Kids magic show and face painting
Bring the kids aboard the Queen of Peace for Sal Anello's hands-on magic show and face painting on the Niagara River. This lively, family-focused cruise pairs close-up tricks with river scenery for a low-stress, high-smiles outing.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Light activity; suitable for most ages and fitness levels with minimal walking required
Wildlife
History
The Niagara River has long served as a transportation corridor between the Great Lakes; North Tonawanda grew up as a river town serving regional trade and recreation.
Conservation
Respect shoreline habitats by keeping garbage aboard until disposal on land and avoid disturbing nesting birds; local operators follow leave-no-trace principles on short cruises.
Niagara River Cruises
Kids magic show and face painting
Niagara River Cruises operates seasonal sightseeing and music cruises from North Tonawanda, New York, aboard the vessel Queen Of Peace. The company offers a range of scheduled experiences including narrated history cruises, live music evenings, karaoke nights, and special-event sailings tied to local anniversaries. History cruises feature local storyteller Val Cronin leading guided narration about the Erie Canal, the Canal's 200th anniversary celebrations, and the region’s lumber and waterway heritage. Music programming includes the Live Blues Cruise led by Barry Arbogast with a three-piece band, Sunday Funday music cruises with Brian Beaudry performing acoustic sets, and karaoke events hosted by DJ MXN (Mixon Music), creating a social onboard atmosphere for families and groups.
Niagara River Cruises permits passengers to bring their own drinks and snacks for concerts and social cruises, and selects specific history cruises to be offered free to mark the Erie Canal bicentennial. Schedules and trip details are posted by the operator for each season; departure location is in North Tonawanda on the Niagara River. The combination of local narration, scheduled live music, themed events, and scenic waterfront views defines the operator’s public offerings. Prospective passengers can verify dates and availability through the business’s public schedule and sign up for individual trips such as the Live Blues Cruise, History Cruise, Karaoke Night with DJ MXN, and Sunday Funday Music Cruise. Ticketing, safety guidelines, and seasonal schedules are managed by the operator and announced before each sailing, ensuring clear information for travelers planning visits to North Tonawanda and families.
Home Base
North Tonawanda, NY
Departures on the Niagara River
Vessel
Queen Of Peace
Primary boat for public cruises
Trips Offered
5 trips
Music, history, and karaoke cruises
Special Events
Erie Canal 200th
Selected free history cruises
Check schedules and secure tickets for the Live Blues Cruise, History Cruise, Karaoke Night, Sunday Funday, or free Erie Canal 200th anniversary sailings.
Arrive early to board
Boarding lines move quickly but seating is first-come; arrive 15–20 minutes before departure to get a good spot.
Bring a light jacket
River breezes can be cool even in summer; a layer keeps kids comfortable during the cruise.
Prepare for audience participation
Kids who enjoy performing should be ready to be invited on stage; tell children ahead of time to avoid surprises.
Consider motion-sickness remedies
Short cruises are generally calm, but those prone to motion sickness should take precautions before boarding.
Light jacket
Keeps kids warm against river breezes during cool spring sails.
spring
Sunscreen
Protects exposed skin on sunny summer afternoons when the deck is open.
summer
Small camera or phone
Capture close-up magic moments and shoreline wildlife photos.
Motion-sickness medication or wristband
Useful for passengers who get uneasy on the water.