14 Fun Indianapolis Train Rides & Activities

Beth Wood:  Take your train-loving kiddos on a big adventure with Thomas the Tank Engine. Plan a day trip to the Whitewater Valley Railroad Station in Connersville and climb aboard a full-size locomotive for a 25-minute train ride pulled by Thomas. After your ride, visit the Thomas & Friends Imagination Station for Thomas-themed activities like crafts, toy trains, a bounce house, inflatable maze, giant family games, miniature golf, barrel train rides, gift shop and more. Registration required.

Cost: $16 - $20 per person

Julie Schuette Guldberg:  This exhibit – “The Davenport Express” – is owned, maintained, and was created by Larry T. Davenport. Since then, it has increased in size significantly and now there are multiple villages, airports, businesses, etc., covering over 2,500 square feet! The newest addition moved the villages into the international arena, with an area now featuring well-known landmarks in London, England.

The villages are available for viewing during many theatre events and by special appointment. Please contact the Paramount for details.

Beth Wood:  Take a ride on an actual waist high, 1/8 scale steam engine train run by Indiana Live Steamers at Johnson County Park. The train departs from the McClain Cabin Station located within the park. Your 20-minute ride will cover a route of 9 square miles throughout the park and include stops at The Woodlands Station, Nebo Station and Whistle Stop Station where you can disembark. You'll travel through wooded areas, open prairies and across covered bridges located at Johnson County Park. Parking is available at the McClain Cabin Station.

Cost: $3 per person, cash only, exact change appreciated

Dawn Denning:  Mr. Muffin's Trains is actually a huge toy store specializing in trains! Along with huge displays and hundreds of trains to choose from, your kiddos can watch the trains run! On most Saturdays, you and your family can come to see all the trains move along the tracks. Free muffins and coffee are available for the guests. Call ahead to ensure the trains are running.

Cost: free, donations welcome

Dawn Denning:  This is the coolest frozen yogurt shop around! No pun intended! With white subway tiles and a real train car as a counter, this place will be a huge hit for train enthusiasts! The bench seats look just like the ones on a real train and train-themed signs are posted around the restaurant. Your kiddo will have a great time eating a tasty yogurt treat in the middle of this train-themed restaurant!

Beth Wood:  Model train enthusiast will love the Columbus Area Railroad Club's model train collection that is operating and on display at the Johnson County Park Park Office. The club invites the public to their monthly open house event where they can take in the train display featuring operating model trains, scenery, buildings, automobiles and more.

Cost: free

Your train loving kids will love dining at The Old Spaghetti Factory where they can dine in an actual trolley car. Besides enjoying the wonderful classic Italian fare from their menu, their turn of the century decor will make you feel like you're stepping into another world. Antique lighting, intricate stained glass displays and an old-fashioned trolley car add to the old-world charm.

Dawn Denning:  Got a train lover in your household? The Great Train Show is the perfect place for a weekend of fun and trains! You and your kids can spend the day looking at over 250 tables of trains with over 50 exhibitors. There will be a huge train display and a train for your kiddos to ride! Door prizes, workshops and demonstrations will fill your day and your heart! Cash only at the door.

Cost: adults are $10, kids 11 & under are free

Erin P.:  Indianapolis' BRICS, which stands for Broad Ripple Ice Cream Station, is known for its hand-dipped ice cream and sundaes, with 36 flavors and a dozen toppings or more. BRICS is the home of the former Monon Train Station. Today, the building is reminiscent of a train station and is located right on the Monon Trail.

Dawn Denning:  Make it a fun day of trains for your family at the Indy Spring Train Show! Enjoy a day of displays, vendors and food for everyone! You and your kiddo can attend clinics and win door prizes too!

Cost: $3 per adult or $5 per family

Beth Wood:  The All Aboard! Exhibit is located at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis and features a 35-foot long steam engine that you can explore. Train loving kids, both young and old, will have fun "riding" on the train, playing with its controls and switches, learning about the history of railroads in Indiana, playing with toy trains, exploring a collection of miniature trains and more at All Aboard! The Children's Museum features five floors of exhibits, interactive learning activities and artifacts that help kids learn in extraordinary ways.

Beth Wood:  This is a must-see favorite of ours each year! See 9 working model trains on their journey through downtown Indy and onward to their adventures through the national parks of America. With over 1,200 feet of track and the entire exhibit made of natural material, you'll be awed as you see replications of Mt Rushmore, Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon, Golden Gate Bridge and more. Local sites such as Lucas Oil Stadium and the One America Tower are also favorites. The Eiteljorg Museum features exhibits of Native American heritage and the American West.

Erin P.:  Pizza King Station is a unique Indiana tradition serving delicious food in a fun-family friendly atmosphere since 1958. Their spacious restaurant is located on the Indianapolis South Side. Pizza King Station features a one of a kind old fashioned type Model Train that runs throughout their Pizzeria delivering drinks and appetizers. Come for the great food and stay for the fun!