No one has mentioned NF, so here goes:
- places to stay
On Grand Island there is a KOA next to an amusement park. Fantasy Island.
Also on GI a newer campground/camping resort called Branches $$$
North of NF on Lake Ontario a State Park - Four Mile SP (inexpensive) PS-your camping pass is good for free parking at all state lotd.
- Things to do
At the Falls
Cave of the Winds (get wet under the Falls them selves)
Maid of tge Mist boar ride.
Tour/shuttle to Goat Island and walk to the brink of both the American answer Horseshoe Falls (Canadian Falls)
Near the NF
Right next to Four Mike SP is Ft Niagara, a Fort that has 4 flags over it ( French, English, Canada and US!)
Underground Railroad Museum in the Amtrak RR station in NF.
Aquarium of NF
Geological Museum (formerly Shocoff - bad spelling)
Go to Canadian side if you have a passport or enhanced drivers licenses (for each person. I see you are from Texas, NO Fire arms of any kind. It's a different country so any permits or licenses are valid there.
White Water Adventure is great on a hot day. It's a board walk in the gorge next to a class 5+ rapids.
Like history, Ft, Erie, Ft George and Queenston Ontario ( where the US invaded Canada!)
There is a lot more. If interested let me know!