Merely 15 minutes from Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and other places that comprise the Niagara region are great places to take kids. But on family excursions, admission prices add up and can make trips costly. So, check out these five things to do with kids in the Niagara Falls region that are fun and free.
1. Happy Rolph’s Bird Sanctuary
A 15-acre municipal park on the shores of Lake Ontario in neigbouring St. Catharines, about 20 mins from Niagara Falls, that boasts beautiful gardens and pathways, including the 9/11 Memorial trail, a petting farm (May - October), picnic area and playground.Getting There: Follow signs for St. Catharines to Niagara Street down to Lakeshore Road, turn right on Read Road. Sanctuary is on Read Road, just east of the Welland Canal.
Contact: Call 905-937-7210 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm)
2. Morningstar Mill & Mountain Mills Museum
Perched atop the Niagara Escarpment, historic Morningstar Mill is one of Niagara’s hidden treasures. Located on the original site, and fully powered by water, this is one of Ontario’s oldest flour mills. Visitors can see the mill operate, tour the house, blacksmith shop and grounds, see the display of local artefacts and access the Bruce Trail which follows the ravine across the top of the escarpment.Morningstar Mill & Mountain Mills Museum website
3. Looff Carousel
OK, so it's not technically free, but pretty darn close. For 5 cents (and that's 5 cents Canadian!), kids can ride an antique, hand-carved merry-go-round that still operates from May – September. It is a Coney Island style carousel with 68 carved animals, 4 chariots and a functioning band organ, located in Lakeside Park, Port Dalhousie.The Carousel is open 10am to 9pm from Victoria Day weekend until Labour Day.
Directions to Port Dalhousie
4. Welland Canals Centre at Lock 3
Home to the largest canal observation deck in Niagara, it’s the best view of ships using the Welland Canal. Also home to the St. Catharines Museum, and the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame.Getting There: Take the QEW Toronto. Exit at Glendale Avenue. Turn left at the set of lights (Glendale Avenue). Cross lift bridge. Turn right on Welland Canals Parkway.
Welland Canals Centre at Lock 3 website
5. Niagara Glen Nature Area
A seasonal hiking locale, the Niagara Glen is a unique area of the Niagara River carved out between 7,000 and 8,000 years ago as the erosive forces of Niagara Falls passed through. The designated nature area is a globally important birding area and is home to rare flora and Carolinian forest types.Directions to Niagara Glen
More information on Niagara Glen
