This Sukkot, we scored a three-day Chol Hamoed stretch, (Sunday to Tuesday) We couldn’t let it go to waste! Our crew of five – three adults, two kids (13 and 10) weighed our options, and Niagara Falls, Canada, seemed like the perfect choice! It was driving distance from NYC (a pretty long ride!), saving us on flights. Plus, it’s thrilling, out-of-state, and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of North America!
Bonus points: Chabad of Niagara Falls is phenomenal! They offer everything a frum family needs: Minyan, Sukkah, kosher food, even kosher IMAX and separate hours for the indoor water park during Chol Hamoed! We’ll dive into the details later, but trust us, it’s a game-changer!
For the next few weeks after choosing the destination, I transformed into the ultimate trip planner. I researched top attractions and crafted an awesome booklet, filled with photos and details. I presented it to the kids when they got into the car, along with a leftover El Al packet from my last flight – adding a touch of airline flair to our road trip adventure…
Their excitement skyrocketed! With every page turn, they discovered thrilling adventures awaiting them. This way, we all knew exactly what to expect!
Our crew of five was locked and loaded! The countdown began! Our Niagara Falls adventure promised to be an unforgettable escape!
Niagara Falls with Kids - Day 1: Sunday
At 5:30 am, our car was packed and ready for the long haul – kayaks, life vests, and all! (You’ll find out why later!) We hit the road, eager to start our adventure!
A Quick Stop in Scranton, PA
At 8 am, we arrived at Sharei Torah in Scranton, PA, for Shachris minyan. The guys davened and enjoyed breakfast in the sukkah, while the girls took a quick break. We refueled, filled up on gas and grabbed some food.
Ready to Roll!
With spirits lifted and energy replenished, we were set for the rest of the ride!
Driving up
Although there were three drivers in the car, since everyone was knocked out due to the crazy-early wake-up, I just drove the whole way myself. I inserted my AirPods, jammed to some tunes, and enjoyed some solo, quiet time – exactly what I needed! Honestly, we were worried the kids would get restless and fights would break out, so having them sleep was the better choice for me!
Tip: check live border wait time here https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html
Tip: Canadian eSIM
An affordable Canadian data solution: Global YO’s data-only eSIM ($0.59/day, 500MB).
With WiFi readily available, our data needs were minimal. We used Google Voice for calls, forwarding numbers beforehand. This option beat our previous Canadian SIM experience in price and convenience, offering easy in-app top-ups!
Arrival in Niagara - 2 pm
We finally arrived at our rental house!
Back in 2021, my husband and I visited Niagara during Chanukah weekend and stayed at a hotel right across from Chabad House. But this time, with kids in tow, we wanted a place all to ourselves. Since we were only staying weekdays, walking distance to Chabad wasn’t a must. Our rental house was perfect!
Niagara Falls with Kids – Why a Private House?
- A spacious apace for the family and space for our pop-up travel sukkah
- Cooking our own meals saved us money, and met our personal tastes and the children’s specific culinary requirements.
- Riverfront with a private dock (a dream for my water-loving family!)
Best Part: Just 8 minutes drive from Niagara’s hustle and bustle, we enjoyed a peaceful getaway!
Click here to recommended vacation rentals in Niagara Falls >
The Bump in the Road
Life’s imperfections struck again! We’d just explored our cozy place, relaxed in the backyard, built our pop-up sukkah and celebrated my birthday with wine by the river – a lovely surprise from my husband!
Unexpected Halt
Just as we were ready to leave for the falls, our car’s battery died! Stress! Would we make it to pick up our 3-Day Adventure Pass?
Quick Thinking
My husband, an avid swimmer, took a refreshing river dip in his cold-water wetsuit. Kids loved racing remote-control boats. No downtime!
Chaverim Saves the Day
“Chaverim”, as always, came through! And three hours later than planned, we headed to Chabad House, buzzing with food fest excitement – vendors’ tents filled with people, food galore and warm community vibes.
