Booking choice: The all-inclusive USA side tour, from $120 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
The USA side tour suits families well: children 5 to 12 pay less, under-5s ride free on a lap, and the stops are short and varied.
The things to plan around are the wet stairs at the Cave of the Winds, waits for other groups on big tours, and lunch, which is not included.
The quick answer
On the all-inclusive tour, children 5 to 12 pay about $95 and under-5s ride free on an adult's lap. Strollers can come, but the tour is not wheelchair accessible and the Cave of the Winds is all wet stairs, so a carrier is easier for toddlers. Kids love the boat and the Hurricane Deck. The helicopter needs riders at least 40 inches tall.
Is the Niagara Falls USA side tour good for kids?
Yes: guests on these tours write that their kids loved it and felt included, and the stops change every 15 minutes to an hour.
The boat and the cave are the highlights for most children. Plan for wet clothes, lots of walking, and a long morning without a meal.
Planning a family day? Check your date for the all-inclusive tour with pickup.
Check dates for the all-inclusive USA side tourHow much do children pay?
On the all-inclusive tour, children 5 to 12 pay about $95 and under-5s ride free on a lap; at the gate, the boat is $19.75 for ages 6 to 12 and the cave $19 for youths.
Tours differ on age bands, so check the child rate at checkout.
| Option | Child price | Under 5 |
|---|---|---|
| All-inclusive tour | About $95 (5 to 12) | Free on a lap |
| Maid of the Mist at the gate | $19.75 (6 to 12) | Free with a paying adult |
| Cave of the Winds at the gate | $19 youth (to Oct 18) | Check at the gate |
| Helicopter tour | Child rate (4 to 12) | Riders must be 40 inches tall |
Can you bring a stroller?
Yes, the all-inclusive tour is stroller accessible, but the Cave of the Winds walkways are stairs, so bring a baby carrier for toddlers.
The tour is not wheelchair accessible. If someone in your group needs step-free access, the walking tour with the boat is listed as wheelchair accessible.
Is it safe for kids on the wet stairs?
Yes with care: hold hands on the walkways, use the rails, and put children in shoes with grip.
The elevator takes you 175 feet down into the gorge, and from there the decks are wet all the way to the Hurricane Deck. See the Cave of the Winds guide for what to expect.
What do kids love most at Niagara Falls?
The Maid of the Mist in their ponchos, getting soaked on the Hurricane Deck, and spotting rainbows in the spray.
The Observation Tower is a quick win too: a ride out over the gorge and a view of all three falls.
How do you keep kids happy during group waits?
Pick a smaller group, or bring snacks and something to do: guests on big tours report waiting for other passengers between stops.
Short attention spans struggle with bus waits more than with the sights. The small-group tour keeps groups to 7 travelers at most (up to 6 per booking), so there is less waiting for others.
Want fewer people to wait for? The small-group tour has the boat, cave and tower in a van.
Explore the small-group tourCan kids do the helicopter or the jet boat?
The helicopter needs riders at least 40 inches tall; the jet boat has a child rate for ages 6 to 12, but it is very wet and does not see the falls.
The jet boat runs 45 minutes of rapids from Lewiston, downriver. The helicopter tour adds a 12-minute flight to the boat and cave in a small group.
What is the best plan for a family day?
Take a morning tour, bring dry clothes and snacks, and save lunch for afterwards with the tour's restaurant coupons.
Food is not included, so feed the kids before pickup. The fireworks add-on starts late (pickup at 9:00 PM), so it suits older children best. For outfits, see what to wear to Niagara Falls.
Family plan ready? The all-inclusive tour picks you up at your hotel.
Check dates for the all-inclusive USA side tourFrequently asked questions
Do toddlers ride free on the Niagara Falls tour?
Yes: on the all-inclusive tour, children under 5 ride free on an adult's lap.
Is the Maid of the Mist OK for young children?
Yes. Children 5 and under ride free with a paying adult, and everyone gets a poncho.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No. Strollers can come, but the Cave of the Winds walkways are stairs.
What is the minimum height for the Niagara helicopter?
Riders must be at least 40 inches tall on the helicopter tour.
Ready to book
Choose your tour
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
All-Inclusive USA Side Tour with Boat Ride
- Maid of the Mist boat ride with poncho (in season)
- Cave of the Winds and the Niagara Falls Observation Tower
- Goat Island, Luna Island, Terrapin Point and Prospect Point with a guide
Small-Group Highlights Tour with Pickup
- Maid of the Mist boat ride (admission included)
- Cave of the Winds and the American Observation Tower
- Guided walking tour of Goat Island
Small Group with Boat, Cave & Helicopter
Boat, cave, tower and a 12-minute helicopter flight
