Train rides for kids nj are one of the best ways to bring your little ones close to nature and allow them to experience the sights and sounds of this beautiful state. From model train shows and displays to actual, kid-sized locomotives that make the rounds at zoos and parks, there are plenty of family-friendly rail adventures to explore. Some of these rides are year-round, while others offer seasonal experiences. Some are located in the countryside, while others operate within New Jersey’s biggest amusement parks.
When the weather turns cold and parents are looking for activities to keep their children active, many choose a ride on a train to help them forget the chill of the New Jersey landscape. But while train rides for kids are a fun, kid-friendly activity, they also provide a unique learning opportunity about the history of our nation and the state.
Many of these train rides for kids nj are operated by historical organizations and are meant to serve as an educational tool for the local community. The Whippany Railway Museum in Morris County, for example, allows children to climb aboard a commuter train and see what it looks like from the engineer’s seat. They can also take part in other activities at this museum, which features railroad memorabilia and exhibits.
The Black River and Western Railroad in Hunterdon County is another place to take your children on a train ride that will leave them with a lifetime of memories. This train company runs regularly during the summer, with excursions departing from Flemington and Ringoes. They can also take part in seasonal rides such as The North Pole Express (select dates from November 23 – Saturday, December 28, 2019), the Eerie Limited, and the Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch train.
During the holidays, kids can climb aboard a train that takes them to meet Santa and enjoy a delicious meal and special treats. This one-hour experience on the Tri-State Railway Historical Society Santa Train is a fundraiser for the organization and sells out quickly, so plan ahead.
Other holiday-themed train rides are available throughout the season, including a Christmas trip on an actual NJ Transit train and a visit to Santa at Van Saun County Park in Monmouth County. At the latter, riders can walk through a village of millions of lights and meet Santa in his workshop, where he will give each child a special present.
Those with an interest in model trains can visit the New Jersey Museum of Transportation in Wall Township in Monmouth County for a day of fun and exploration. This small museum, which is housed in Allaire State Park, has a collection of vintage locomotives and rolling stock and offers both self-guided and guided tours for a modest fee. Visitors can also tour the grounds of the museum and see a working steam preservation locomotive in action. Other special events held at the museum include Dino Days, a Christmas Train (select dates from November 29 – Sunday, December 22, 2019,), and the Great Pumpkin Train.
