7 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!
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 carolers, 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.
Ride on Santa’s Paradise Express this holiday season.
3. 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.
Get your premium tickets for the Night Before Christmas Train.
4. Christmas Tree Train
Looking to get the perfect family Christmas tree? Then this ride is one of many perfect family-friendly activities to get in the season and everyone involved.
Take a ride to Leaman Place Grove where you and your family will have around one hour to pick out your very own pre-cut Fraser Fir. We will be happy to assist in bailing, transporting, and securing your tree to your vehicle, allowing you to enjoy the scenery and experiences all around the grove.
Please note that the trees themselves have their own individual cost, and payment in cash or credit card can be made at the Leaman Place Grove. The height of the Frasier Fir Christmas trees will range from around 6′ to 9.′
Passengers can expect to return to the station around an hour and a half after the initial departure, and all first-class riders will receive complimentary hot cocoa and a cookie.
Begin planning your day on the Christmas Tree 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. The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow (Parental Discretion is advised. Recommended for ages 8+)
A spooky train ride perfect if you’re looking for things to do in the fall. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow beckons all who are brave enough to experience mystery and learn secrets thought to be long-forgotten!
Performed by a professional cast of actors and led by Isabel Crane, the great-great-granddaughter of the legendary Ichabod Crane, take a seat and watch as a spooky tale unfolds featuring action, ghost stories, and more!
There will also be a pre-boarding act/performance that will take place 15 minutes prior to the actual train, so be sure to come in early enough to take care of check-in and all pre-boarding matters.
Please note that the show involves the use of strobe lights, fog, and loud music. Also, due to much of the subject matter of the show, the recommended age is 8 and up. Parental discretion is advised as well.
Start one of many new family traditions for the fall! Join us during the month of October to learn the secret of Sleepy Hollow, and stay tuned on our website for information on when ticket pre-orders will be available.
7. 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.
Reserve tickets for the Dining Car Train or view all of our train car dining options.
