We are planning our summer vacation and Niagara Falls seems to be the winner. We are a family of five and from my investigating I think it will be most cost-effective and fun for the kids if we take our pop-up camper and camp. We have a diesel pickup, which is a little better on fuel that we will be taking. I have two weeks vacation so the days we go does not matter. Has anyone taken their family here and and money saving tips?

Any ideas, tips, or experiences greatly apprieciated!!

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We were there last fall and had the best time! You guys will really enjoy it! We stayed on the Canadian side (which is nicer IMO). Next time we go, we're going to stay in the little town, Niagara on the Lake, as opposed to the main drag near the falls.

If you're planning on staying on the Canadian side, you might want to check into the border requirements. You used to be able to get across (by car) without a passport but IIRC that is changing. I believe I read something that the requirements have been delayed until 2009, but I could be totally wrong, so check into that if it applies! I haven't really been paying attention to that since we all have passports.

I don't really have any money saving tips but try a google search (if you haven't already)...

FamilyFun: New York's Breathtaking Niagara Falls - and More Family Fun

Ontario: Niagara Falls, Going with the Kids.

Budget Niagara - Niagara Falls Ontario Canada Budget Vacation

Have fun!

I love your signature line!

We live close enough that for us it's just a day trip. I can't imagine spending two weeks there. I can't even imagine spending more than a weekend there. Are you going to travel around a bit, see other parks, etc? There is lots to do in that area. The camper idea sounds like a great idea. Food is also really expensive there so any way you can figure out how to make (or assemble) some of your own meals, is going to save you a lot of money. Sometimes we find getting a picnic from the local supermarket in the their deli section makes for a fun but frugal dinner. We often pack pb&j sandwiches for lunch and be sure to pack in our own drinks. Even water there is $2 a bottle! Bring water bottles and fill them up with tap water, or if you love bottled water, then just be sure to pick it up at a grocery store rather than downtown or in a restaurant. If you want something really fun to get a break from the camper there is a place called, Great Bear Lodge that is so much fun for families. It's a little pricer but if you book in advance there are good discounts. It might be fun for the middle weekend to get a break from your camper or at the end before the trip home. It has a huge indoor water park, themed rooms, etc. Great Wolf Lodge - Niagara Falls

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Mom to dd (age 9) and ds (age 11)
blogging daily about purpose and personal identity

PS I agree with Oregano. Niagara on the Lake is absolutely beautiful! I much prefer it to downtown Niagara Falls. I also agree that the Canadian side is a little nicer. It might be fun to do both.

__________________
Mom to dd (age 9) and ds (age 11)
blogging daily about purpose and personal identity