While taking your kids to the park, mall, or museums is almost guaranteed over the summer break, up the ante by adding a miniature train ride to your excursion. Here are five indoor and outdoor train rides to board this summer.
Burke Lake Park
Daily, times vary
For nearly 60 years, the miniature train at Burke Lake Park has been giving passengers rides around the park. With 1.75 miles of tracks, each ride on the one-third-scale replica is 10 minutes and reaches speeds up to 12 mph. After your train ride, hop on the park’s carousel to round out the day with your little ones. 7315 Ox Rd., Fairfax Station, $5 on weekdays, $6 on weekends and holidays, children under 2 free
Cabin John Regional Park
Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
If you find yourself in Maryland, make your way over to this Bethesda park. Climb aboard the red miniature train as 2 miles of track weave you through the park’s wooded areas. This train runs from April through October. 7410 Tuckerman Ln., Bethesda, Maryland, $3.50, children under 2 free with paying adult
Clemyjontri Park
Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
As you visit the park’s colorful and accessible playground, grab a ticket to ride the train. The trackless train includes three cars that can fit both adults and kids — and is wheelchair-friendly. The train only operates on weekends from May 27 to September 3. 6317 Georgetown Pk., McLean, $5
Dulles Town Center
Daily, times vary
There’s no better way to keep the kids entertained on a shopping trip than with a fun train ride. Cruise around the lower level as your kids are mesmerized by passersby and colorful storefronts and you do a little window shopping. The train is located on the lower level. 21100 Dulles Town Cir., Dulles, tickets required
Rappahannock Railroad Museum
Saturdays, 9 a.m.–noon
Explore the museum and then make a pit stop to ride the Little Yellow Train. The 2-mile ride takes you through the woods, where you can catch a glimpse of wildlife and passing trains before returning to the station. Operations start between 9 and 9:30 a.m. with a train running every 45 minutes to an hour. 11700 Main St., Fredericksburg, free, donations accepted
Feature image courtesy Fairfax County Park Authority
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