Roadtrip Guide: Plan a getaway to Buffalo and Niagara Falls — no passport needed!

One of the amazing things about living in Pittsburgh is its close proximity to so many incredible destinations. We are perfectly positioned for epic road trips. In the past, Kidsburgh has taken our readers to the Laurel Highlands, Columbus, Cleveland, Washington, D.C., and even nearby family campgrounds.

Our next stop is Niagara Falls and Buffalo, New York. These two tourism destinations are just a 30-minute drive apart, so it makes sense to hit both stops on one trip. You can make a long weekend of it!

Getting There

Buffalo and Niagara Falls are a short, easy interstate drive from Pittsburgh. The drive takes just over three hours, and Erie makes a great stop for kids who need to stretch their legs. Some portions of the drive do have a toll, so download the New York State Thruway Authority app before you go. For families without a car, there are guided bus tours from Pittsburgh to Niagara Falls, as well.

When traveling to the Buffalo Niagara area, you’ll arrive at Buffalo first. The city feels similar to Pittsburgh in many ways — it’s small and easy to navigate, both blue collar and Rust Belt, with a bustling waterfront and tons of activities for families.

Where to stay

For some families, it makes sense to stay in one hotel or accommodation for the duration of your trip. For others, it may make sense to spend a night or two in Buffalo and then move to lodging near the Falls. If you’re looking to use a hotel loyalty program for your trip, there are many chain hotels in both Buffalo and Niagara Falls. In Buffalo, the Embassy Suites is a great choice for families with multiple kids, as the two-room setup and kitchenette provides space for sleeping and preparing quick, affordable kid-friendly meals between activities. There is also an indoor pool with great views of the city.

You’ll also find hotels at lower price points, such as a Best Western not far from the city’s main attractions. There are Airbnbs and actual B&Bs in the area, as well. For families who like to camp, there are multiple campgrounds and RV parks near Buffalo.

In Niagara Falls, there is no shortage of places to stay. But rooms can book up quickly, so it’s best to plan ahead. The Holiday Inn Niagara Falls State Park is steps away from the park itself, and features an indoor pool for year-round kid-friendly fun.

For a more unique stay, check out the historic Giacomo Hotel. The art deco building doesn’t have a pool, but it does have a sweeping view of the falls from the top floor, which is open to all guests. The year-round nightly fireworks can be viewed in your pajamas after a long day of sightseeing. The hotel features some larger suites as well, including a two-story apartment with a pool table, foosball table, and its own private waterfall view. The state park itself also has camping sites available, though they often require planning far in advance.

Food

In both Buffalo and Niagara Falls, there is no shortage of family-friendly dining. Along Buffalo’s waterfront, Liberty Hound and Sully’s offer al fresco meals when the weather is nice. Liberty Hound is a sit-down spot with table service and a large menu, while Sully’s offers counter service, ice cream, and casual picnic tables along the water’s edge.

While in Buffalo, don’t miss a chance to try some classic Buffalo wings — it is the birthplace of them. There is a wing trail full of the city’s best bites. Cole’s, one of the joints on the list, offers room for families to spread out and a casual atmosphere where chatty kids won’t bother anyone.

In Niagara Falls, there is an abundance of family-friendly chains like Rainforest Cafe, A&W, and a Hard Rock Cafe. There are also local eateries that tourists love, like the iconic Top of the Falls restaurant, which is located within the state park. Around Prospect Point, where visitors gather to watch the fireworks and light display each evening from the shoreline or observation tower, there are also many food trucks and a food court featuring a wide selection of dishes from around the world (and Papa John’s Pizza for the picky ones).

Activities

While the main event in the Buffalo Niagara region is the falls itself, there are so many other great family activities in the area, as well. Buffalo has a wide variety of museums and seasonal events for visitors. Some of the top picks are:

Explore & More: The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Childrens Museum

Each floor of this museum has interactive and interesting exhibits that appeal to toddlers and tweens alike. The museum is located along the watrfront on Canalside, so walk around the area to see a replica Erie Canal boat, a solar-powered carousel, and a collection of military ships open for tours.

Buffalo AKG Art Museum

This museum features the works of great artists like Picasso and Monet, but it also features the first partnership between the LEGO Foundation and a fine art museum in existence, called Creative Commons. Stop by to learn, create, and explore.

Boat and Catamaran Rides

With so much prime waterfront property, there’s no shortage of ways to get out on the water in Buffalo. From riverboats to schooners to catamarans, chartered cruises run frequently. There are also spots to rent a boat or kayak for more independent explorers.

Old Fort Niagara

Controlling the waterways was a key protective strategy in colonial America, and Old Fort Niagara is committed to showcasing the history of this powerful and important effort. A visit to Old Fort Niagara includes tours of multiple buildings, live interactions and knowledgable docents ready to answer any question.

Aquarium of Niagara

This aquarium is small but mighty — and offers a break from the very busy tourist areas near the falls. Rescued seals put on a show for guests, and kids can get very up-close-and-personal with a variety of other creatures, as well.

Niagara Power Vista

While factories and power plants used to line Niagara Falls itself, conservationists fought to remove them and restore the natural beauty. Now, power is generated further down river. An interactive museum lets visitors learn about hydroelectic power through VR experiences and hands-on activities.

Visiting the Falls

This, of course, is the main event. When people say “Niagara Falls” they are generally referring to the area along the border where both the United States and Canada work together to showcase this incredible natural wonder. On the U.S. side of the falls is the town of Niagara Falls, New York and Niagara Falls State Park. There are so many ways to view Niagara Falls. At Prospect Point, visitors can walk out onto the observation tower to view the falls from mid-river — the best view from the U.S. side.

This is also where guests board the Maid of the Mist, a boat that travels into the swirling mist at the base of Niagara Falls. The line for the Maid of the Mist can be lengthy, so pack snacks and purchase tickets ahead of time to make the experience doable with kids. A hop-on-hop-off trolley runs through the park to take visitors to other vantage points and activities within the state park.

On the American side, the Cave of the Winds tour is one of the most unique experiences for visitors. While the main rock ledge creating a cave behind a section of waterfall has collapsed, visitors can still get up close and personal with the cascading river. It begins with an interactive exhibit on the unique history of the state park. Guests then travel down an elevator and through a tunnel to a series of ramps and staircases where kids can choose to get very, very wet as they traipse under portions of Bridal Veil Falls.

This activity is stroller-friendly and accessible, though some sections are only accessible by stairs. This event uses timed tickets, so it’s best to purchase early in the day.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by navigating a very busy tourist attraction, there are also guided tours that can take families through the experiences at Niagara Falls State Park. Rangers are also available throughout the park and are happy to answer any questions — including those from curious kids.

Passport Rules

While you do not need a passport to visit the American side of the falls, a footbridge connects both countries and is frequently used by visitors. Adults need valid passports, as do children ages 16 and up. Under age 16, children with their parent may cross with a birth certificate. Niagara Falls USA has outlined the full requirements here.

For more information about planning your trip, Niagara Falls USA and Visit Buffalo Niagara encourage Kidsburgh readers to reach out with any question, big or small.