22 Best Things to do in Niagara Falls, New York, in the Winter

Niagara Falls, New York, is a great place to visit in the winter, offering a variety of off-season activities to keep everyone entertained. Located near Buffalo, Niagara Falls is an ideal destination for a family trip, offering something for every family member to enjoy. Since winter is the off-season, hotels and activities in Niagara Falls are significantly cheaper.

In winter, the best activities range from tourist traps to enjoying the great outdoors. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, but here are 22 of our favorite winter activities in Niagara Falls, NY!

Many winter activities overlap with our Accessible Niagara Falls Guide.

The Best Niagara Falls, NY Winter Activities

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Traveling with your family allows for valuable time with the ones you love and helps create lasting memories. In winter, the best things to do in Niagara Falls, New York, range from outdoor activities, such as snowshoeing to observe the Falls, to indoor activities like swimming and ice skating. There’s something for everyone in a family getaway to Niagara Falls in the wintertime. If you’re looking for things to do in Niagara Falls, New York, in winter, you can also take a small group “Winter Wonderland” tour.

Cave of the Winds

The Cave of the Winds is open year-round, but the name is somewhat misleading. In the 1800s, a rock overhang allowed tourists to stand under the alls. The Cave collapsed in the early 1900s, but the name stuck.

However, access to the Falls is limited. In the winter, they tear the upper and hurricane decks down, only to rebuild them in the spring. Luckily, the lower price for the tour makes up for the seasonal lack of decks. It’s still a magnificent view.

The walkway is open daily, except on major holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving. Bring footwear and clothing that can get wet. They used to provide sandals and a poncho, but on our last visit, they only gave us the poncho.

Travel Must-Haves for Little Adventurers

Travel Car Seat – Not FAA approved, but safe as a booster in your Uber
Noise-Canceling Headphones – Soothing quiet for little ears
Kid-Proof Tablet Case – Drop-tested and travel ready
Fidget Toy Set – Pocket-sized fun for long layovers
Weighted Lap Pad – Like a calming hug on cars and planes

Niagara Falls Observation Tower

Visit the observation deck (weather permitting, so check ahead). If the weather is below freezing, the water in the river and the Falls becomes an ice sculpture.

The Observation Tower is free in winter. See how that contrasts with summer access in our Accessible Guide.

The Falls at Night

Niagara Falls at night in winter is still lit up. The illumination display showcases vibrant colors and motion found in nature. The five-minute lighting display repeats every half hour, showcasing Niagara Falls in a different light. Hours vary based on daylight hours.

Fireworks at the Falls

View the fireworks at Niagara Falls State Park, near Prospect Point. All fireworks displays are subject to weather conditions. The fireworks schedule is more limited during the winter.

Read about the Niagara Falls Night Illumination Tour: American, Bridal, and Horseshoe Falls.

Ice Skating

If you want to visit Niagara Falls in winter, ice skating can be a fun and exciting activity for the entire family. Whether you’re a USA native or an international traveler, ice skating can be a great way to enjoy Niagara Falls, USA, in the winter months. So bundle up and join your family on an adventure this winter – and make sure to have fun on the ice!

Ice skating is also a great way to stay active and bond with one another, making it perfect for family trips. Moreover, Niagara Falls is the ideal destination for families seeking to create lasting memories together. Ice skating is one of the many activities available in Niagara Falls, allowing families to stay active and bond.

• Hyde Park Ice Pavilion: Built in 1970 and recently renovated, this indoor ice arena in Niagara Falls is perfect for skating regardless of the temperature.
• DeVeaux Woods State Park: This New York state park offers free ice skating, but it’s strictly weather-dependent, as it’s an outdoor activity. A path leads across the Niagara Scenic Parkway to Whirlpool State Park, with access to the Niagara gorge trail system.
• Reservoir State Park: Enjoy free ice skating at an outdoor rink, weather permitting. Please note that you must provide your own ice ates. Please call (716) 284-5778 for the status of the rinks.
• Dwyer Arena, in Lewiston, offers public skating sessions on a limited schedule. Please check the website to ensure you can free skate.

Make a snowman at Niagara Falls State Park.

Niagara Falls State Park in New York is a winter wonderland. Located on the banks of the Niagara River, the park offers breathtaking views of the iconic Niagara Falls. The park is blanketed in snow during winter, making it the perfect spot for a wintry getaway. The state park features 400 acres of snow, and your snowman will have the best view in the country.

