We are planning a trip to Niagara Falls this summer with my daughters Girl Scout troop. There ages range from 6-about 13 or 14 with most being in the 8-12 range. We have done online searches but I wanted to reach out to those that have been there and/or locals that may know of the best things to do at a reasonable cost. All ideas welcome.
Thanks for the replies. As I said, we have done some online searches and together with the other leaders are following up on those. We have to stay on the US side as the girls are too young to leave the country with the Girls Scouts. Our main leader had already heard about construction so we're making it work...thanks!
You didn't mention what part of the falls you intended to see but if you're going this year you should plan to go to Canada. Everyone will need a passport or passport card.
The water on the US side of Niagra Falls is going to be diverted for construction and repairs of bridges. The timeline has not yet been set, but it could be closed down as soon as April.
Have passports for everyone and check out the Canadian side.
There's more to do on that side.
The US side park is alright but the area around it is run down.
Marineland is a whole day by itself.
I love the Butterfly Conservatory!
There's lot's to do on the Canadian side.
Canadian side or U.S. side??
The Canadian side is more picturesque. The boat ride from the Canadian side has more views. Naturally, take the boat ride and walk along the river. Once you turn around the from the waterfall itself, there is every single tourist invention imaginable. The ferris wheel has an awesome view.
I recommend a AAA book. We just went this past summer with same age girls and I loved the Botannical gardens and butterfly exhibit.
What you do at Niagara Falls is see the falls. Maid of the Mist, trip under the falls (can't remember the name) etc. I assume you are going over to the Canadian side. Nothing onAmerican side. Personally, IMO, I would not be taking a bunch of young kids there. So crowded in the summer and it's a place that has too many liability issues. I would be a wreck being responsible for those girls around the falls but that is just me.
You'll get a lot more current personal feedback and reviews on tripadvisor than you will here. Check there and have fun!!!
How about connecting with the local Girl Scout council for ideas? You might be able to be connected to a local troop that can act as guides for you, or the council might have some brochures for you.
I'd start with your local council; they should be able to give you the contact info for the council for the area your headed. If not, you most certainly Google or Bing it.
Good luck! This sounds like fun. I grew up in Girl Scouts, and I have some fond memories of the travel I had with my troop. We did a lot of local travel, and we even went to Canada and Australia! Have fun!
Are you going to the Canadian side?
the butterfly garden on the canada side is one of our most magical memories from our Niagara trip. my boys were enchanted to have all those exotic butterflies all around them, many of them landing on them gently. lots of photo ops!
khairete
S.
Did you search old Mamapedia questions? I know someone asked something similar last year and got a lot of responses!
And I always recommend AAA's free (to members) travel agency. They have a lot of up-to-date info, discount info, coupons and so on.
Re the liability issue mentioned below - have you seen the Road ID bracelets? They are designed for runners who carry nothing with them - no phone, no ID, etc. My husband and son have them and they are great. You can customize the band with contact info, either for the scouts' homes (not too practical in this case) or the troop leader's info. It may be expensive but I'm sure there are cheaper alternatives out there. Maybe they can make something as part of a merit badge or just a project? And DO order matching TV shirts if they won't be in their uniforms. It does make it easier to round everyone up, and sometimes other tourists are more likely to let a group stay together instead of cutting them off in passing.
Have fun!
