Our family outings are often broken up into different sizes. Either my husband is working or one of my girls is either at dance, soccer, choir or something else equally fun and important. So you can imagine my excitement when we do actually get the opportunities to spend time away as a family. I know it won't be long before the kids are going to be too old to spend time with mom and dad. We simply won't be cool enough, but until that moment arrives this mother will take what she can get.

One of our favourite places to visit for the day is Niagara Falls. The girls love heading down there in the morning and spending the day seeing the sights, having a picnic lunch in the park, and if we are lucky enough to get decent weather, perhaps even dinner out too.

For those of us who live within an hours drive, Niagara Falls is one of those places we tend to take for granted. But to me, it is so much more than just a lot of rushing water. I have wonderful memories from my own childhood trekking up and down Clifton Hill on our way to the falls. I think that over the years I have done every attraction at least once, and yes I do have my favourites. Over the past 20 years Niagara Falls has transformed itself from just the falls to so much more. Whether your preference is to spend a few bucks gambling, people watching on the street or some world class shopping at an outlet mall, Niagara Falls has it all.