Check out our article on the top 23 free things to do in Niagara Falls, NY, for a budget trip.

Nikola Tesla Statue

The monument to Nikola Tesla is located in a quaint park on Goat Island, overlooking Stedman’s Bluff. The area is open 24 hours a day and upriver from the Horseshoe Falls. Access it by walking through the historic arch of the Niagara Falls hydroelectric power plant, which Tesla built in 1895. Tesla is sitting in a chair, his head bowed as he reads blueprints on his lap. Tourists often use these prints for photo opportunities. The monument is understated, celebrating Tesla’s quiet genius. Admission is free, but parking fees apply.

Hiking Trails

Visitors can explore the trails within Niagara Falls State Park and take in the breathtaking beauty of the falls. With its picturesque views and abundance of winter activities, Niagara Falls State Park is an ideal destination for those seeking to experience winter beauty in New York. You’ll need sturdy boots and warm winter gear, but the fresh powder on the trails is unrivaled.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a great way to explore snowy landscapes and spend quality time together as a family, bringing you closer. This outdoor activity lets you exercise, explore a winter wonderland, and appreciate nature, all while spending quality time with your family. So if you’re looking for an outdoor activity to enjoy with your family this winter, why not try snowshoeing?

It is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, making it the perfect outdoor activity for the whole family. Snowshoeing is also an excellent way to stay active during the winter months. It can help keep everyone warm and burn extra calories. Next time you plan to hit Niagara Falls with your family, why not consider going snowshoeing together? You can enjoy this rewarding activity year-round, keeping everyone warm and active! Who knows, it may just become a regular part of your Niagara Falls family trips from now on.

• Niagara Falls State Park: Borrow pairs of snowshoes at the Cave of the Winds Pavilion for free daily between 10 am and 2:30 pm (weather permitting).
• DeVeaux Woods State Park: This New York state park offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
• Beaver Island State Park: Located at the south end of Grand Island in the upper Niagara River, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and ice fishing! 

Sledding

Sledding is a great winter activity for families of all ages- it’s fun and easy! A winter trip that offers family sledding can help draw you in and make for an unforgettable experience. Don’t let the winter blues keep your family from enjoying the amazing experiences that travel has to offer.

Whether sledding down a mountain or tubing on a hilltop, numerous attractions offer an invigorating sense of adventure while keeping everyone safe and comfortable. Family travel is a fantastic way to bond and make memories, so why not consider sledding as your next destination?

• Fort Niagara State Park, adjacent to Old Fort Niagara historic site, at Route 18F, Youngstown, NY
• Reservoir State Park 5777 Witmer Niagara Falls, NY
• Ellicott Creek Park 1 Ellicott Creek Drive Tonawanda, NY
• Jayne Park on 86th Street, Niagara Falls, NY (ideal for little ones)

Helicopter Rides

A helicopter tour provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the accurate scale of the Niagara region. From the air, the Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls reveal a grandeur unseen on land.

As you soar above Niagara Falls, New York, the flight offers a sweeping view of the Niagara River and the Rainbow Bridge, shrouded in mist. The journey culminates with a view of the Whirlpool Rapids, where you can witness the river’s massive power from a stunning, bird’s-eye vantage point. It is, without question, the most spectacular way to experience the falls.

Experience helicopter rides from Niagara Falls, USA, including a helicopter ride, tour, and lunch.

Art Alley

425 Third Street, Niagara Falls, NY

This public mural project is located just a few minutes away from Niagara Falls State Park, featuring a pedestrian walkway that connects to public parking and 19 rails. The public art gallery is a ten-minute stop providing fun photo opportunities for children. The public art gallery features free two-hour parking on Third Street. Graffiti art is a massive hit with my children, but this is a quick stop!

A Quick Fort Niagara History Break 🏰

While open in the winter, Old Fort Niagara’s hours are limited, and you will need to drive the 25 minutes yourself, as the free shuttle is only available from May to October.

Old Fort Niagara is situated at the mouth of the Niagara River, controlling access to the Great Lakes. Fort Niagara has been passed around more than a pair of traveling pants: three nations have claimed it over the centuries.

The French established the first post here in the late 1600s, recognizing the site’s strategic importance early on. During the French & Indian War, control shifted to the British, who eventually handed the fort over to the United States in 1796 as part of a treaty.

That wasn’t the end of the back-and-forth. The British recaptured Fort Niagara during the War of 1812, only to return it to the U.S. once the war ended. This fort’s strategic value decreased with the arrival of the Erie Canal in 1825.

