I’ve been coming to the Niagara region since I was a toddler. And while I can’t count the number of times I’ve watched the power of Niagara Falls come down across Table Rock and dump into the pool below, I’ve only visited Niagara-on-the-Lake once. Sans kids.
But with its quaint downtown strip, historic buildings, thriving food scene and bustling theatre festival, there’s something for every member of the family.
For those of us in the GTA, Niagara is a great day trip. Boutique hotels and B&Bs are abundant here, though, so it’s easy to visit longer. If you want to stay closer to the Falls and make a fun family weekend out of it, consider the 20-minute drive to Falls Avenue Resort (with four onsite hotels from which to choose) or Great Wolf Lodge.
Things for families to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Arrive early enough and you’ll be able to find free street parking for the day. This’ll save you about $15 and you won’t have to pay attention to the time. Don’t worry: everything is within easy walking distance!
The perfect family day out in Niagara-on-the-Lake this summer begins with a specialty tea, artisan coffee or hot chocolate from Victoria’s Teas & Coffees. There’s no seating but this eclectic café and retail shop offers the biggest tea selection I’ve seen outside of York in the UK (home of High Tea). We enjoyed the shop’s own version of the Americano and a chocolate raspberry espresso-based mocha — hold the whip.
Coffees-in-hand, saunter several doors down to the newly opened Treadwell Bakery. (So new that there isn’t even a website yet; but it’s located at 122 Queen St., right beside its sister restaurant, Treadwell.) Everything is baked fresh daily and we gobbled up a carrot cake to end all carrot cakes, a sea-salt and chocolate chip cookie, a savoury scone and a pretzel that will make you close your eyes while you eat it. Even my kids thanked staff profusely for the noteworthy nosh.
Ensure you’ve got matinee tickets for The Magician’s Nephew and pre-register your kids for the play’s interactive workshop held at 11 a.m. For only $5 per person, you’ll participate in a hands-on experience led by a professional Shaw Festival actor.

Our kids learned more about the Dream Detectives they’d meet just before and during the performance, created a prop that they used during the show and got to take home, and learned a sound effect and song — both of which were part of the show as well. It’s an hour long and probably best suited to kids who are between four and 10 years old.
Duck into Pie’Za Pizzeria for lunch. This converted Victorian home with its brightly coloured interior and beautiful handmade plates and bowls has a robust wood-oven-fired pizza menu that delivers on taste. If the burrata starter is on special the day you eat here, it would be a crime not to order it. Get the warm olives, too, which come with focaccia smothered in gorgeous extra-virgin olive oil and roasted garlic.
We inhaled the Meat Lovers Dream and California Dreamin’ pizzas from the “red” side of the menu, and the Za’Laryssa from the “white” side. There was also a special white pizza that day with ricotta and mushrooms that was my favourite. Of course, our kids stuck with a plain ol’ margherita pizza!
Arrive 30 minutes early for The Magician’s Nephew and you’ll be treated to some pre-theatre improv — especially for those wearing Junior Dream Detective badges fashioned at the workshop earlier in the day. Miss Q and The K Man ended up chatting with one of the actors who was ultimately one of the main characters. Very cool!

Finally, top off your day with this year’s family-friendly show at the Shaw Festival: The Magician’s Nephew. It’s the story that comes before The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and helps illustrate how Narnia came to life. The performance is rich and layered — full of both lyrical and physical texture. Our workshop participation meant we, too, were part of the story and my kids loved every minute.
Take note of the props onstage — everything is made of cardboard! Paired with the theatre’s cutting-edge projection and director Tim Carroll’s child-like imagination, you won’t miss fancy backdrops.

The story, music and actors captured my kids’ attention from beginning to end. Even The K Man (who is now at an age where so few things impress him) applauded wildly, saying that “it was amazing how the rings made Polly and Digory fly.” Miss Q was impressed by the “witch” (Jadis, who in reality is more evil queen than witch) and her beautiful costumes, along with the “magic” when one of her costumes turned into another. I knew The Magician’s Nephew got their brains churning because they were full of questions and ideas on the car ride home. Ahhh, the beauty of the arts.
Playing until October 13, 2018, The Magician’s Nephew is the ideal activity around which to plan a day to explore beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake. Though I’ll be honest… now I want to go back sans kids again and see what else the 2018 Shaw Festival has in store.
Enjoy!
