 – 2:15 pm, Thorold Community Arena, 70 Front St. N., Thorold
Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake 
November 21st: 1:30 – 3:00 pm, Meridian Credit Union Arena, 1567 Four Mile Creek Rd., Virgil
City of Welland
November 21st: 1:00 – 2:30 pm, Welland Youth Arena, 501 King St. W., Welland
City of Niagara Falls 
November 22nd: 2:00 – 3:00 pm, Gale Centre, 4171 Fourth Av., Niagara Falls
Town of Pelham
November 22nd: 1:00 – 2:20 pm: Pelham Arena, 1120 Haist St., Fonthill
City of Port Colborne
November 22nd: 12:00 – 3:00 pm: Vale Health & Wellness Centre, 550 Elizabeth St., Port Colborne
Township of West Lincoln
November 22nd: 1:00 – 2:00 pm: West Lincoln Arena, 177 West St., Hwy 20, Smithville
FREE SWIMMING LOCATIONS
City of St. Catharines 
November 21st: 6:30 – 7:30 pm: Kiwanis Aquatics Centre Leisure Pool, 425 Carlton St., St. Catharines
St. Catharines YMCA
November 22nd: 2:30 – 3:30 pm: 25 YMCA Dr., St. Catharines
Welland
November 22nd: 1:00 – 2:30 pm: Niagara Centre YMCA, 310 Woodlawn Rd., Welland
Niagara Falls 
November 22nd: 2:30 – 4:00 pm: MacBain Community Centre, 7150 Montrose Rd., Niagara Falls
Fort Erie
November 22nd: 2:00 – 4:00 pm: Fort Erie YMCA, 1555 Garrison Rd., Fort Erie
Port Colborne
November 22nd: 1:00 – 3:00 pm: Port Colborne YMCA, 550 Elizabeth St., Port Colborne
Grimsby
November 22nd: 1:00 – 3:00 pm: Niagara West YMCA, 325 Main St.E., Grimsby
 StoryWalk® at Heartland Forest 
Heartland Forest is excited to launch of their new StoryWalk® event happening from November 20th to December 20th, 2015. They are pleased to present the kick-off on National Child Day from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Children and families are invited to enjoy reading a story while going for a stroll in the woods. This is a free event in which visitors will enjoy a snack, creative activity, and a campfire after the walk.
The featured story is “Picture a Tree/Imagine un Arbre” by Barbara Reid. It will be displayed in both English and French.
Heartland Forest is located at 8215 Heartland Forest Rd, Niagara Falls.

To stay updated on more things to do in Niagara Falls, follow us on any of our Clifton Hill Social Media Channels:

Christine Lynn

clynn@cliftonhill.com

www.cliftonhill.com

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30th Annual Surfing Santa Event

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Every December since 1985, John Fulton (the Surfing Santa) has been raising awareness of homelessness by surfing the icy waters of the Niagara River. Fulton makes the frigid mile long journey on a wind surfer or stand-up paddleboard clad in a specialized cold water “Santa” drysuit. Currently, the weather in Niagara Falls on December 23rd, 2014 is showing 5°c and a 30% chance of showers, however Santa will surf regardless of snow, hail, sleet, rain or shine on this date at 11:00 a.m from Mather Arch in Fort Erie.

Directions to Mather Arch: 

Address: 11 Niagara Parkway, Fort Erie

From the QEW heading towards the Peace Bridge, take the last exit “Central Avenue” and turn right. From Buffalo, go across the Peace Bridge and take “Central Avenue” exit (right under the Central Avenue overpass).

Surfing Santa will begin his voyage from Mather Arch in Fort Erie, on to Buffalo, and return, escorted by U.S. Border Patrol and the Niagara Parks Police.

John Fulton has been made famous by major news sites like CNN and the Globe and Mail. Surfing Santa uses his media exposure to ask the world to find a shelter, a homeless person, a family in need or any organization helping the less fortunate and to make a donation.

After speaking to many shelters, the most commonly needed piece of clothing (and most overlooked) is a warm pair of socks. It is because of this, that the Surfing Santa #SocksForSanta campaign was started. It is an event that collects new socks and underwear for the less fortunate in Niagara. Undergarments are not traditionally a donated used clothing item for reasons of hygiene, therefore they are the number one clothing item in demand. Shelters are in dire need of warm socks and underwear year round, but especially during this cold, harsh winter season.

You can bring new pairs of socks, underwear, gift cards, or cash donations down to Mather Arch on the Niagara Parkway in Fort Erie December 23, 2014 between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm for the Surfing Santa “Out Of The Cold Niagara” 30th annual Niagara River Crossing — and get your Picture taken with Surfing Santa!

Watch this interview by John Fulton (also owner of Fulton Fitness in St.Catharines) as he speaks about the Surfing Santa event and what it means to him:

 Surfing Santa Schedule of Events: 

9:00 am Surfing Santa visits Table Rock at Niagara Falls with CHCH TV.

 10:30 am Santa lifts off from Niagara Helicopters for trip past Falls down river to Fort Erie

11:00 am Surfing arrives via Niagara Helicopters for the Mather Park Media event and pose for pictures with Santa (BYOSS) Bring your own Santa suit.

12:30 pm Down river launch and crossing to USA from break wall south of Peace Bridge.

1:30 pm Arrive Bowen Rd. Park

To donate online and for more information on this event please go to www.surfingsanta.com 

Christine Lynn

clynn@cliftonhill.com

www.cliftonhill.com

Facebook: www.CliftonHill.com/fb

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