Travel Tips

5 Family-Friendly Train Rides Across the U.S.

Kerri Zane

trainToday, most people who travel by train do so because it simply gets them from point A to point B. But there are still a number of train operations throughout the U.S. that go beyond catering to commuters, and offer short excursions and experiences that embrace history as well as destination. Family travel expert Kerri Zane discovered five family-friendly train rides worth noting.

1. Rio Grande Scenic Railroad

A ride on the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad is a relaxing two-hour ride that winds through the La Veta pass in the Southern Rockies. There are several rides you can enjoy, including the only train and concert package offered anywhere in the U.S.: the Rio Grande Mountain Rails Live Summer Concert departing from Alamosa, Colorado. The ride takes you up 9,400 feet to the wind- and solar-energy powered Fir Summit Amphitheater. Concert-goers can set up their event chairs, or stake a claim on the log benches, and grab a variety of meals prepared on the premises while enjoying A-list talent. The venue allows parents and children to enjoy the music, as well as the ability to wander in the fields surrounding the stage, and to dance and play. Concerts are scheduled now through September 13, 2015. Prices range from $140 to $205, depending on car class. The Rio Grande also offers weekend dinner trains, Oktoberfest, and fall explorer excursions.

2. Mount Hood Railroad

Mount Hood Railroad in Oregon starts with a gimmicky Western Train Robbery experience that is perfect for families with younger children. The train features gamblers, robbers, musical entertainment, and a BBQ lunch. The Gilhouley Gang stages a hold-up, the sheriff keeps the peace, and everyone has a chance to interact with gamblers Doc Adam and Matt the Maverick. The train boards at 10:30 a.m. and returns to the station at 3:15 p.m. Prices vary from $25 and up per child and $30 and up per adult. But we like the idea that The Mount Hood Railroad also offers more adult-only oriented excursions, including their new farm-to-table dinner train, champagne brunch, and a Timber Baron Dinner murder mystery show.

3. Cape Cod Central Railroad

Americana doesn’t get any more authentic than this train experience. The two-hour Shoreline Excursion allows riders personal views of the Cape’s woodlands, sand dunes, cranberry bogs, salt marshes, and the Cape Cod Canal. Onboard narration informs and entertains throughout the journey. There are also lunch and brunch trains like the Cape Cod dinner or Yankee Clipper trains. There are also special event excursions available throughout the year, including the Easter Brunch Train, Mother’s Day Brunch Train, and Train to Christmas Town. Prices vary depending on the ride, class of service, day, and date.

4. Texas State Railroad

The 25-mile Piney Woods Steam Train Excursion departs from the Rusk and Palestine Depots in East Texas. These round-trip excursions are 1.5 hours each, with a 1.5-hour lunch layover at the opposite depot, for a 4.5- hour total experience. Box lunches are available for pre-order or passengers can choose to bring their own. This is a great option for families with young adults, 18 years and older. You can book a ride with the engineer and fireman to learn first-hand what it’s like to run a steam engine. This line also has special one-of-a-kind kid-oriented events including a Teddy Bear Train Ride. Once a year, children under age 12 can bring their teddy bears and catch a ride for for free. For older kids, they have the Maydelle Turntable School, where they’ll learn about the 1890s turntable. Educators ride for free, kid tickets are $10, and chaperones are $20. In October, you can ride on the Pumpkin Patch Express, which includes picking a pumpkin straight from the patch, hayrides, and trick-or-treating. Prices start at $15.00.

5. Saratoga & North Creek Railway

This line started in July of 2011 as a commuter service with nine on-time station stops. Today it’s been expanded to include vintage diesel engine rail cars specifically designed for special rides. The best family-oriented trip on the list is the seasonal Polar Express Excursion. During the ride, dancing chefs deliver hot chocolate and a cookie to each member of your family while “The Polar Express” is read aloud. The 30-minute train ride magically arrives at Santa’s North Pole village, where he and his elves board the train and greet each child with their signature holiday spirit before returning to the station. The operators believe it’s never too early to start your holiday fun, so this special package hits the tracks in November. If you book your trip then—or select dates in December—you’ll get a special discounted rate. Check the website because prices vary based on the day, date, and class of service.

For more of Kerri Zane’s family-friendly travel tips, check out:

By Kerri Zane for PeterGreenberg.com. Kerri Zane is a family travel expert and author of It Takes All 5: A Single Mom’s Guide to Finding the REAL One, on sale now. For more advice on health, parenting or Kerri’s exclusive MomEscapes, visit her at KerriZane.com.

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