Children’s Programming
Children’s Programming
Niagara Parks strongly believes in the importance of place-based learning for students to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of curriculum content. Educational programming at Niagara Parks is developed in alignment with curriculum standards to provide strong connections between our sites and learning objectives.
As an identified priority project of the Niagara Parks Foundation, funds generated through the Foundation will help off-set costs related to transportation and admission, so that even more students can participate in important hands-on learning opportunities at Niagara Parks sites.
Butterfly Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Step inside one of the largest glass-enclosed butterfly conservatories in North America and discover a tropical garden oasis. The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory features over 2,000 vibrantly coloured butterflies fluttering freely throughout winding pathways adorned with lush vegetation and trickling waterfalls.
Featuring 99 acres (40 hectres) of award-winning landscapes complemented by vibrant seasonal blooms and lush overflowing gardens, the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens have been part of the ornate Niagara Garden Trail since 1990.
Niagara Parks Power Station
Harnessing the powerful energy of the Horseshoe Falls, this pioneer of hydropower comes back to life with entertaining and educational experience that highlights both the remarkable history and unique architectural features of this 115-year-old engineering marvel. Travel 180 feet beneath the halls of the Niagara Parks Power Station, taking in the incredible underground infrastructure from the glass-enclosed elevator to explore the remarkable 2,200-foot-long tunnel that leads to a new observation deck and a never-before-seen perspective of Niagara Falls.
Heritage Sites
Old Fort Erie
Travel to the edge of the Niagara River in Fort Erie to experience the sights and sounds of a fort under siege at this War of 1812 National Historic Site.
Mackenzie Printery
The restored home of rebel publisher William Lyon Mackenzie reveals 500 years of printing technology, amid the authentic ambience of a period print shop.
Laura Secord Homestead
This enchanting heritage site was the home of Canada's most famous heroine, Laura Secord, from 1803 to 1835 and the starting point of her perilous 32-kilometre journey to warn the British of an imminent American surprise attack during the War of 1812.
McFarland House
For more than two centuries, McFarland House has stood as a monument to the impeccable demeanour, good taste and gracious living that epitomizes Niagara-on-the-Lake. Built at the turn of the 19th century by Scotsman John McFarland, the home was used as a military hospital during the War of 1812 by both the Americans and the British.
Indigenous Tour
Niagara has a rich heritage and legacy of Indigenous life, culture, and community. These lands, which have been inhabited by Indigenous peoples for millennia, have witnessed in more recent times the presence of the Neutral Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation of the Anishinaabek people. Niagara Parks has mapped out sites across the 56-kilometre Niagara River Corridor for guests to discover Indigenous connections from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Niagara Glen Nature Centre
Set high atop the Niagara Gorge, the Niagara Glen Nature Centre offers visitor information, guided hiking tours and educational programming.
The Nature Exchange Ethical Trading System allows visitors to learn about the unique geology of the Niagara Glen and the variety of plants and animals that live in the area. As part of the program, visitors can trade rocks, shells and fossils discovered and collected during their journey in exchange for points. In accordance with Niagara Parks’ Leave No Trace principle, photographs, drawings, stories, descriptions and other non-damaging collecting methods are accepted and highly encouraged. The system is an entirely points-based program; trade items are not for sale. Cultural artifacts, such as anything handmade, are not accepted.
More ways to give
The Niagara Parks Foundation aims to support Niagara Parks in its stewardship initiatives through funding, research and public education. Make a one-time donation, monthly gift, or dedicate a tribute to a loved one.
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