Our area is surrounded by quite a few indoor waterparks! Whether you want a short drive or a long one, there are plenty of options. Here's a handy reference guide to help you decide which is the best park for your family!
Americana Niagara Resort:
Location: Niagara Falls, Ontario
Cost: Since the waterpark is so small, it's not worth spending the night. The rooms look a little sketchy, too. A family 4-pack of day passes is about $100 (plus taxes and fees)
Advantages: It's smaller and less overwhelming for young kiddos. It's also less expensive. The water attractions are also more geared towards little kids.
Disadvantages: You get what you pay for. Meaning, it's small, not very well maintained and not as clean as other places. It's also in a more tourist-trap area, which means that it's often packed. Since it doesn't have many waterslides, older kids will get bored quickly.
My Opinion: It would be a great break from winter cabin fever, but only as a day trip.
Link: https://www.americananiagara.com/waterpark
Great Wolf Lodge
2 Nearby Locations: Niagara Falls, Ontario OR Sandusky, Ohio
Cost: Approx. $425 (US) for a 1 night for a family of 4-5 (with meals and waterpark passes included).
Advantages: It's the biggest and fanciest one locally, is consistently clean and well maintained, food is delicious with a wide variety of options, waterpark has attractions and activities for kids of all ages, and evening has evening entertainment and activities for families. It has large indoor and outdoor areas, with a large adults-only hot tub that goes outside during the winter.
Disadvantages: The cost is a bit pricey. Plus, you will need to cross an international border or drive 4 hours to Sandusky, OH.
My Opinion: It's definitely worth it! Since it's about 20 minutes away, we go to the Niagara Falls, Ontario location every year.
Link: https://www.greatwolf.com/niagara
Fallsview Waterpark:
Locations: Niagara Falls, Ontario
Cost: Approx. $380 (CA) for a 1 night for a family of 4 (with meals and waterpark passes included). Day passes are $47-52 (CA) per person.
Advantages: It's close by, a little bigger and nicer than Americana, and a little cheaper than the fancier options.
Disadvantages: It's PACKED full of people (even in their marketing). There are more activities for younger kiddos, but older kids might get bored.
My Opinion: If you only want to go for the day to beat some winter cabin fever, it's worth a try!
Link: https://www.fallsviewwaterpark.com/
Splash Lagoon
Locations: Erie, PA
Cost: Approx. $430 for a 1 night for a family of 4 (with meals and waterpark passes included).
Advantages: It's a good size waterpark, is clean and well maintained, food is delicious with a wide variety of options, waterpark has attractions and activities for kids of all ages.
Disadvantages: The cost is a bit pricey. It's about 2. hours away.
My Opinion: It's worth it!
Link: https://www.splashlagoon.com/
Information about crossing the Canadian border with children: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/minor-children-travelling-canada.html