We’re Back on Track!
We picked up our pre-ordered goodies from Chabad:
- Parking pass near Chabad (parking’s pricey!)
- Adventure tickets:
- Kosher IMAX
- Fallsview Water Park
- Horblower boat
- Skywheel
Niagara Falls Incline Railway Adventure!
Just a six minute walk from Chabad, we jumped aboard the Falls Incline Railway, and it was breathtaking! This scenic railway is the ultimate shortcut to the falls – skipping traffic and parking hassles, saving you time and offering stunning views!
The railway runs between the Fallsview tourist area and the base of the falls (near table rock center), offering spectacular views of the Falls, plus, it’s family-friendly and accessible!
Price Details
– Single ride: $3.50 CAD
– Day pass: $8 CAD
https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/falls-incline-railway/
Next Stop: Table Rock Centre
Table Rock Centre is Niagara Falls’ most popular destination, offering:
– Location with unbeatable views of Horseshoe Falls
– Interactive exhibits
– Dining options (not kosher, but you can always grab a cup of black coffee… my husband’s favorite)
Unfortunately, the counters were closed for the day, so we’ll pick up our pre-purchased “Adventure Plus Pass” tomorrow.
We went out to the observation deck, and the evening spectacle at the falls was breathtaking! With switching lights, the falls sparkled like diamonds against the night sky. We captured cherished memories, taking stunning photos!
Tip: Take Advantage of the Adventure Pass!
Consider purchasing an Adventure Pass on the Niagara Falls website or at attraction sites for an unforgettable experience!
What is an Adventure Pass?
An Adventure Pass is a convenient, cost-effective package bundling multiple Niagara Falls attractions. Plus, enjoy unlimited WEGO bus and Railway rides for 2/3 days!
We opted for the 3-day Advantage Plus Pass, which worked perfectly. We also received the Niagara Parks passport, stamping our journey at every attraction site!
Throughout, I’ll note which attractions were included in the pass.
You can purchase online:
https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit-niagara-parks/plan-your-visit/deals-packages/
Niagara Skywheel (Clifton hill)
The 20-minute walk from Table Rock Center to Niagara SkyWheel in Clifton Hill was beautiful and scenic, offering stunning views followed by vibrant street attractions.
The 175-foot tall SkyWheel totally lived up to the hype – it offers gorgeous views! We stepped into the capsule, and were taken for the ride of our life! We enjoyed every moment of this thrilling ride (some of us were terrified of the heights, though…:)
Price: Adult: $15 CAD Child: $7 CAD
Niagara Speedway
From the Niagara SkyWheel’s heights, we spotted the impressive Niagara Speedway track. Next thing we know, we’re racing go-karts at top speed, feeling the rush of adrenaline, and competing with each other. Such unforgettable memories!
Price:
Driver: $13 CAD Rider: $4 CAD per 5 minutes race.
Tip: Clifton Hill is Niagara’s Entertainment Hub offers a vibrant mix of entertainment, attractions and activities for visitors of all ages:
- Wax museum
- Haunted houses
- Arcades
- Mini-golf
- Upside Down House
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not
- And more!
With additional time (3+ days), consider exploring! We focused on falls-related activities, but discovered many of these gems during our previous visit in 2021.
After an exciting day, we went back to our cozy house for a restful night’s sleep, recharging for another action-packed day!
Niagara Falls with Kids - Day 2: Monday
The men began the day with early morning davening at Chabad, while I prepared a hearty breakfast at the house, basically omelets and avocado in a pita… yum
The private dock called everyone outside, and that’s where I found them enjoying some relaxed time by the water!
Ready to Explore!
Fuelled up and itching to go, we returned to the Falls Incline Railway, parking at Chabad with our prepaid pass – saving $35/day on Niagara Parks parking.
The railway took us down to Table Rock Welcome Center. We picked up our blue Adventure Passes and passports, feeling like VIPs!
