Train rides are a fun and educational way to spend a day out with your kids. In New Jersey there are a variety of train rides for kids to choose from including ones that are decked out in holiday and seasonal decor making them even more special for the kiddos.
The New Hope Railroad offers a variety of train ride options including the traditional Santa Express and deluxe Holiday Lights Express. Both are sure to make the whole family happy and will take you on a journey through historic Bucks County. The Santa train rides are only available select dates in November and December, so book your tickets early!
Another fun option is the Cape Cod Central Railroad, which operates a heritage railway and offers various train ride options including lunches and dinners. The Holiday Lights Express runs on select evenings in December and is a great way to see the neighborhoods all lit up with Christmas cheer.
Northlandz is home to the world’s largest model railroad and also hosts outdoor train events. On these days the entire outside train set is fully adorned with seasonal and holiday decor, making it a fun and festive experience for all ages.
Children love climbing aboard the old cabooses and hearing the clickety-clack sounds of the wheels as they sway over the rail joints. It is a great place to get out of the house and enjoy some fresh air. The train ride is a nice way to relax and spend time with the kids without having to worry about the busyness of other amusement park attractions.
The Whippany Railway Museum has a great collection of vintage railroad cars and offers excursion train rides on weekends and holidays. The rides are a wonderful way to step back in time and explore a portion of New Jersey’s rich history. The museum also has a large selection of locomotives and rolling stock from other historic railroads throughout the United States.
A great addition to the museum are their two historic steam train engines. These are the only operational working steam trains in the state of New Jersey and offer a unique glimpse into the past.
Taking the train is a convenient and safe way to travel for work or school. In New Jersey there are several Amtrak train stations that serve the area. To help you navigate the train system, Amtrak has a helpful website and an app that will show you what’s running and where.
For those who want to commute into Manhattan, there are a number of PATH train routes that can get you there. The train fare varies depending on how many stops you’re making, so be sure to check the train schedule before heading out. For the best value, purchase a weekly pass or monthly card for unlimited train rides for a discounted rate. Kids 5 and under ride free with a paying adult. On weekends and holidays the Family Supersaver fare is in effect, where two kids under age 10 ride for free with one adult paying any valid fare.
