Beyond the highways and airport lines, train rides with kids turn travel into an adventure all its own. I love how the rhythm of the rails slows us down, invites us to look out the window, and transforms a journey into part of the magic.
To me, U.S. train rides with kids mean spotting wildlife from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in North Carolina, waving at waterfalls aboard the Amtrak Empire Builder through the Pacific Northwest, and searching for Bigfoot on the Mount Hood Railroad in Oregon. We love dressing up for holiday magic on the Polar Express in New Hampshire or Arizona, and clapping along to cowboy tales on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Colorado. In Pennsylvania, the Strasburg Rail Road combines Amish country views with old-time steam engines. Whether it’s a 2-hour scenic loop or a full-day Amtrak ride, there’s something special about trains that keeps kids wide-eyed and grinning.
Unique Train Rides with Kids:
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway - Enjoy a relaxing train ride through scenic Appalachian landscapes.
Cape Cod Central Railroad - Explore coastal beauty and savor dining options on a historic train.
Nevada Northern Railway - Ride through historic mining towns and admire desert views.
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad - Discover breathtaking mountain scenery and experience an exciting historic journey.
Denali Star - See stunning Alaskan wilderness and admire majestic mountain views.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - Ride through rugged canyons and admire historic steam engines.
Ethan Allen Express - Travel through picturesque countryside and enjoy a quick, scenic journey.
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad - Explore lush forests and enjoy an unforgettable family adventure.
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway - Ride through scenic landscapes and discover Ohio’s railroad history.
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)