Choo! Choo! Take your tots’ obsession with trains out of the playroom and turn it into a fun, family outing with these great area offerings for rail fans.
901 W. Pratt St.
Baltimore, MD 21223
Visit and climb on the giant locomotives and coaches of days past, and view the impressive exhibits in the galleries. Little ones can play in the new Choo Choo Blue Kid Zone in the roundhouse, which offers hands on fun in addition to story times on the weekends or ride on the miniature Choo Choo Blueville express and unique train-themed carousel. Top the day off with a special train ride for the whole family along the first commercial mile of railroad track laid in America. Visit the website for more information about special events and happenings.
40 W. Potomac St.
Brunswick, MD 21716
Learn about surrounding railroad communities in the early 1900s through exhibits, photographs, artifacts, Victorian clothing, toys and more. Plus, there is a huge, 1700 square foot interactive, HO scale model railroad displaying the old B&O passenger line from Union Station, DC through Montgomery County to the Brunswick Freight Classification Yards. The museum also contains a hands-on activity room for children, located on the main floor.
Fairfax Station Railroad Museum
11200 Fairfax Station Road
Fairfax Station, VA 22039
Once an important train depot in Civil War times, this small museum is a fun little gem to learn about community history, the civil war, and to see model trains. It is typically only open on Sundays between 1-4 p.m. and the model train displays are always changing. Be sure to climb aboard the old caboose, located right outside the museum, and engage in conversations with the friendly, knowledgeable staff members.
National Capital Trolley Museum
1313 Bonifant Road
Colesville, MD 20905
Step back in history to glory days of street cars, and behold exhibits that display how street cars shaped our local history. Kids will enjoy powering up the intricate model street-car display. Then, take a tour of “Street Car Hall” to glimpse at several different street cars from the United States and Europe. A staff member will discuss the history of each trolley, as well as answer any questions. Finally, climb aboard to take a guided trolley ride through the woods. Unlimited rides are included with admission, and the museum has at least two different types of street cars on the tracks each day. Each street car offers its own unique story and riding experience. Visit the website for more information about special events.
- Courtesy of Tiffany Brown, Mamaratzy Photography
Micaela Williamson is a co-author of local travel guide, Kid Trips Northern Virginia, an extraordinary resource that provides descriptions, useful information and insider tips for hundreds of local destinations. Micaela is also an award winning blogger who enjoys supporting area businesses and scouting out family-friendly venues with her two young sons.
