National Train Day in Cincinnati

If your kids are into trains, you need to put National Train Day on your radar. On May 11, railroad enthusiasts everywhere will celebrate the lovely locomotive.  And when it comes to trains, Cincinnati doesn’t disappoint.

From the World’s Largest Indoor Train Display to excursions to museums, there are so many ways to celebrate National Train Day in Cincinnati!

Excursions

LM&M Railroad – National Train Day Ride (pictured)

On May 4, join the LM&M Railroad to celebrate the importance of trains in America. Children under 17 can ride the Turtle Creek Valley Flyer prices for as low as $5! The LM&M Railroad will be offering FREE locomotive cab tours in the Lebanon Station to all passengers and the general public. Weather permitting, select vendors and presenters from local railroad related organizations will be set up in the station area.

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway

Managed, operated and maintained completely by volunteers, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is a tribute to train enthusiasts. Passengers can choose to take in the scenery from both enclosed and open-air cars on the weekend train excursions. Families wanting a little drama should check out “Ohio’s Friendliest Train Robbery,” which will make passengers feel as if they returned to the days of outlaws and bandits.

AMTRAK

Consider traveling by rail on your next trip — Cincinnati has two AMTRAK stations!)

Cincinnati Dinner Train

Eat dinner while taking a 10-mile tour of Cincinnati on this beautiful train!

Pint-Sized Rides

The Cincinnati Zoo

Take a train tour trough the Zoo on this kid-sized train!

Carillon Park Railroad

Features a 1/8th scale railroad for kids.

Museums

Behringer-Crawford Museum

An ode to KY history, the Behringer-Crawford Museum is one of our favorite hidden gems in the city. It’s train display features a bubble where kids can get an up-close view!

Carillon Park

This Dayton gem is a celebration of all things that go — with a slight favoritism towards trains. Its  Heritage Center of Dayton Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship features one of the most interactive and interesting train displays we’ve ever seen, while the James F. Dicke Family Transportation Center features a museum of historic vehicles — most notably, the oldest American-made locomotive in the U.S., the 1835 “John Quincy Adams,” built by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and used until the 1890s. Finally, the eponymous Carillon Park Rail and Steam Society boasts a 1/8th scale railroad was built to give kids the full railroad experience, and hosts an annual Rail Festival that’s a must-attend! This year’s Rail Festival happens June 22.

Cincinnati Museum Center

Cincinnati Museum Center’s Cincinnati in Motion reopened its (miniature) doors in March as part of the recent wave of spring openingsCincinnati in Motion displays Downtown Cincinnati as it appeared in the 1940s. Cincinnati in Motion is the nation’s largest full-motion urban layout — and it’s stunning. The buildings, vehicles and people have been cleaned, repaired and repainted, while iconic city landmarks have been recreated in stunning detail.

Entertrainment Junction

The biggest miniature train display in the world is right here in Cincinnati! And totally worth a visit.

Indiana Transportation Museum

We’ve heard rave reviews about this Indiana museum, which also features rides on authentic trains!

Kentucky Railway Museum

Kentucky Railway Museum gives visitors a glimpse into the history of rail travel with their collection of railroad artifacts and memorabilia, all housed in a replica of the original New Haven Depot. They also offer regularly scheduled train excursions, as well as special events like “Day Out With Thomas” and “The Great Train Robbery.” Up for a little intrigue? Check out the “Mystery Theater and Train Ride,” which caters to adults and older children.

Ohio Museum of Transportation

This museum is all about buses; you’ll see buses from the 1940s and beyond, from transit systems all over Ohio.

The Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati (pictured)

This outdoor museum features a really cool collection of old trains and equipment.

Hidden Gems for Locomotive Lovers

Highfield Discovery Garden

This outdoor train traverses through a kid-sized world of wonder.

Krohn Conservatory

Krohn’s Christmas train show is a holiday highlight, but this Cincy gem boasts trains that run year-round in its conservatory.

Liberty Center

An outdoor train makes for a great incentive for kids to behave while shopping!

The bottom line: National Train Day is May 11, but Cincinnati kids can celebrate trains all year round at these fun local spots!

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