Whether your Mini Macaroni is a train enthusiast, or you're just looking for a fun family day together, Strasburg Rail Road will more than meet your expectations.
I hadn't visited Strasburg in a few years since we first took my son to Day Out With Thomas, when that little blue engine was all he played with, watched, read and talked about.
My parents just came down for a visit last week, so I took a day off from work and we headed to Strasburg on what was a beautiful (ie, not too hot!) summer day. Being a weekday with no special events, the kids had a chance to play on the playground and grab a snack in the Trackside Cafe before our noon ride.
We rode on the Coach car, which is a beautifully restored train car that is so clean and well-kept, but with so much historic charm. We could have also chosen to ride in an Open-Air Car (which would be great for the fall days ahead!), or a Dining Car where we could eat lunch along the way. See all your riding options on their website.
Since my kids are 5 and 3, I planned ahead to entertain them for the train ride and whipped up a quick Bingo sheet of things for them to find along the tracks. We had horses, silos, farmhouses, picnic benches and other easy to spot items, and it turned out to be great amusement for the 45-minute round-trip ride.
Along the way, we passed Groff's Grove where you can stop and have a picnic and enjoy old-fashioned playground fun like a merry-go-round and see-saw. The train also passed through Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, which had my kids beyond excited! There is a stop to get off and explore Cherry Crest (separate admission applies), which is another fantastic spot for family fun (watch for more on that coming in a future edition of MacMail).
In addition to riding the train, Strasburg Rail Road has some fun add-ons for kids, including the Pint-Sized Pufferbelly, Cranky Cars and Pump Car. Each of these attractions has its own height requirements and price.
For more information on riding the train, plus upcoming special events like Day Out With Thomas and their holiday trains, visit www.StrasburgRailRoad.com. Additionally, Strasburg Rail Road can be a unique place for a special date night, either aboard their Wine and Cheese Train or during a Dinner and Murder Mystery ride.
If you do have a train enthusiast in your family, you may also want to explore neighboring attractions to the Rail Road, including the Choo Choo Barn, Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania and National Toy Train Museum.