With passes proudly around our necks, we enjoyed the stunning falls view from the observation deck. The panoramic view was breathtaking! And of course- We snapped some more photos of the morning view.
Next, we embarked on Journey Behind the Falls, an unforgettable tour within Table Rock Center. We descended 125 feet, explored the tunnels and stood on the observation decks surrounded by awe-inspiring views. We laughed, got soaked (rain gear provided!) and thrilled at the roaring waters! The adrenaline rush was electrifying!
Floral Showhouse (included in the pass)
We hopped on the WEGO Green Line, conveniently included in our pass, connecting Niagara Parks attractions.
Our next stop: the beautiful Floral Showhouse! Stepping inside, we were surrounded by vibrant blooms and lots of green plants. We loved the colorful floral arrangements and exotic plants on display. And we didn’t forget to stamp out the passport!
Tip: WEGO Transportation
Our Niagara Falls adventure was simplified thanks to WEGO! This handy bus system connects all the must-see spots, saving you from parking headaches and expenses. Consider WEGO for a stress-free transportation!
https://www.niagaraparks.com/getting-around/wego-niagara-falls-bus/
We caught the WEGO Red Line from Floral Showhouse (10-minute ride). The bus dropped us off right at Hornblower Niagara Cruises.
Getting Up Close!
We grabbed our free red ponchos and boarded the cruise. After a short wait, we sailed toward the falls.
The roar grew louder, and the mist surrounded us. We felt tiny against the falls’ massive power! I would say that this unique experience is a must-do attraction in Niagara Falls!
Tickets
Combined ticket for Niagara Falls Hornblower boat tour + Journey Behind the Falls Tour >
TIP: Up the game of your adrenaline rush! Try the zip line to the falls after the cruise, which is conveniently located right next to the hornblower. Link to discounted tickets >
Home time!
After an epic morning, we headed back for lunch. My famous homemade spicy rolls were waiting! Then, my husband and the kids jumped into the kayak and took to the river. Life vests secure, they had an absolute blast paddling around!
Fallsview indoor waterpark
Chabad reserved the waterpark exclusively, with separate boys’ and girls’ hours. I dropped off the boys at 4:20 and enjoyed quality time with the girls at home. Later, we switched.
We had a blast at the water park. We conquered epic slides, even the super-scary one! I pushed past my fears, and it was totally worth it!
After two hours of non-stop fun, we reunited outside, sharing stories.
As one exhausted yet super happy family, we headed home!
Our cozy family night
Supper was delicious! I brought homemade favorites – frozen Shnitzels, rice, potatoes and squash soup – and warmed them up. No fuss and no mess. A cozy movie night followed, reliving cherished memories on the big screen.
What a wonderful day! And, yes, it was a lovely late night…
TIP: Chabad’s mega food fest is a great option, but we preferred homemade food for budgeting and picky eaters! For Tuesday supper, I pre ordered pizza from a participating vendor there.
jewishniagarafalls.com
Day 3 : Checkout and Adventure
We had to check out at 12, but our day was just beginning! We had a delicious breakfast, then we savored the serene river views one last time before packing up.
On-the-Go Treats
We prepared tasty road snacks – my famous homemade rolls and pita with cheese. The car was packed and ready to roll! (pun intended)
Kosher IMAX
First stop: Chabad’s Kosher IMAX!
This state-of-the-art theater featured stunning visuals and immersive sound.
Inside the IMAX, we watched a captivating documentary about Niagara Falls, featuring Annie Edson Taylor’s daring 1901 barrel ride! We learned about the falls’ natural wonder, geology and fascinating history.
The next stop was a seven minutes drive away. We explored this breathtaking 1,076-foot walk alongside Niagara River’s raging rapids. The stunning views and roaring water left us awestruck!
