lmaz

Help, we are a family of 4 with boys aged 8 and 11 going to Toronto this August. We want to go to the Falls and of course all of the tourist things in Toronto. We get into Toronto at 7 pm Tuesday. Should we drive to Niagra Falls that night and spend the next day there and if so, what should we see. Where is a family friendly place to stay? We must see the Hockey Hall of Fame and the CN Tower in Toront. What else is a must see? Thanks in advance for your help.

BAK

I think going from the Toronto airport to Niagara Falls is a good idea. there's no benefit to getting a hotel in toronto and then checking out the next morning.

It's a little over an hour from Toronto airport to Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls is full of hotels; most are family friendly. Keep coming back here and you are sure to get specific hotel ideas.

As for things to do: The Maid of the Mist boat tour is great, and a woman who lives in NF told me last week that the trip beind the falls (scenic caves) is really good, too.

The Butterfuly Conservatory will be enjoyed by the kids, and they'll also like to just look at the falls. You get about three feet away just by walking along a sidewalk.

In Toronto, I think the most family-friendly place to stay is the Delta Chelsea Hotel, which has a kids' pool, waterslide, special teensagers to look after kids during the day, a kid-friendly cafeteria, and a good downtown central location.

But the Sheraton Center Hotel has a good pool and friendly staff, and, depending on the kids, just about any hotel in town does a good job with children. My kids, years ago, loved both the Four Seasons and the Chelsea. Big difference in price, and the kids just became, instinctively, more sophisticated at the Four Seasons.

I might skip Le Germain with kids; and I'd recommend the Holiday Inn on King for kids, too. I talked with a seven year old today staying there, and he liked the hotel.

The kids are just at the top of the age range for Centerville amusement park on Toronto Island, and the ferry ride over is fun, too.

Keep coming back; I have to organize a visit to Toronto by a 12 year old and a 14 year old boys from Chicago, and I'll post my research here, but perhaps not in this thread.

mma

Hi Imaz,
My boys were 8 and 15 when we went two years ago and they really enjoyed the Maid of the Mist in NF as well as the Butterfly Conservatory. In Toronto, besides the Hockey Hall of Fame and CN tower, they might enjoy taking in a ball game at the Skydome and/or a tour of it. We all loved Toronto and want to return!

audra

We're thinking of Howard Johnson's by the Falls (Victoria Ave) because it has a two-story water slide in their indoor pool. It also says they're close enough to walk to most attractions - is that true? The AAA gives it 3* also. Thanks for any feedback you can give.

waltd

Another very good possibility in Toronto is Ontario Place, a very large amusement park on the lake. Lots of water-related activities, as well as other activities, including an IMAX theatre. My kids (ages 7 and 11 at the time) had a blast there. The only downside is that it can take an entire day alone to do everything.

garyt22

The MUSTDO events in Niagara should include the Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds(US side), and the Whirlpool Jet Boats... all are wet rides, so it is best to bring towels and bathing suits as well as a change of clothes for the day... the "wet ratings" are as follows: Maid- mild wet, Cave -medium wet and Jetboat- very wet... however all three will give you a great mix of the nature and power of the falls and are unforgettable!!!

travelerwife

My thirteen-year old who was there two years ago loved the Skydome Tour as well as the Hockey Hall of Fame (jand he doesn't even play or watch either sport). The Cave of the Winds on the U.S. side is preferable to the Journey behind the Falls if you don't have time for both. They will LOVE getting super wet everywhere in Niagara.