8 Fun Columbus Train Rides & Activities

Columbus families have been enjoying the Holiday Train at the Main Library since 1992. The train display can't be missed as you enter the Grand Atrium of the library. Bring your entire family to see the display with its trains, tracks, waterfall, tunnels, bridges, mini homes and castle. Guests will receive free one-hour parking in the main library's garage.

Take your train enthusiast to Moody Street Trains for a large selection of model trains. The store specializes in Lionel trains and accessories, but has plenty to offer from steam engines to tracks and starters. Kids will love looking at all the different train cars in the store and playing at the train table with Thomas and Friends.

The train Station, located in Clintonville, is a model railroad store which has been serving Columbus for over 40 years. Customers can find model railroad products and supplies, as well as books, DVDs, magazines and other products all about trains. Kids can enjoy the small play area and train table at the store.

As one of the oldest railroad museums in the United States, the Ohio Railway Museum educates visitors on how important train cars were to people and businesses in the past and how trains worked. Train-loving kids will enjoy riding in a real train car and visiting the exhibits of historic railroad equipment and artifacts from locomotives, streetcars and interurbans.

This monthly open house invites visitors to come learn about the history of trains in America as you watch model trains travel through a miniature village at the Sandel Legacy Trailhouse. This event is sponsored by the Delaware County Model Railroaders who will be on hand to answer questions.

Enjoy a meal in a real train car at Buckeye Express Diner. Located in Bellville, Ohio, about an hour Northeast of Columbus, you can't miss the train car right off of I-71 on top of a hill. The cozy restaurant serves up traditional diner food including burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, fries, onion rings, subs, salads, soups and desserts. If the weather is nice, enjoy your meal at a picnic table outside while the kids play on the small, train-themed outdoor playground.

Have a little one who loves Thomas? Then you won't want to miss a Day Out With Thomas at the LM&M Railroad, located in Lebanon. Thomas the Tank Engine will be visiting the station offering rides to families. There will be entertainment, videos, temporary tattoos and a chance to meet Thomas' controller, Sir Topham Hat. Space is limited and reservations are required.

Take a day trip to Cincinnati to visit Entertrainment Junction. You won't be disappointed by all there is to do and see at this train-themed park. Check out the largest indoor train display in the world, let the kids run around in the play area, create some laughs as you try to navigate through the funhouse and learn all about trains at the museum. Experience a real train ride during the warmer summer months when weather permits.