SUMMER IN NIAGARA: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FAMILY FUN & KID-FRIENDLY ADVENTURES

Fun Family Adventures in Niagara

If you’re spending the summer in the Niagara Region with kids, you’re in luck! When summer hits, the region comes alive with outdoor fun, sweet treats, and plenty of local spots where kids can run, explore, and make memories. Whether you're looking for a day trip, a quick outing, or a new local favourite, there's something for every kind of adventure and summer family fun in Niagara.

Here’s your go-to guide for kid-friendly things to do across the Niagara Region this summer!

• Animal Encounters & Outdoor Play

  • Safari Niagara in Stevensville is a full-day adventure with animals from around the world, a splash pad, ropes course, paddleboats, playgrounds, and so much more!

  • Happy Rolph's Animal Farm in St. Catharines is perfect for a relaxed outing with young kids. Visit the animals, enjoy the big playground, and pack for a picnic by the pond.

  • Howell's Adventure Farm in Fonthill is known for fall fun, but in the summer you'll find sunflower fields, play zones, and outdoor activities for kids and families.

  • Bry-Anne Farms in Fenwick is a smaller-scale outing with seasonal produce, fresh-baked goods, and a family-run charm that kids love.

• Classic Summer Stops

  • Lakeside Park and Carousel in Port Dalhousie is an institution around these parts! Ride the 5-cent historic carousel, play at the lakeside park, or hit the beach.

  • Merrittville Big Scoop in Thorold is a retro roadside ice cream stand with huge portions, fun flavours, and picnic tables to hang out. And if you want lunch or dinner, their woodfired pizzas are some of the best around!

  • Avondale Dairy Bar in Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of the best-loved ice cream stops in the region. It has a country setting, giant cones, and lots of space for kids to run around.

• Rainy Day or Low-Key Outings

  • The Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara Falls is perfect for an indoor adventure! Step into this tropical greenhouse with 2,000+ butterflies and winding paths. It's magical and calm, perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

  • Lock 3 Discovery Centre in St. Catharines is a small science and marine museum right by the Welland Canal. It's perfect for curious kids who love boats, engineering, and local history. A bonus is that you can watch massive ships pass through the locks outside.

  • The Watering Can Flower Market in Vineland is a dreamy spot for a snack or drink in a garden cafe. It's not a typical kid place, but it's surprisingly fun for a calm afternoon with older kids.

Summer in Niagara makes it easy to say “yes” to one more ride, one more scoop, or one more stop along the way. With so many kid-friendly options across the region, there's always something new to explore, whether you’ve lived here for years or you're still getting to know your neighbourhood.

So pack a cooler, grab the sunscreen, and get out there. Summer in Niagara is calling, and it’s perfect for kids of all ages!