Going to take family to Niagara Falls in late April. No need to stay right by Falls. Was wondering what towns around there may be good family places to stay.

In 1988 on the spur of the moment, I took the wife to the Falls. It was the weekend before Memorial Day and all rooms were still at the winter rate, so we got a bargin. If we would have waited another week the prices would have been a lot more. We stayed in Niagara Falls Canada close to the falls. i don't remember the place or the rates, but it was cheap.

niagra falls is kinda close to toronto which has an lcdh. just a thought...

There has been tremendous development in Nigara Falls Canada with lots of new hotels. End of April is still the slow time so rates will be lower. Lots to choose from. Not as much on the U.S. side but rates may be cheaper. No four-star places on the U.S. side

One popular area near NF is "Niagara On The Lake". Quaint village with interesting shops and restaurants and wineries. Not a cheap area and, if your kids are young, they may be bored. You wife will love it.

Toronto is about an hour away but the traffic can be a pain and Toronto has the cost of any big city. But there is a lot to do.

Buffalo is a half hour south if you want REAL chicken wings! (The Anchor Bar!) There are also some good museums (Science, Art, History, Aviation, Navel Park) and a decent zoo, but with recent county funding cuts, they are closed several days a week. Check out Buffalo.com

All of the tourist areas around Niagara & Buffalo are safe and it is easy to get around by car. Parking is always free or cheap.

One note, make sure you have copies of your kids birth certificates to cross over to Canada. (Unless they have passports.)

Finally, make sure to get a ride on the Maid of The Mist boat. GREAT ride and cheap! They should be in the water by late April. The lines are always shorter on the U.S. side.

Jim