6 FAMILY-FRIENDLY TRAIN RIDES AT STRASBURG RAIL ROAD
At Strasburg Rail Road, we pride ourselves on creating memorable experiences and instilling a love of all things locomotives. In fact, many of our most popular rides are family-friendly and go above and beyond educating about our many trains and history.
Looking to start new family traditions or a place to add to the family bucket list? Explore our list of 7 train rides we firmly believe that you and your family will enjoy!
1. Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine
If you have kids that are big fans of a certain big blue engine, then you’re going to want to check out our Day Out with Thomas ride.
This 45-minute train ride on Thomas himself (a fully operational engine) will take you through the beautiful Lancaster countryside to Paradise, Pennsylvania and back.
Afterward, get pictures with Thomas and Mavis & Percy, and explore many of the activities related to the Day Out with Thomas that your ticket will give access to (including the Imagination Station and Cranky Cars).
Please note that the activities will be open starting at 9:30 am each Day Out with Thomas day and will close 1 hour after the final Thomas train returns to the station. Don’t miss out on one of our most popular family-friendly train rides!
Start planning your Day Out with Thomas trip here →
2-4. The Strasburg Christmas Trains
If you’re looking for family fun activities and things to do in the winter, then consider taking part in one of Strasburg Rail Road’s Christmas trains!
Below are some of our most popular train events, so pick the one or all that will be fun for the whole family. Find your favorite, and take a festive ride during November and December.
2. Santa’s Paradise Express
A Christmas train tradition since back in 1959, hop aboard one of our many historic steam trains for a memorable 45-minute ride to Paradise, PA and back.
Explore many value-added attractions (when open) including a Christmas market, music from professional musicians and carollers, and (for first-class guests) complimentary hot cocoa and a cookie.
And as a special treat for the kids, Santa Claus himself will ride aboard! Along with greeting families during the trip, children ages 11 and under will receive a special gift from the Christmas man himself.
View more details on Santa’s Paradise Express →
3. Santa Claus Limited
Looking for a more relaxed Christmas? The Santa Claus Limited train might be better for you. In this scaled-back version of Santa’s Paradise Express, your family can enjoy jolly Christmas music and a brief personal visit from Mr. Claus.
It’s the perfect way to experience Strasburg Rail Road, but with a festive twist! Be sure to bring your camera and snap some pictures of your kids with Mr. Claus.
Find tickets to the Santa Claus Limited Train →
4. Night Before Christmas Train
Start a new Christmas family tradition in preparation for Christmas Eve. The Night Before Christmas Train invites you and your family to join a nighttime reading of Clarke Moore’s classic poem, “The Night Before Christmas.”
Be immersed in this beloved Christmas tradition as the poem is read aloud by each car’s own professional reader/performer, all while enjoying a complimentary cookie and hot cocoa. This 1-hour train ride is the perfect place to take kids, so consider giving them a Christmas night of magic and tradition.
Check out how to get your tickets for the Night Before Christmas Train →
5. Easter Bunny Train
Just in time for all spring lovers, consider hopping aboard the Easter Bunny Train!
Another well-known tradition and family-friendly train ride at Strasburg Rail Road, this 45-minute ride is perfect for young children. In fact, kids will find that none other than the Easter Bunny will be taking over as conductor for the train!
This event sells out fast, so be sure to purchase your tickets as soon as possible. Infants do ride for free as well, but must remain seated in laps for the duration of the ride.
Learn more about when the Easter Bunny Train runs and how to get your tickets →
6. Dining Car Train
Even if you’re not looking for any special themed rides, consider joining us for a tasty family-friendly meal in our Dining Car train.
Once you’ve booked your ticket and pre-ordered your chosen meal, enjoy a 45-minute ride while eating some of our delicious meal options such as our BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich, Hummus Veggie Wrap, or kids options like Mac & Cheese and All-Beef Hot Dog.
Note that the Dining Car menu changes seasonally. Special requests or dietary accommodations not discussed before the day of cannot be guaranteed, so please be sure to contact Cafe 1832 directly for more information.
Learn more about how to reserve tickets for the Dining Car Train →
