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I mentioned last week that we took a one-nighter trip to Niagara Falls, New York. Our son Jack had wanted to see the falls so we made it happen. Since we don’t all have passports and we didn’t want to get into all that we settled for an American side view of the falls. 

Visiting Niagara Falls State Park in NY

I’ve been to the Canadian side twice in my life, the most recent was for our honeymoon before 911 when you didn’t have to have a passport. As beautiful as it was, I will say I’m glad we got to experience the American side during our month of mini vacations. The Niagara Falls State Park is beautiful with the rushing water nearby. 

5 Tips Before you Visit Niagara

Falls & Maid of the Mist

Maid of the Mist and USA Falls

{Here are some Niagara Falls tour books.}

1 – Don’t do it on a hot holiday weekend. We stood in line for maybe two plus hours in what felt like 100 degree heat to me. I honestly didn’t know if I’d make it. Some people were not making it and were turning away.

2 – If you do go on a holiday weekend when it feels like 100 degrees, just wait till later in the day when there are less people in line.

NY Niagara Falls State Park trolley

3 – Take water and an umbrella for shade with you. I would suggest a small umbrella that you can fold up and put in your purse or packsack. They let you carry stuff like that on, including strollers. If you want to be sure you can check their website and call.

4 – If you physically and safely can I recommend walking up the steps to the side of the waterfalls. YOU WILL GET WET but – WOW!

5 – WATCH your kiddos! I’m not kidding. There are some potentially deadly places a person could her hurt or killed. Be aware of your surroundings. Hold those little hands or strap them into the stroller.

Niagara Falls USA

The views are AMAZING and walking up the wet stairways along the falls was too. Those blue things in the image are people with blue ponchos. When you ride the Maid of the Mist they give you a poncho that you can keep or trash. It’s a thin plastic bag type poncho.

{ Gift idea: Niagara Falls Puzzle}

It was so hot the day we went that “officials” (that’s what I’m calling them for lack of a better word) had big containers of water they were pouring into little cups for us after the boat ride. Thank you New York!

Here’s a short video of our time on the Maid of the Mist. Be sure to Subscribe to my Youtube channel while you’re there!