DISCLOSURE: The Shaw Festival provided my family with a getaway experience to see The Magician’s Nephew. All opinions remain my own.
janinevan09 says
i think my little guy would love the costumes! would be amazing, thanks for the chance to win!!
janinevan09 says
i think my little guy would love the costumes! would be amazing, thanks for the chance to win!!
Andrea F says
My kids would love to see the show! My youngest would love the music and see all the amazing costumes. My oldest would love the pre show improv. Crossing fingers,would love to take my family!
Andrea F says
My kids would love to see the show! My youngest would love the music and see all the amazing costumes. My oldest would love the pre show improv. Crossing fingers,would love to take my family!
Mary Davies says
My daughter would love to take her kids to see the show – especially the 2 with autism who would be so excited to see the performance (not sure the pre-show would be appropriate for them). They’ve never been to GWL either so that would be fabulous.Thanks for the chance.
Mary Davies says
My daughter would love to take her kids to see the show – especially the 2 with autism who would be so excited to see the performance (not sure the pre-show would be appropriate for them). They’ve never been to GWL either so that would be fabulous.Thanks for the chance.
Al says
our kids would enjoy The Magician’s Nephew pre-theatre improve.
Al says
our kids would enjoy The Magician’s Nephew pre-theatre improve.
Nancy says
Making a prop used in the show and then taking it home! Now that’s what makes incredible memories!
Nancy says
Making a prop used in the show and then taking it home! Now that’s what makes incredible memories!
Brandee says
My son would love this show! I think he would love the hands on experience and interactive qualities of the show. It definitely looks like it was designed with kids as the focus! My Dad just moved to NOTL and we have been planning a trip to visit, look like we need to add a few more things to our list! 🙂
Brandee says
My son would love this show! I think he would love the hands on experience and interactive qualities of the show. It definitely looks like it was designed with kids as the focus! My Dad just moved to NOTL and we have been planning a trip to visit, look like we need to add a few more things to our list! 🙂
Maria McLachlan says
My 10 yr old and I just finished all the Narnia Books. It would be very well received for him to see the show live. I’m sure we’d both enjoy it.
Maria McLachlan says
My 10 yr old and I just finished all the Narnia Books. It would be very well received for him to see the show live. I’m sure we’d both enjoy it.
Jacqueline K. says
My grandkids would love to see The Magician’s Nephew – they would love the costumes.
Jacqueline K. says
My grandkids would love to see The Magician’s Nephew – they would love the costumes.
Chris B. says
My kids would love this show. The costumes look amazing and they love seeing live theatre every chance they get.
Chris B. says
My kids would love this show. The costumes look amazing and they love seeing live theatre every chance they get.
Nate says
The kids would enjoy the interactive workshop
Nate says
The kids would enjoy the interactive workshop
Jaime Edwards says
It would be fun to take the kids to the show as they love productions and would be fascinated by the fact that it is cardboard.
Jaime Edwards says
It would be fun to take the kids to the show as they love productions and would be fascinated by the fact that it is cardboard.
Juliee Fitze says
I think the grandkids would love the WORKSHOP GAMES.
Juliee Fitze says
I think the grandkids would love the WORKSHOP GAMES.
Tracey says
My nephew loves improv and drama. I think he would love to participate in the play’s interactive workshop.
Tracey says
My nephew loves improv and drama. I think he would love to participate in the play’s interactive workshop.
Athena says
I would love to have my kids experience live theatre. I think they would really enjoy the whole experience.
Athena says
I would love to have my kids experience live theatre. I think they would really enjoy the whole experience.
leana says
My daughter would be over the moon to get to participate in the interactive workshop!
leana says
My daughter would be over the moon to get to participate in the interactive workshop!
Gina Alderman says
We love Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Shaw Festival. We did the Wild Tales play with our daughter last year, with the children’s workshop beforehand and it was exceptional! I’m sure this is equally as fantastic. I am also a big Narnia fan – so this looks very exciting to me.
Gina Alderman says
We love Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Shaw Festival. We did the Wild Tales play with our daughter last year, with the children’s workshop beforehand and it was exceptional! I’m sure this is equally as fantastic. I am also a big Narnia fan – so this looks very exciting to me.
jaimeem says
I think my son would love watching the magicians nephew. Seems like it really draws in the crowds
jaimeem says
I think my son would love watching the magicians nephew. Seems like it really draws in the crowds
Sarah Letendre says
I think my daughter would most enjoy the imagination come to life ! she is in love with the world of imaginary and this would be such a great experience for her .
