36 Fun Philadelphia Train Rides & Activities

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Capture the holiday magic with the Winter Time Train Display at Elizabeth Farms. Festively decorated, it offers a model train display, outdoor scenery in a miniature Christmas village.

While you're there, visit the other attractions such as Bloomingdales holiday store windows display, children's zoo, Santa's workshop and more. You can even purchase your holiday tree!

Cost: Free admission, some attractions are extra

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  With 22 operating trains running along 1,700 square feet of track, the Choo Choo Barn is a premier train destination for all ages. It features animated figures, tiny towns, lifelike structures and outdoor scenery.

The seasonal holiday train display contains festive decorations, music, snow covered mini villages, over 50 hidden Santa's, twinkling lights and more.

Cost: $8.50/adult (12+), $5/child (3-11), Free for children under 3

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Take a trip to Strasburg Rail Road to see America's oldest operating railroad dating back to 1832. Your family will have an authentic experience of a real steam railroad with train rides throughout Lancaster County. While you're there, check out their attractions such as the playground, Cranky Cars, Pump Car, Mini Steam Train, shops and more. Satisfy your appetite at the Trackside Cafe or pack a Picnic to enjoy in the Groves during your ride. Check their exciting special events throughout the year including Day Out with Thomas!

Cost: Starts at $15.50/ages 12+ and $8.50/ages 2-11 (Train Rides)

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is a train lover's dream. They feature over 100 locomotives and cars from different eras as well as the state's historical collection. Hands-on activities and exhibits let kids explore, learn and get in on the action.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The National Toy Train Museum offers an old-time train station look with themed train displays and special exhibits featuring trains from the mid-1800s through the present day. Many exhibits are interactive and hands-on for children to experience.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Give your train-loving the child a night to remember by planning an overnight trip to the Red Caboose Motel where your room is an actual Train Caboose. You can choose your Caboose from many options for a comfortable stay for your family. You can also enjoy the Casey Jones Restaurant in Train style with family-friendly food including burgers, fish, pasta as well as ice cream seasonally. There are other fun activities such as The Train Caboose Express trackless train, Petting Zoo and more. Tip: The venue is close to the Strasburg Rail Road and Choo Choo Barn.

Cost: Starts at $85/night

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Delight yourself with indoor and outdoor train displays at the magnificent holiday attraction at Koziar's Christmas Village. Children and adults alike will marvel at the meticulous tiny village and mini trains chugging away inside Santa's Workshop and the outdoor display amid the millions of twinkling holiday lights. While you are there, visit Santa and many more attractions.

Koziar's Christmas Village was voted Best Outdoor Christmas Display in the World.

Cost: Starting at $10/person (age 4+), Free for children 3 & under

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Your train-loving child will be excited to visit the Allentown and Auburn Railroad which dates back to 1853. They offer festive seasonal and holiday event excursions including Easter Bunny and Santa rides from Topton to Kutztown, a distance of 4 miles. It is the perfect distance for toddlers and preschoolers to experience riding a real train as well as exploring and learning about their operating and historic trains.

Cost: Train rides start at $14/ages 12+ and $8/ages 3-11

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Garden Railway at Longwood Gardens features 400 feet of track for G-scale locomotives. Impeccably landscaped, the display contains miniature Longwood Gardens fixtures of their delightful grounds.

Information for A Longwood Christmas is here where the track is decorated for the season. This train display is located outdoors near the Terrace Restaurant.

Cost: Free with Gardens admission

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Take a train excursion from the Wilmington & Western Railroad station and enjoy a fun-filled train experience during your Route! They offer year-round trips, special events and holiday celebrations for families to take part in as well as Summer Camp for train-loving kids. They offer open-air and indoor seating. While you're there, explore their Education Center to learn about trains and for a hands-on experience with full-size operating locomotives and cars.

Cost: Starts at $14/adults and $12/ages 2-12 (Train Rides)

Ed White:  The Colebrookdale Railroad is one of the most unique railroad excursions I have been on in the country. The railroad gradually winds its way down and up a hill through little towns and wooded scenery from Boyertown to Pottstown and back. The Colebrookdale RR has restored old Pullman Passenger cars which adds to the train ride. The train ride cuts through the Schuylkill Valley’s earliest ironindustry sites.

Directions: From Phila, take Route 73 West to Boyertown, PA.

FIVESTARS !!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Ye Olde Train Shop offers an old time experience for any fan of trains. Their passionate and knowledgeable staff will assist you their wide selection of train merchandise such as Lionel Trains, MTH Trains and Micro Trains. If you are looking for a specific part or accessory, you are sure to find it at this hidden gem!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Take a trip and explore the historic West Chester Railroad with your train-loving child. They offer a 90 minute round trip route between West Chester and Glen Mills. Along the route, you will see other historic stations such as the Westtown station, now an art gallery, the 19th-century village and station at Cheyney, along with Locksley Station and the restored Victorian station in Glen Mills. It will be an exciting and memorable ride for your child!

Cost: Pricing to be announced soon.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Featuring toy and scale model trains along 2,000 feet of track, the Brandywine Railroad is a holiday choice for many area residents. The train display contains over 1,000 pieces.

Other special train events include Breakfast with the Trains, Sensory-Friendly Train Morning and Terrific Trains.

Cost: Free with museum admission

 Perfect for families! Known for their electric train display and delicious food! Famous for Frankfurters since 1940!