The fort then served as a barracks and training station for American soldiers until 1963.

Today, the site is preserved as a historic landmark, with the U.S. Coast Guard operating out of the old fort, blending living history with modern service.

Indoor Adventures

If you prefer enjoying the indoors after checking out the falls, there are many local attractions where you can stay warm.

Niagara Wax Museum of History

In the winter, the history museum is only open on weekends. 46 exhibits describe the regional history of Niagara Falls in a 10,000-square-foot viewing area. Celebrate the dramatic history of balls and barrels used by daredevils over the falls here. Historical life-size wax figures include Princess Di, Julia Roberts, Mother Teresa, and Abraham Lincoln. Most importantly, take a fun photo of your family going over the Falls photo while you’re here!

Underground Railroad Heritage Center

The Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center describes authentic stories of the Underground Railroad from freedom seekers and abolitionists. This Niagara Falls center empowers visitors to recognize inequity resulting from slavery and work towards an equitable society.

Visit the Rainforest and Reef

The Sheraton Niagara Falls, New York, is the perfect destination for a winter getaway. Situated just steps from the iconic falls, the hotel offers premium amenities designed for cold-weather comfort. Guests can enjoy onsite dining at the Rainforest Cafe or head to the adjacent At the Falls Arcade for a wide variety of games and family activities. For a tropical escape from the winter chill, the Reef Beach Club features a massive indoor pool, spacious hot tubs, and unique ‘swimming with the fish’ viewing tanks.

Hot Cocoa at Chocolate Factory

After a day of sledding or snowshoeing, you can warm up with a hot cup of cocoa or other treats to keep the fun going! A family trip to New York is perfect for creating lasting memories, from savoring a hot cup of cocoa nearby to reignite your energy after a day of sledding, to sharing a decadent treat with family and friends.

Hot chocolate at Platter’s Chocolate Factory is definitely a must-try experience. You can take a guided factory tour with more than 20 people. If your family is smaller, multiple production viewing areas are open to the public to tour at your leisure. However, the 20-minute drive in winter weather can be brutal. Parents can enjoy chocolates and coffee, too, because New York offers plenty of wintertime activities to keep everyone happy and make your trip memorable.

The Niagara Falls Aquarium

The Aquarium of Niagara is a great place to spend a winter day in New York. With its wide variety of winter activities, it’s a great way to enjoy the season. From interactive exhibits and educational programs to behind-the-scenes tours, the Aquarium offers something for everyone.

During the winter, visitors can observe penguins, seals, sea lions, and other aquatic animals in their natural environment. There are also touch tanks where visitors can get up close and personal with some of the Aquarium’s inhabitants. For a unique experience, visitors can participate in a penguin encounter, where they can feed and interact with the penguins.

The Art Museum

The Castellani Art Museum is on the Niagara University campus. Opened in 1978 as the Buscaglia-Castellani Gallery, this museum serves as a central hub for arts education, accessible to both the campus community and Western New York. The museum officially shifted to the Castellani Art Museum in 1990. These galleries are home to a growing collection of artwork personifying artistic trends, Niagara Falls art, and local folk art traditions.

Red Coach Inn

The brunch menu at the Red Coach Inn is iconic, featuring dishes such as Crème Brûlée French toast, Salmon Benedict, and Crab omelet. The Red Coach Inn is one of our top places to visit before a busy day. Also, if you’re a fan of “The Office” like I am, you will recognize some of Jim and Pam’s iconic moments.

Must-Try Winery Experiences

Explore the scenic Niagara Wine Trail (USA), a perfect complement to your family’s visit to the Falls. While I can’t touch for the tasting experience itself (as I don’t drink), these local wineries offer unique educational, scenic, and family-friendly experiences for all ages:

Winery Name	Location
Bella Rose Winery	Lewiston, NY
The Winery at Marjim Manor	Appleton, NY
Marjim at the Falls	Niagara Falls, NY (Culinary Institute)
Black Willow Winery	Burt, NY
Schulze Vineyards	Burt, NY
Victorianbourg Wine Estate	Wilson, NY
A Gust of Sun Winery	Ransomville, NY
Long Cliff Vineyard and Winery	Sanborn, NY

