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.
Picture this: The kids are bouncing in their seats, sipping cocoa as mountains roll past, and shrieking with joy when Santa steps aboard—all part of a memory-making journey by train.
"Whistles, windows, and wide-eyed wonder? This is how we ride—with kids, by rail, across the USA!"
Unique Train Rides with Kids:
1. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
Rating: ★★★★★
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is one of the most relaxing train rides in the nation and can be found amidst the lush Chattahoochee National Forest in the charming mountain village of Blue Ridge. Children of all ages love the fun and historic ride, which is a 4-hour round trip and winds 26 miles along the stunning Toccoa River. The vintage open-air or climate-controlled rail cars let you see a side of the “antique capital of Georgia” that can’t be seen from the road. The ride starts and ends at the historic 1905 depot in downtown Blue Ridge and goes through the towns of McCaysville, GA, and Copperhill, TN. The 2-hour layover gives plenty of time to eat lunch and explore the surroundings.
241 Depot Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513, Phone: 877-413-8724
2. Cape Cod Central Railroad
Offering a train ride like no other, the Cape Cod Central Railroad is a heritage railroad found in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The entire family can climb aboard for the Cape Cod Luncheon, which is a 2-hour journey that gives children the opportunity to see such sights as woodlands, coastal landscapes, and salt marshes, all while having a delicious three-course meal. The Cape Cod Dinner Train is a similar trip, but instead lets the family explore the surroundings as the sun sets while feasting on a five-course gourmet meal. The coastal excursions include an educational narration that kids love; these describe the history of the area and the building of the famous Cape Cod Canal and ride through the oldest village on the Cape.
Hyannis Depot: 252 Main Street, Hyannis, MA 02601 | Buzzards Bay Depot: 70 Main Street, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532, Phone: 888-797-7245
3. Nevada Northern Railway
The Nevada Northern Railway offers an array of rides and activities that will attract and entertain visitors of all ages. One of their most popular rides takes passengers from East Ely, Nevada, up toward the Ruth Copper Mining District as they go up real mountain grades and through Robinson Canyon. Sometimes, younger passengers may even experience the thrill of getting held up by a band of outlaws – who also happen to be outstanding citizens of the community. There are many other event trains, such as the Polar Express in the winter and the Haunted Ghost Train in the fall. In addition to the train rides, passengers will also get to experience interesting events such as spending a night at the railroad, riding with an engineer, or having a spectacular photoshoot at the Nevada Northern Railway. Children ride free on the excursion trains Monday through Thursday.
1100 Ave A, Ely, NV 89301, Phone: 775-289-2085
4. Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Offering 64 miles of Rocky Mountain splendor, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is a once in a lifetime trip that children will remember forever. The rail route is considered a National Historic Landmark, and rightly so as it takes passengers on a picturesque journey between Antonito, Colorado, and Chama, New Mexico. On the way, you will be able to see lush meadows, high desert, and steep mountain canyons in a way you can’t witness while on a car ride. You can choose to ride in the budget-friendly coach car or go all out in the deluxe parlor car exuding Victorian elegance.
Chama Depot: 500 S Terrace Avenue, Chama, NM 87520 | Antonito Depot: 5234 B US Hwy 285, Antonito, CO 81120, Phone: 888-286-2737, FB
Fun Train Rides with Kids:
5. Denali Star
Every day during the summer the Denali Star departs the station in Anchorage to go on a 12-hour journey north to Fairbanks, and vice versa. The Alaska Railroad’s flagship train is renowned among passengers of all ages; children love the stunning vistas they’ll be able to see of Denali Mountain, the tallest peak in North America. During the ride, the train also stops at Denali National Park, Talkeetna, and Wasilla for a quick opportunity to stretch your feet and take in the sights. Passengers can choose from GoldStar Service or Adventure Class; the train is wheelchair accessible.
Anchorage Railroad Depot: 411 West 1st Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501, Phone: 800-544-0552
6. Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad offers an historic experience for kids to journey through stunning land on vintage rail cars as they learn about the railroad as well as the area it goes through. The trip starts with boarding from the original 1882 depot and has many tour packages to choose from. Some of the more popular are the Mesa Verde Discovery Tour, which brings history to life as you explore the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park, or the Historic Silverton Mining Tour, which will give kids the opportunity to learn about Silverton’s mining history while exploring the mines themselves.
479 Main Avenue, Durango, CO 81301, Phone: 877-872-4607
7. Ethan Allen Express
The Ethan Allen Express is a 5 ½ hour, 241-mile journey on a high-speed passenger train from New York City to Rutland, Vermont. Little ones love the thrill of the fast-paced journey and can see their surroundings change right before their eyes. The trail ride passes through the scenic Hudson River Valley and into mile after mile of untouched wilderness before presenting majestic views of glistening valleys and snow-capped mountains. Popular sites that the kids can view include Harlem River, Yonkers, and the breathtaking vistas of charming New England villages. It’s such a fun journey to go on and is sure to be something the kids talk about for years to come.
Penn Station: 8th Avenue and West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001, Phone: 212-630-7373
8. Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a fun way for the entire family to spend some time together. Located in Western North Carolina, the renowned railway offers two train excursions – both are day trips and include a layover. The Nantahala Gorge Excursion takes the kids on a 4½ hour, 44-mile journey past the Nantahala River and on to the Nantahala Gorge and back. Kids can enjoy Appalachian stories along with local bluegrass music while sightseeing. The Tuckasegee River Excursion is a quieter trip through the countryside and on to experiencing small town life in western North Carolina; this ride is 4 hours long and goes through the Cowee Tunnel with a layover in the historic town of Dillsboro.
45 Mitchell Street, Bryson City, NC 28713, Phone: 800-872-4681
9. Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is a tourist railroad attraction that takes kids on a journey through the former tracks of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. The land is known as the Hocking Valley Railway Historic District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Travel Channel has even awarded it the title of being “one of the world’s best family train trips,” and the scenic rides through the valley are loved by children and adults alike. They often schedule specialty excursions such as the Santa Train or rides with the Easter Bunny, which are loved by the younger passengers.
33 West Canal Street, Nelsonville, OH 45764, Phone: 740-753-9531
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