Bird Kingdom, Niagara Falls

Where Family Fun Takes Flight

If you’re planning a trip to Niagara Falls with kids, there’s so much more to do beyond visiting the thundering falls. One of our favorite stops on our trip was Bird Kingdom — and let me tell you, it exceeded our expectations.

At first, we thought it would just be a big aviary with some pretty birds flying around. And yes, there are hundreds of birds — bright, colorful, and even some that land on you if you’re lucky. But Bird Kingdom is so much more than that. Beyond the birds, there are a few surprises tucked

throughout the exhibit. My kids were thrilled to spot a giant tortoise, slowly making its way through its habitat. And tucked away in a little aquatic tank was an axolotl — that quirky little salamander that looks like something out of a cartoon. Seeing animals you don’t normally encounter made the visit even more exciting. Walking through Bird Kingdom feels like stepping into a tropical rainforest. There’s a huge

waterfall, lush greenery everywhere, and birds flying freely above your heads. My kids couldn’t get enough of it — they ran from one side to the other, trying to spot every color and every chirp. The “Lorikeet Landing” was hands-down their favorite part. For a small fee, you can feed nectar to the lorikeets, and they’ll even land on your arm. Watching my kids’ eyes light up as a bright green bird perched on their shoulders was priceless.

We also discovered that Bird Kingdom has a quieter side. There are smaller birds, and even a night-time themed area for nocturnal creatures like bats and owls. It’s such a fun twist because it gives kids a chance to see animals they wouldn’t normally notice. And the little educational signs sprinkled throughout the exhibits made it easy for my children to learn about the birds and other creatures in a way that felt fun and engaging.

What really set Bird Kingdom apart for our family was the sense of wonder. The combination of free-flying birds, the tortoise, and the axolotl made it feel like an adventure every step of the way. It’s not just a place to look at animals — it’s a place to explore, interact, and discover, all indoors.

If you’re a parent, I highly recommend bringing a camera because there are so many photo opportunities. Also, try to visit during feeding times for the interactive experiences — it makes the trip even more memorable. The place is mostly accessible, so even younger children or anyone with mobility concerns can enjoy it without feeling rushed.

Overall, Bird Kingdom is perfect for families who want something unique in Niagara Falls. It’s a mix of excitement, education, and simple wonder that both kids and adults can enjoy. Beyond the birds, seeing that big tortoise and the axolotl tucked in their spaces makes it a little unexpected adventure — one that my family will be talking about for years.

If you’re visiting Niagara Falls with your kids and want an experience that’s truly different from the usual tourist attractions, Bird Kingdom is definitely worth a visit. It’s a place where kids can marvel, adults can relax, and everyone can enjoy a bit of indoor rainforest magic.

This lil' axolotl was too cute not to share! One of the many animals besides birds that your family will enjoy viewing at Bird Kingdom.