Family train ride guide
Short rides can be a good first train experience for toddlers. Use the listed duration and family notes to compare options before you go.
Fourth Street Elevator is a toddler-friendly unique ride in Dubuque, IA. The ride lasts 5 min, costs ~$2 for adults and ~$1 for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Historic funicular railway, one of the steepest in the world. Short novelty ride up a bluff.
Virginia Beach Miniature Train at Lazy Days RV Resort is a toddler-friendly miniature ride in Virginia Beach, VA. The ride lasts 5 min, costs $3 for adults and $3 for children, and children under two ride Free.
Small gauge mini train ride at an RV resort in Virginia Beach. Short loops. Very casual, inexpensive fun for toddlers. Open seasonally.
Angels Flight is a toddler-friendly unique ride in Downtown LA, CA. The ride lasts ~1 min, costs $1 for adults and $1 for children, and children under two ride FREE.
A historic funicular railway in Downtown LA that's been climbing Bunker Hill since 1901. A short, charming ride that's cheap ($1 each way) and perfect for toddlers who love the novelty of a hill-climbing train. Located near Grand Central Market for a family lunch.
Belmont Park Miniature Train is a toddler-friendly miniature ride in Mission Beach, San Diego, CA. The ride lasts ~5 min, costs ~$3-5 per ride for adults and ~$3-5 per ride for children, and children under two ride FREE (lap).
A small train ride at the historic Belmont Park beachfront amusement park in Mission Beach. The short track is ideal for toddlers who aren't ready for the bigger rides. Ride tickets are sold individually or as part of a wristband. Combine with the beach, boardwalk, and the famous Giant Dipper roller coaster for a classic San Diego beach day.
Belton, Grandview and Kansas City Railroad is a toddler-friendly scenic ride in Belton, MO. The ride lasts 1 hour, costs ~$15 for adults and ~$10 for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Family-friendly vintage train ride. Caboose and open-air cars. Themed runs throughout season.
Dole Plantation - Pineapple Express is a toddler-friendly scenic ride in Wahiawa (North Shore), HI. The ride lasts 20 min, costs $15 for adults and $12.85 (4-12) for children, and children under two ride FREE (under 4).
A 20-minute narrated train ride through Dole Plantation's pineapple fields and gardens on Oahu's North Shore. Kids learn about pineapple growing while enjoying the open-air train. A classic Oahu family activity — combine with the plantation's garden maze and gift shop.
Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway is a toddler-friendly museum ride in Eureka Springs, AR. The ride lasts 1 hour, costs ~$18 for adults and ~$10 for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Vintage diesel train through Ozark hills. Depot has model train display. Short ride good for young kids.
Grapevine Vintage Railroad is a toddler-friendly scenic ride in Grapevine, TX. The ride lasts 1 hour, costs ~$20 for adults and ~$12 for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Excursion to Fort Worth Stockyards. Popular holiday North Pole Express. Great for families.
Historic Jefferson Railway is a toddler-friendly steam and scenic train ride in Jefferson, TX. The ride lasts 45 min, costs ~$15 for adults and ~$8 for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Scenic ride through swamps and bayous. Steam train with narrated tour. Cypress trees and wildlife.
Midwest Electric Railway is a toddler-friendly streetcar ride in Mount Pleasant, IA. The ride lasts 20 min, costs ~$5 for adults and ~$3 for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Historic interurban trolley rides alongside MCRR. Same Threshers complex. Vintage electric cars.
Seattle Monorail is a toddler-friendly unique ride in Seattle, WA. The ride lasts ~2 min, costs ~$3 for adults and ~$1.50 for children, and children under two ride Paying.
A 1-mile elevated monorail connecting Seattle Center (Space Needle) to Westlake Center (downtown). Built for the 1962 World's Fair. A quick 2-minute ride that kids adore — it feels like flying. Cheap ($3 adult, kids 5-12 half price) and conveniently located.
Alder Gulch Shortline Railroad (Virginia City) is a toddler-friendly steam, scenic and museum train ride in Virginia City, MT. The ride lasts ~20 min, costs ~$8–$12 for adults and ~$5–$8 for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Historic narrow-gauge steam train through Alder Gulch, a gold mining area. Departs from Virginia City, a preserved 19th-century mining town. The train rides along the original 1860s route. Combine with Virginia City's historic boardwalk and Nevada City living history museum.
Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest Train is a toddler-friendly scenic and miniature train ride in Clermont, KY. The ride lasts ~10 min, costs ~$5 per ride (+ $10/vehicle park entry) for adults and ~$5 per ride for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Miniature train ride at Bernheim Arboretum, a 16,000-acre forest and sculpture park. The train runs on select weekends. Also has a children's play garden, the famous 'Forest Giants' sculptures, and hiking trails. Great family day trip from Louisville (30 min away).
Binder Park Zoo Express (Battle Creek) is a toddler-friendly zoo ride in Battle Creek, MI. The ride lasts ~15 min, costs Included w/ zoo admission (~$17) for adults and Included w/ zoo admission (~$14 ages 2-12) for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Narrated train ride through Binder Park Zoo's Wild Africa section — see giraffes, zebras, and ostriches. 433-acre zoo with a focus on conservation. The train is a highlight of the visit. Also has a carousel, camel rides, and a children's petting zoo. Great family value.