The White Water Walk Experience
Witnessing Class 6 rapids, the world’s most powerful, hearing the roar of the water and stunning scenery, took our breath away. At my mom’s request, we captured for her a video of the roaring water to listen to. The sound was astonishing!
Parking on site was around $6/hour.
Next Stop: Whirlpool Aero Car
After the thrilling White Water Walk, we headed to the Whirlpool Aero Car, just a stone’s throw away!
Convenient Parking
Free parking was available on site (rare in Niagara Falls!) , or we could have taken the WeGo line (2-minute ride from the white water walk).
Whirlpool Aero Car Experience (included in the pass)
We soared above the Niagara Gorge in the iconic red cable car, guided by a knowledgeable expert. The breathtaking views of the Whirlpool Rapids and surrounding landscape left us speechless!
Gliding 3,500 feet above the gorge, the rush of the whirlpool below and stunning vistas took our breath away!
This experience is unforgettable!
After a quick 8-minute drive, we entered a vibrant paradise, the Butterfly Conservatory, hosting over 2,000 butterflies from 45 species.
Vibrant Encounter
Surrounded by lush greenery and soothing waterfalls, we strolled through the sunny haven, captivated by the butterflies’ stunning beauty.
Butterflies danced around, settling on flowers and occasionally, on us! We felt fully immersed!
Niagara Falls Power Station (Included in the pass) - Last Stop
We arrived at the Power Station at 4:30! Our pass granted day (until 5) and night (after 5) admissions.
Day Admission
We only had half an hour left for the day pass, and we used it well, exploring interactive exhibits and discovering the Power Station’s fascinating history. Using the provided scanner, we scanned QR codes at each exhibit, uncovering engaging stories and facts!
After scanning our pass again, we witnessed the Power Station’s transformation into a breathtaking display of lights, music and visuals!
The Tunnel Experience
A friendly employee escorted us down the elevator, 180 feet beneath the ground. We walked through the 620-foot-long tunnel, lined with vibrant LED lights, and felt completely immersed in the magic of Niagara Falls!
Outside
The tunnel‘s end found us out in the mist again! Now in blue rain gear style (provided). Being that close to the falls one last time, witnessing power transferred into electricity, was truly awe-inspiring! What a way to end the day!
Our ouch moment
We took the railway back up to the Chabad house, hungry and craving our pre ordered pizzas! But surprise! With Hoshana Raba coming, the crowd had dissipated, and they’d packed up early.
Realizing we won’t have pizza brought on some frustration, but we got some milkshakes instead and our extra sandwiches saved the day. Inside the sprawling sukkah, we joined a handful of families for an impromptu feast and fun!
Our quiz game sparked laughter, reliving the last three days’ adventures. Jelly treats fueled the competition, and a competitive spirit filled the air!
Going Home!
It was 8 pm, and we were off! With great vibes, we embarked on the journey home, ready to wrap up our adventure. Next stop: home, in approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes!
As expected, everyone dozed off, leaving me (the driver) wide awake! I even managed a stealthy gas stop (and a quick bathroom break) without rousing the sleepers.
Tip: for stress-free driving- Travel at night when kids are most likely to fall asleep 😂 This worked perfectly for me!
Toward the end, the kids sprang back to life, and we enjoyed some lively road trip fun! We arrived home at 2:50 am, refreshed and already anticipating our next adventure!
Best Hotels near Chabad Niagara
Wyndham Fallsview Hotel
A 4-star hotel in the falls area.
The hotel has a swimming pool and a gym.
The rooms have 2 large double beds. The hotel also offers rooms suitable for families (up to 5 people).
Suitable for Shabbat Observant: option for a regular key and a low floor for Shabbat (by prior order). It is a 2-minute walk from the Chabad house. Recently, an “Eruv” was added between the hotel and the Chabad house.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls
A nice suite hotel also suitable for families (up to 6 people in a suite) 5 minutes’ walk from Chabad Niagara.
The suites include a small kitchenette, and an additional sink for washing hands.
