All Aboard! If you are looking for something different to do with kids, how about taking them on a train ride adventure? Everyone love trains, especially children. There are several railroads around Texas designed with little folks in mind. They will experience the excitement of a train ride that will last for years.
Ready to take the kids on one of the best train rides in Texas? Start your trip planning here…
Texas Train Rides and Excursions
Texas State Railroad
Palestine, Texas
Unplug for a rail excursion that merges comfort and adventure, on the Official Railroad of Texas. From the moment one steps aboard a vintage 1920’s car, the excitement of being on the rails is exhilarating. This four-hour scenic ride includes comfortable seating, food and adult beverage service, and historic narration on a rail journey that whisks you back into another century. This Texas train ride is flanked by a Victorian and Iron-Ore depot, each giving riders a glimpse of what it would have been like to catch a train in the golden age of rail travel.
Forest Park Miniature Railroad
Ft Worth, Texas
The train was built in the late 1950’s with a ride that is about five-miles, and a thirty-five to forty-minute round trip from the Forest Park Depot to the Duck Pond in Trinity Park. This Texas train ride has one stop at the Trinity Park Depot. The train crosses six bridges on its route The third longest bridge along the route of the Forest Park Miniature Railroad spans the Trinity Park Creek before the train crosses under the Fort Worth and Western Railroad trestle on its way to the Duck Pond.
Grapevine Vintage Railroad
Grapevine, Texas
The Grapevine Vintage Railroad travels along the historic Cotton Belt Route between Grapevine and the Fort Worth Stockyards. Each month brings a different event to be enjoyed by all on one of their two train engines. “Puffy” the 1896 steam locomotive, which is the oldest continuously operating steam engine in the South, and a 1953 GP-7 diesel locomotive take you on a true Texas train ride adventure across the prairie. Sometimes Thomas The Train and the Polar Express both come to visit this railroad as well!
Amtrack’s Sunset Limited
New Orleans to Los Angeles
Amtrak’s Sunset Limited makes multiple stops on its 48 hour trek from New Orleans to Los Angeles. As it crosses Texas you can board or de-board in Houston, San Antonio, and Alpine. The Sunset Limited has coach seating, cafe cars, plus sleeping, dining and sightseeing cars.
Zilker Zephyr
Austin, TX
Take a scenic 25-minute Texas train ride through Zilker Park on a narrow-gauge, light-rail miniature train, which takes you at a leisurely pace along Barton Creek and Town Lake. The train departs approximately every hour on the hour during the week and every half-hour on the weekend, weather permitting.
San Antonio Zoo Train
San Antonio, TX
Since 1956, the San Antonio Zoo Eagle has chugged along the tracks skirting the banks of the San Antonio River as it makes its way through one of San Antonio’s most popular parks. Various stops include the Witte Museum, Kiddie Park, and the Japanese Tea Gardens, also known as the Sunken Gardens. Two miles of new track have been added, plus two new locomotives, remodeled train depots, and the main depot and cafe.
Amtrak’s Texas Eagle
Chicago to San Antonio
Traveling daily between Chicago and San Antonio and through Dallas and Austin, the Amtrak Texas Eagle has sleeping car accommodations, a dining car serving fresh complete meals and spectacular views from the renowned Sightseer Lounge Car.
Landa Park Railroad
New Braunfels, TX
What better way to explore Landa Park but on a relaxing train ride. This is fun for all ages and is available for individuals, groups, company picnics, and party packages are available for those special birthdays. There may not be a more beautiful Texas train ride than to go on a little trip through Landa Park.
Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer
Oklahoma City to Fort Worth
Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer runs daily between Oklahoma City to Fort Worth. In Fort Worth you can catch connections to Dallas, Chicago and San Antonio via the Texas Eagle. You can enjoy a meal in the Cafe Car. You can also load your bike aboard the train and explore the cities by pedaling.
Author: Simon Trask
Simon loves Texas and the Great Outdoors. From East Texas pines to West Texas mountains, he calls North Texas home but is always ready to float a river in Hill Country or go fishing on the Gulf Coast. Simon loves camping and road trips as well, whether it's cruising Highway 287, 82, 69 or 281, that's the true way to see what Texas is all about!