Sarah Letendre says
I think my daughter would most enjoy the imagination come to life ! she is in love with the world of imaginary and this would be such a great experience for her .
crobich says
My grandchildren would love that it is live and I think the music and costumes would also amaze them.
crobich says
My grandchildren would love that it is live and I think the music and costumes would also amaze them.
Manuel Vizcaya (@MARIOLOIS) says
My kids would enjoy the experience of live theatre.
Manuel Vizcaya (@MARIOLOIS) says
My kids would enjoy the experience of live theatre.
Heathrer Swanson says
my grandson Dylan would enjoy this experience
Heathrer Swanson says
my grandson Dylan would enjoy this experience
Emilija Businskas says
My Mom was just asking if S would like to go to this! I was worried she might be too young but it sounds like she’d have a blast!
Emilija Businskas says
My Mom was just asking if S would like to go to this! I was worried she might be too young but it sounds like she’d have a blast!
Anu Chopra says
My boys would love it because of the story and characters and they love Narnia as well.
Anu Chopra says
My boys would love it because of the story and characters and they love Narnia as well.
Chris MacDonald says
It would be great to learn all about Narnia in this play.
Chris MacDonald says
It would be great to learn all about Narnia in this play.
Sara Hodge says
My kids would love this! We are already Shaw Festival members and have enjoyed a lot of their performances over the years, but haven’t taken the kids to one yet. I would love to introduce them to the fun of attending a live performance that is going to pique their interest.
Sara Hodge says
My kids would love this! We are already Shaw Festival members and have enjoyed a lot of their performances over the years, but haven’t taken the kids to one yet. I would love to introduce them to the fun of attending a live performance that is going to pique their interest.
Jennifer Lynn says
Sounds like a lovely visit. My boys would love to see a show like this and I would love to expand their horizons and experiences. So amazing to see a contest for a family of 5. My youngest is still under 1 (so doesn’t count yet), but soon we will need a contest a contest for a family of 6!!
Jennifer Lynn says
Sounds like a lovely visit. My boys would love to see a show like this and I would love to expand their horizons and experiences. So amazing to see a contest for a family of 5. My youngest is still under 1 (so doesn’t count yet), but soon we will need a contest a contest for a family of 6!!
mapleleafmommy says
My daughter’s and I just finished up (re)reading the Narnia books not too long ago. The Magician’s Nephew has always been my favourite of the bunch. I would LOVE to see this play (and I’m pretty sure my kids would enjoy it too. LOL). The pre-play interactive kids event sounds like so much fun. Thanks for the info.
mapleleafmommy says
My daughter’s and I just finished up (re)reading the Narnia books not too long ago. The Magician’s Nephew has always been my favourite of the bunch. I would LOVE to see this play (and I’m pretty sure my kids would enjoy it too. LOL). The pre-play interactive kids event sounds like so much fun. Thanks for the info.
Rosanne Robinson says
I would love to take my grandson to the Shaw Festival to see The Magician’s Nephew. He really enjoyed the Narnia series, so seeing this show would be exciting for him.
Rosanne Robinson says
I would love to take my grandson to the Shaw Festival to see The Magician’s Nephew. He really enjoyed the Narnia series, so seeing this show would be exciting for him.
Janet B says
I would love to take my little – we all love theatre so much!
Janet B says
I would love to take my little – we all love theatre so much!
Julia says
What an amazing experience! It’s not too often that kids get to see the ‘behind the scenes’ type work that goes into a production. My son would love every interactive moment pre, during and post show. Some of our favorite moments as a family is theatre!
Julia says
What an amazing experience! It’s not too often that kids get to see the ‘behind the scenes’ type work that goes into a production. My son would love every interactive moment pre, during and post show. Some of our favorite moments as a family is theatre!
dani@lifeovereasy says
We’re huge fans of the Narnia series in my house – seeing The Magician’s Nephew would be a huge thrill!
dani@lifeovereasy says
We’re huge fans of the Narnia series in my house – seeing The Magician’s Nephew would be a huge thrill!
Melissa Finn says
My kids would love the interactive workshop before the show!
Melissa Finn says
My kids would love the interactive workshop before the show!