Black Hills Central Railroad (1880 Train) is a toddler-friendly steam ride in Hill City, SD. The ride lasts 2 hours, costs ~$40 for adults and ~$20 for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Iconic steam train through Black Hills between Hill City and Keystone. Near Mount Rushmore.
Bonanzaville Train Ride is a toddler-friendly museum ride in West Fargo, ND. The ride lasts ~15 min, costs ~$6 for adults and ~$4 for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Short train ride at Bonanzaville pioneer village museum.
Calico & Odessa Railroad is a toddler-friendly steam and unique train ride in Barstow, CA. The ride lasts ~15 min, costs ~$5 + ghost town for adults and ~$5 for children, and children under two ride Paying.
A narrow-gauge train ride through historic Calico Ghost Town in the Mojave Desert. The 20-minute round trip offers views of the old mining town and surrounding hills. Kids love the authentic old-west feel. Open seasonally — check website for hours.
Canal Streetcar Line is a toddler-friendly streetcar ride in New Orleans, LA. The ride lasts ~40 min, costs ~$1.25 for adults and ~$1.25 for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Historic streetcar along Canal Street to City Park. Red cars. Part of RTA transit system.
Como-Harriet Streetcar Line is a toddler-friendly streetcar and museum train ride in Minneapolis, MN. The ride lasts ~15 min, costs ~$3 for adults and ~$2 for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Historic streetcar rides along Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun. Operated by Minnesota Streetcar Museum.
CP Huntington Train (Kemah Boardwalk) is a toddler-friendly miniature ride in Kemah, TX. The ride lasts ~10 min, costs ~$5 for adults and ~$5 for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Kiddie train ride along Kemah Boardwalk near Galveston Bay. Great for toddlers.
Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad is a toddler-friendly museum ride in Cripple Creek, CO. The ride lasts ~45 min, costs ~$25–$35 for adults and ~$15–$20 (3-12) for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Narrow-gauge ride through old gold mining district. Open cars. Great views of historic mining area. Affordable and short enough for toddlers. Also offers gold panning. Very family-friendly.
Dakota Zoo Miniature Train (Bismarck) is a toddler-friendly scenic, zoo and miniature train ride in Bismarck, ND. The ride lasts ~10 min, costs Included w/ zoo admission (~$12) for adults and Included w/ zoo admission (~$8 ages 3-14) for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Miniature train ride at the Dakota Zoo in Bismarck. 90-acre zoo along the Missouri River with 600+ animals. The train is a popular attraction for young children. Also has a carousel and playground. Good family activity in central North Dakota.
Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead Train is a toddler-friendly miniature and unique train ride in Overland Park, KS. The ride lasts ~10 min, costs ~$3 per ride (+ parking $2) for adults and ~$3 per ride for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Kansas City area family favorite. Miniature train ride at a 12-acre farmstead with farm animals, pedal tractors, fishing pond, and old-west town. Very inexpensive — just $3 for the train. Kiddie activities include gold panning and pony rides. Perfect for toddlers.
Delmar Loop Trolley is a toddler-friendly scenic and streetcar train ride in St. Louis, MO. The ride lasts ~20 min, costs ~$2 for adults and ~$1 for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Vintage trolley on Delmar Boulevard connecting Loop to Forest Park. Limited operating days.
Denver Trolley is a toddler-friendly scenic and streetcar train ride in Denver (Confluence Park), CO. The ride lasts ~30 min, costs ~$4 for adults and ~$3 (under 12) for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Heritage streetcar operating along the South Platte River. Very short and inexpensive. Great for toddlers who love trains. Runs on restored Denver Tramway streetcar.
El Reno Heritage Express is a toddler-friendly scenic ride in El Reno, OK. The ride lasts ~45 min, costs ~$10 for adults and ~$6 for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Vintage train ride along the North Canadian River. Departs from historic Rock Island Depot.
Eureka & Palisade Railroad is a toddler-friendly scenic and museum train ride in Eureka, NV. The ride lasts ~30 min, costs ~$10–$15 for adults and ~$8–$10 for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Historic mining railroad in central Nevada. Short scenic excursions through the Eureka mining district. Locomotive displays and historic depot. Combine with a visit to the Eureka Opera House and Sentinel Museum. Remote but beautiful high desert scenery.
Excelsior Streetcar Line is a toddler-friendly streetcar and museum train ride in Excelsior, MN. The ride lasts ~15 min, costs ~$3 for adults and ~$2 for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Historic streetcar ride along Lake Minnetonka. Minnesota Streetcar Museum operation.
Falls Park Miniature Train (Sioux Falls) is a toddler-friendly scenic and miniature train ride in Sioux Falls, SD. The ride lasts ~10 min, costs ~$3–$4 per ride for adults and ~$3–$4 per ride for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Charming miniature train ride through Falls Park, Sioux Falls' premier attraction. Park features stunning waterfalls on the Big Sioux River, observation tower, and visitor center. The train ride is very inexpensive. Picnic areas and playgrounds nearby. Excellent free/cheap family activity.
Fort Collins Municipal Railway is a toddler-friendly scenic and streetcar train ride in Fort Collins, CO. The ride lasts ~30 min, costs ~$2–$3 for adults and ~$1–$2 for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Historic trolley line operating on restored streetcar. Very affordable. Runs along Mountain Avenue. Fun for kids. Volunteer operated.
Schedules, prices, and availability change. Confirm details with the operator before traveling.