Getting a train ride for kids in New Jersey can be a lot of fun. There are many options available to choose from. Some of the best options include the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, the Cape Cod Central Railroad, the Black River & Western Railroad, and the Jenkinson’s Boardwalk.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
Located on the New Jersey coast, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk is one of the most popular destinations for tourists. It’s nearly a mile long and packed with family-friendly attractions, rides, and events. It’s especially popular during the weekends and during summer months.
Besides the fun rides and games, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk also offers a beach, a variety of restaurants, and arcades. Arcades include the Pavilion Arcade, the South Beach Arcade, and Frank’s Fun Center. These arcades offer a variety of games, including basketball arcade games, video games, pinball, and crane games.
Black River & Western Railroad
Located in Flemington, New Jersey, the Black River & Western Railroad is a fun family outing. Founded in the 1960s, it offers trains for children, sightseers and shoppers. In addition to train rides, the railroad also offers birthday parties and events.
The Black River & Western Railroad for kids features steam whistles and vintage diesel locomotives. A museum is located adjacent to the train station, and a model railroad is also available to visitors. There are also numerous excursions to be enjoyed, including the pumpkin train.
Cape Cod Central Railroad
Located on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the Cape Cod Central Railroad is a heritage line that offers regular narrated excursions through towns on Cape Cod. The Cape Cod Central Railroad has been operating since 1848.
The Cape Cod Central Railroad operates on 27 miles of former New Haven Railroad tracks on Cape Cod. It extends from Wellfleet to Orleans. The railroad offers regular narrated excursions that travel through saltmarshes and through towns. The Cape Cod Central Railroad also operates a luncheon train and an elegant dinner train.
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
Located in Nelsonville, Ohio, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is a non-profit, volunteer-run tourist railroad that operates on former Chesapeake and Ohio Railway trackage. The railway is named as one of the best family train trips in the country by Travel Channel, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The train features a narrated trip, and offers passengers the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. This includes beautiful farmland, river views, and snow-capped mountain peaks.
Whippany Railway Museum
Located in Morris County, New Jersey, the Whippany Railway Museum offers train rides for kids and families. The museum is a non-profit organization that operates a heritage railroad. It features several train rides for kids throughout the year.
The museum is open to the public on Sundays from noon to 4 pm, April through October. For adults, the price is $1 and for kids, it’s only 50 cents.
Van Saun County Park
Located in River Edge, New Jersey, Van Saun County Park offers a number of attractions and activities for families. Aside from the popular zoo, it offers train rides, a carousel, splash pad, and a variety of playgrounds.
There is a 1.5-mile walking path that passes the zoo, Washington Spring Garden, and the carousel. The trail also has a scenic wooden bridge over a babbling stream. During the summer, there is an outdoor amphitheater that offers live shows.