Susan d says
Our daughter would love the lay and all
The interactions involved around it and exploring a different coty
Susan d says
Our daughter would love the lay and all
The interactions involved around it and exploring a different coty
Rebecca says
We loved taking the kids to Shaw last year but couldn’t see magicians nephew on our trip this year! I think they’d love it because they love live theatre
Rebecca says
We loved taking the kids to Shaw last year but couldn’t see magicians nephew on our trip this year! I think they’d love it because they love live theatre
Susanne McCarthy says
Very cool that all the props are made of cardboard!! I think the interactive portion would be super fun for all 🙂
Susanne McCarthy says
Very cool that all the props are made of cardboard!! I think the interactive portion would be super fun for all 🙂
Stephanie N says
I think my kids would love the music in The Magician’s Nephew
Stephanie N says
I think my kids would love the music in The Magician’s Nephew
Lily says
I think my kids would enjoy the interactive workshop and then seeing the same things on the stage. It’s the connections they make which is so important in a little one’s mind!
Lily says
I think my kids would enjoy the interactive workshop and then seeing the same things on the stage. It’s the connections they make which is so important in a little one’s mind!
Jennifer says
Great post! My 3 boys LOVE all things magical- this wouldd be perfect for them! What a wonderful way to spend a weekend 🙂
Jennifer says
Great post! My 3 boys LOVE all things magical- this wouldd be perfect for them! What a wonderful way to spend a weekend 🙂
Sam says
Sounds to me like the costumes would blow my crew away. From what you’ve shared, they sound amazing!
Sam says
Sounds to me like the costumes would blow my crew away. From what you’ve shared, they sound amazing!
Shondra says
The interactive workshop my son would love! How neat! What a great idea!
Shondra says
The interactive workshop my son would love! How neat! What a great idea!
@loucheryl says
I think my boys would LOVE the play’s interactive workshop! I haven’t been to NOTL in awhile but my husband and I love it there. We have done many wine tours and it’s so much fun.
@loucheryl says
I think my boys would LOVE the play’s interactive workshop! I haven’t been to NOTL in awhile but my husband and I love it there. We have done many wine tours and it’s so much fun.
Tiffany Rotulo says
My kids would love watching and experiencing the show. They are very imaginative and it seems like the story would really captivate them.
Tiffany Rotulo says
My kids would love watching and experiencing the show. They are very imaginative and it seems like the story would really captivate them.
Lindsay T says
The interactive workshop sounds amazing! I feel like my girls at 5 & 8 are ready for their first live performance.
Lindsay T says
The interactive workshop sounds amazing! I feel like my girls at 5 & 8 are ready for their first live performance.
Jennpup says
My kids both love seeing live theatre. My daughter went with me to see a show at Shaw two years ago and we were both blown away. My kids will love the costumes, the magic and the whole experience. Looks fantastic. Shaw Festival really knows how to put on a show!
Jennpup says
My kids both love seeing live theatre. My daughter went with me to see a show at Shaw two years ago and we were both blown away. My kids will love the costumes, the magic and the whole experience. Looks fantastic. Shaw Festival really knows how to put on a show!
Christine D says
This sounds absolutely amazing and so much fun! I think this is something both of my kiddos would enjoy and me and my husband! The show sounds wonderful!
Christine D says
This sounds absolutely amazing and so much fun! I think this is something both of my kiddos would enjoy and me and my husband! The show sounds wonderful!
LisaM says
I think our son would love it because we’ve been reading the books to him!
LisaM says
I think our son would love it because we’ve been reading the books to him!
Jennifer Morse says
Niagara-on-the-Lake is my favourite place! My grandparents lived there and my sister and I spent a lot of time visiting them. It brings up some of my best childhood memories. My grandmother was very involved in theatre (from costume design to dabbling in acting) and used to take my sister and I to the Shaw festival every year. I credit her for my love of theatre. It’s so great to hear that The Magician’s Nephew held your kids’ attention and captivated them. I’d love to take O to the Shaw for the first time this year and this sounds like the ideal production.
Mommy Gearest says
You will have to come back and let me know if you end up going! Would love to hear what you think.
Jennifer Morse says
Niagara-on-the-Lake is my favourite place! My grandparents lived there and my sister and I spent a lot of time visiting them. It brings up some of my best childhood memories. My grandmother was very involved in theatre (from costume design to dabbling in acting) and used to take my sister and I to the Shaw festival every year. I credit her for my love of theatre. It’s so great to hear that The Magician’s Nephew held your kids’ attention and captivated them. I’d love to take O to the Shaw for the first time this year and this sounds like the ideal production.
Mommy Gearest says
You will have to come back and let me know if you end up going! Would love to hear what you think.