Entrance to the Niagara Parks Commission headquarters. Bullet News photo by Peter Conradi
NIAGARA FALLS – The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) will once again offer a great lineup of activities for families during Ontario’s Family Day (or U.S. President’s Day) long weekend.
Over its short history, Family Day has quickly become the ideal time for a local mid-winter escape. The holiday also falls on the same day as National Heritage Day, making it a great time to visit Niagara Parks.
“A large part of the intrigue of Niagara is our rich history, and we work hard to ensure that it is properly showcased,” said Janice Thomson, NPC chairwoman.
“Niagara Parks offers the perfect mix of heritage and popular attractions that will allow you see Niagara and its surrounding area in whole new light,” Thomson went on to add. “It is in our mandate to enhance visitation to this region and we are proud to do so by preserving the beauty and history of the land we are entrusted to protect.”
Here are some suggestions for what to do Family Day Weekend:
Interactive Heritage Exhibit
Table Rock’s Grand Hall
6650 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON.
Feb. 16 – 18, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
NPC heritage staff continue the celebrations of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. In honour of Heritage Week, costumed NPC staff will set up a free interactive exhibit, where they will give families the opportunity to try on period dress, take photos and recreate a sense what life would have been like 200 years ago. Informative displays will highlight Niagara’s prominent involvement in the War of 1812 and provide information on upcoming battle reenactments and special events.
Venom Exhibit
Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory
2405 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls ON
Feb. 9 – May 12
This hands-on, learning environment allows kids of all ages to explore the various aspects of life systems in an incredible interactive exhibit. The travelling show, which was created by Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo, of Ottawa, includes tarantulas, scorpions, highly poisonous toads, rattlesnakes, vipers and one of only two king cobras on display in Canada.
Entrance to the exhibit is included with admission to the Butterfly Conservatory: $13.50 adults 13+; $8.80 children 6-12 and children 5 and under free! (All prices $CDN + taxes). For an additional $10, you can purchase a season’s pass for both the Conservatory and parking at the site and return as often as you like to visit this tropical paradise and the beautiful grounds of NPC’s Botanical Gardens.
Annual Spring Display
NPC Floral Showhouse
7145 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON
Open daily from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Looking for an early taste of spring? Visit the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse, just south of the Falls, featuring a seasonal display of the beloved Cullen Miniatures Collection. The warm and serene setting is bursting with gorgeous blooms, orchids and exotic tropical plants as well as beautiful songbirds. Admission: $5 adults 13+; $3.75 children 6-12, and children 5 and under free. Season pass upgrades are available for an additional $5 and parking is also $5.
Niagara Magic Pass
For your family adventure in Niagara Falls, get the best value by purchasing the Niagara Magic Pass. Each pass includes admission to NPC’s Butterfly Conservatory (including Venom Exhibit admission), Journey Behind the Falls, and Niagara’s Fury. It also includes two day transportation on the WEGO bus system, as well as bonus discount coupons for shopping, dining and partner attractions.
Price: $29.95 adults 13+; $24.95 children 6-12 and children five and under are free. (All prices $CDN + taxes). Purchase online at www.niagaraparks.com or in-person at participating attractions and hotels.
For detailed information on Niagara Parks attractions, its hours of operation, admission and parking rates, as well as further information on the Niagara Magic Pass, please visit www.niagaraparks.com.
(This public service announcement by Niagara Parks is brought to you courtesy of Bullet News Niagara.)