1. Educational Vineyard Tours
   • Long Cliff Vineyard and Winery offers a personalized “Grape to Glass” walking tour of their vineyard and grounds (by appointment), where the whole family can learn about the science and process of winemaking, from vine to bottle.
2. Family-Friendly Farm Wineries
   • A Gust of Sun Winery is a family-friendly venue with an accessible tasting room and an upstairs lounge available year-round. They welcome children (with adult supervision) and offer non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. They also welcome leashed pets!
   • The Winery at Marjim Manor features beautiful lake stone fireplaces in its tasting rooms and offers non-alcoholic options, ensuring a cozy stop for everyone. Its second location, Marjim at the Falls, is right inside the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute.
3. Scenic Grounds and Views
   • Schulze Vineyards & Winery and Victorianbourg Wine Estate offer stunning country settings with views of the dormant vineyards, providing a picturesque backdrop for a family walk and fresh air, even in winter.
   • Black Willow Winery sits on 43 beautiful, country acres. It offers tastings paired with gourmet chocolate and all-natural Amish cheese (for adults), as well as a gift shop featuring local artisans.

Niagara Falls All-American Boutique Wines Tour: If the adults in your party want to sample multiple wineries without worrying about driving, consider booking the small group wine tour. It provides a relaxed, curated experience of the region’s best boutique wines. Check for the availability of the boutique wine tour.

The Niagara Power Vista

markets, and summer concerts around Old Falls Street or in the Stat Park. Bring a blanket, grab a snack, and enjoy some community vibes. Local event calendar.

Make a Power Play

Need a fantastic, budget-friendly activity? Drive to Lewiston for the Niagara Power Vista, a premier, interactive science center sponsored by the New York Power Authority. It’s open every day, and admission is absolutely free. Kids can dive into over 50 hands-on exhibits exploring the science of hydroelectric power, or experience a rush on the thrilling, high-tech virtual ride that simulates the power generation process.

If you’d rather stay close to the Falls, the Power Portal offers hands-on exhibits about hydroelectric power right near the central park—a free indoor stop if the weather turns.

Is Niagara Falls Closed in Winter?

No, Niagara Falls is open year-round. There are many Niagara Falls winter activities, but some major attractions face closures beginning in October or November each year. Most Niagara Falls attractions open again in May of each year.

Is Niagara Falls, NY, Worth Visiting in Winter?

Yes, there are plenty of winter activities in Niagara Falls, New York, such as:

• Cave of the Winds
• Niagara Falls Observation Tower
• The Illuminated Falls at Night
• Fireworks at the Falls
• Ice Skating
• Make a snowman at Niagara Falls State Park
• Nikola Tesla Statue
• Hiking trails
• Snowshoeing
• Sledding
• Helicopter rides over the falls
• Old Fort Niagara
• Art alley
• Niagara Wax Museum of History
• Underground Railroad Heritage Center
• Rainforest Cafe
• Reef Beach Club
• Hot cocoa at PlPlatter’shocolate Factory
• The Aquarium of Niagara
• The Castellani Art Museum
• Eat at the Red Coach Inn
• Visit the Niagara Wine Trail
• The Niagara Power Vista

Since most seasonal attractions and restaurants shut down by November, searching for things to do in December, January, February, or March can feel overwhelming. If you’re wondering if it’s worth going to Niagara Falls in the winter, there are plenty of winter activities in Niagara Falls, NY.

What closes in Niagara Falls, New York, in the winter?

• Maid of the Mist closes for the winter the first week of November.
• Unfortunately, the Schoellkopf Power Plant Ruins Site elevator only operates from May to October (although we did ride it in the first week of November!).
• Niagara Legends of Adventure Movie is closed seasonally.
• Many restaurants are seasonal and open only in the summer. For example, our highly rated beef on weck at Adrian’s Custernd Beef closes for the season.

Does Niagara Falls freeze in the winter?

No, but the look of the frozen Niagara Falls in the winter is a memorable sight. Niagara Falls does not freeze every year, or at all. You might see the Falls covered in snow and ice during winter. Niagara Falls appears frozen with icy structures, but the ice that forms on the river each winter is actually a result of the water moving beneath it. The winter features high temperatures from 30 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit and lows from 17 to 24 degrees Fahrenheit with typically clear weather.

Final Say

If you are visiting Niagara Falls, NY, in the winter, there are activities to suit each family member. From the youngest child to the oldest grandparent, Niagara Falls is a destination that appeals to everyone, offering a chance to explore and create lasting memories. So why not make Niagara Falls your next family travel destination? There are plenty of things to do in Niagara Falls, USA, in the winter and beyond.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker watching the Niagara River thunder down or just looking to relax and enjoy the sights, these fun winter activities will provide endless entertainment and memories for years to come!