Niagara Falls Tourism

So as most of you know I am originally from Niagara Falls. I have noticed friends like to vacation there, to me I don't know why as there isn't anything that great there, but while vacationing there they seem to stay in the tourist district. There are 2 things wrong with that; first the price, things are cheaper in Niagara I promise just get out of the tourist area. Second is that there is so much more to do and experience while not sitting in some over priced attraction that while it is neat and all it has been done far too many times. So I decided to make a list of things residents do or see (or in other words school trips!).

Lets start with History. Niagara is FULL of history, we have a war and everything people! The war of 1812, look it up! So that being said here is some history sites:
Brock's Monument - Located in Queenston Heights Park (more on that later), this is a tower of sorts that you are able to climb up (stairs located inside, no need to King Kong that tower!) and from the top you are able to get a view of the Niagara River and surrounding area. This is open May-Labour Day 10am till 5pm.
Laura Secord House - If you know the war of 1812 you know Laura Secord, if not then stop by for a guided tour and some information on a very brave and clearly in shape woman. Open May - Labour Day 11am till 5pm. Admission applies.
Mackenzie Printery - home of rebel printer William Lyon Mackenzie contains 500 years of printing technology. Open May - Labour Day 11am till 4pm. Admission applies.
Fort George - See a fort where the British stayed while fighting the Americans. Open May - October 31 10am till 5pm. Join in after dark for the Fort George Ghost Tours, running May/June Sundays at 8:30pm, July/August Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 8:30pm, and September Sundays at 7:30. Admission applies.

Free sites and activities:
Queenston Heights Park - this is a really great place to have a picnic in the summer. Lots of green grass space for playing and eating, pavilions available for those who don't want to sit in the sun all day. Splash pad for kids to play in, some playground equipment as well. An added bonus this park is on one end of the Bruce Trail. This is a great hiking/walking path than leads across St Davids and through to Fireman's Park. This trail is located along the escarpment so you can get some beautiful outlooks of the Niagara area.
Fireworks over the Falls - Ok so this is in the tourist district, but come on you aren't going all that way to NOT see the Falls. No matter how dangerous and boring I may find water falling hundreds of feet to the ground powerful enough to create hydro electric power, you will want to see this. These fireworks are every Friday and Sunday at 10pm starting May 21st, and every Wednesday in July and August.
Hike the Gorge - So you see the Falls, you see it every time but you want something different and a little more close. So my friends head on down the parkway to northern Niagara Falls where you will find a hike path that leads to the stone beach of the whirlpool. This trail is a few hundred stairs (300 and some ought, I counted once), it can be slippery so wear the proper shoes and try to stick to the path as much as possible. This is safe for your kids as long as they listen and understand the danger, I walked it once with a 5 year old cousin just fine. This is not a swimming area, but did I have to tell you that? I mean it is the whirlpool. Also I will not lie those who jump the Falls often times end up here, so maybe scout the waterfront for bodies before letting your kids see the wonders of the whirlpool.
Happy Rolph's - Ask anyone who is from the Niagara Region where they went in the summer and you will hear Happy Rolph's. This is a bird sanctuary and petting zoo. There is hand sanitizer and wash stations near most every animal. There is a park to bring food for a picnic lunch and some playground equipment. In the back of the petting zoo is the 9/11 Memorial Hike Trail that overlooks Lake Ontario. This is located in Saint Catherines. Open May - October 10am till dusk.
Living Water Wayside Chapel - Take a scenic drive or walk down the Niagara Parkway and stop at this chapel, known as the Little White Chapel to residents. This is the perfect place to rest on a walk or to stop and get some cute pictures of the kids in a pint sized chapel.
St John's Conservation Area - Located in Pelham this conservation site has a hiking trail as well as a Rainbow Trout pond. In the summer you can fish the pond, however it is catch and release so no worries about what to do with these fish on vacation. Open April - September 8am till 8pm.

Cheap Attractions:
Port Dalhousie Lakeside Park Carousel - this historic carousel is a MUST on any residents list every summer. Located off a Lake Ontario beach, yes you can swim at this beach, sits this beautiful and inexpensive carousel. Rides will put you back 5cents a person. Open June 8 - September 7 10am till 9pm.
Pick Your Own - Niagara on the Lake is known for its fresh fruits so why not head into the country and find some pick your own farms.

Where to eat:
Basell's Restaurant and Tavern - located just out of the tourist district in downtown Niagara Falls, this small restaurant may not look like much from the sidewalk but what it lacks in style it makes up for in the serving to price ratio. This is an inexpensive place to eat and actually get full. Portion sizes are perfect for the hungry traveller tired of high priced low portioned tourist food.
Somebuddy's - if you love chicken wings, these are the best in town. They serve a variety of "bar food" (IE burgers, pizza, sandwiches, etc). May I suggest an order of medium won tons to go with your meal?
Avondale Dairy Bar - ok so you probably want a meal, but it is summer and this is no time for diets so a must is a trip to the dairy farm (with cows to look at and all!) for some FRESH AND REAL ice cream. Located in Niagara On The Lake, open March 13.

Americas:
Aquarium of Niagara - located in Niagara Falls New York this small aquarium is full of fun, sea creatures, and just a sprinkle of learning! Open year round 9am till 5pm. Free parking, admission applies.

Where to stay:
So as I said earlier the tourist district is expensive and well lets face it money isn't as plentiful as previous years so where can you stay for less? Try Lundy's Lane. This street has plenty of hotels ranging from cheap and creepy (IE near the strip clubs) to middle class (Best Western Carin Croft). You are within minutes of the tourist district still but in the city enough to have eateries that are close and cheap.

Winter:
So you don't want to take a summer trip? You want to see Niagara in the winter? Good choice, there are less tourist to crowd the areas and such beautiful and breath taking sites. Here are some thoughts:
Falls - the mist that comes off the Falls in the winter freezes on the trees and make the most beautiful icing on trees. Bring a camera or you will kick yourself.
Festival of Lights - a free light display that runs down the Niagara Parks and Dufferin Islands area. Features Disney lights for kids and some plain old pretty scene lights. Starts in November and runs till January.
Rockin New Years Party - free concert in Victoria Park across from the Falls. Bands are usually decent, but what is spectacular are the countdown Skylon Tower Bug and the Midnight Fireworks display.
Fireman's Park - this park located in the city has great hills for sledding once they have snow.