Chugga chugga choo choo! We have trains and carousels for those train lovers. Most are at local parks which will make for a full day of playing, riding and picnicking while some are great museums you can save for those hot summer days. All aboard!
Cabin John Regional Park
(7410 Tuckerman Ln, Rockville, MD)
Children and adults alike are captivated by the Cabin John Miniature Train. The train’s five passenger cars carry visitors on a scenic two-mile ride through the Cabin John Regional Park (about a 15-minute ride).
Watkins Regional Park
(301 Watkins Park Drive Upper Marlboro, MD)
This park has playgrounds, trails, picnic areas, a Nature Center, the Chesapeake Carousel, Old Maryland Farm, the Watkins Regional Park miniature train and much more.
Wheaton Regional Park
(2000 Shorefield Rd, Wheaton, MD)
The Wheaton Miniature Train and Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel offer a unique and whimsical adventure for the family as two of the crown jewels of the Montgomery Park system. Drop by while you enjoy many of the other fine attractions in Wheaton Regional Park or make it a destination for your next party in the party room.
B&O Railroad Museum
(901 W Pratt St. Baltimore, MD)
In the late 19th century, an overzealous publicity agent developed a trade show exhibit for a major American railroad headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. This exhibit survived the railroad that sponsored it and grew to become a “national treasure” of railroad artifacts. Today, it comprises the collection of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, the oldest, most comprehensive American railroad collection in the world. Many family friendly events take place here, including the famous Day out with Thomas!
Roads & Rails Museum
(200 N. East St. Frederick, MD)
Roads and Rails has one of the world’s largest model train layouts, but reasonably sized enough for small children and seniors. There are buttons all around the display for the kids to press, and they enjoy it so much they’ve often joked that they should have just made a button museum! There is a scavenger hunt for older children and adults, who take in the detail while the little ones chase the trains. There are benches for relaxation, and lightweight portable step stools so the smallest of visitors won’t miss a thing. Cars drive thru cities, roller coasters hurl their passengers through loops, volcanoes roar and flash. Pop culture fans will be amused at the numerous references to their favorite shows and movies. Those who appreciate craftsmanship will enjoy the scratch-built buildings and natural features. They have a Lego room which will excite Lego fans of all ages, and has Lego trains that come alive at the push of a button.
The National Capital Trolley Museum: Temporarily closed
(1313 Bonifant Rd., Colesville, MD)
This museum is not very large but will have the attention of those train enthusiasts in your family. Summer is the perfect time to go as they have family programs throughout; storytelling, crafts and videos featuring trolley cartoons. They have a model train, a working trolley kids can take rides on (rides are unlimited with paid ticket), silent films displaying trolley life, and a large area full of old street cars. Check here for the information on operating hours.
Clemijontri Playground, Carousel and Train
(6317 VA-193, McLean, VA)
All aboard Clemyjontri Park’s new trackless train! Children and adults can enjoy a ride around this unique park. This wonderful new attraction includes a ramp for easy access. Clemyjontri Park features a unique playground where children of all abilities can play side-by-side. It is a playground where every child is welcome. This park is a place where children who use wheelchairs, walkers or braces, or who have sensory or developmental disabilities, can have a parallel playground experience of fun and exploration.
Frying Pan Park Carousel
(2709 West Ox Road; Visitor Center: 2739 West Ox Road
Herndon, VA)
The 1920s Herschell carousel at Frying Pan Farm Park underwent an extensive restoration during the winter and spring of 2018 so it can keep turning round and round for many years to come. It is now up and running. Come on out for a ride at the farm.
Burke Lake Park
(7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA)
Newly renovated playgrounds and a train, carousel, ice cream parlor, nature trails, a lake, fishing, boating, and soccer fields.
Fairfax Station Railroad Museum: Temporarily virtual
(11200 Fairfax Station Rd.)
Take a step back in time and discover the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum and the role it played in the history of Northern Virginia.
King Street Trolley: Temporarily discontinued
(King St, Alexandria VA)
Discover a convenient, environmentally friendly and fun way to get around Old Town Alexandria. The King Street Trolley transports riders between the King Street Metrorail Station and the Potomac River waterfront. The trolley runs daily every 15 minutes. With many stops for hopping on and off to explore the shops, restaurants and attractions found along Alexandria’s historic main street.
Union Station
(50 Massachusetts Ave., NE, Washington, DC)
Take a ride on the Amtrak (day trip to Baltimore anyone?), the MARC, VRE or the Metro, all leave from the impressive Union Station.
DC Streetcar
After more than fifty years since streetcars last serviced the streets of Washington, DC, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is poised to introduce their return. Free trips every day from Union Station to Oklahoma Avenue along H Street NE and Benning Road.
Glen Echo Park also has a carousel, it’s historical but still open to ride! Also there is a children’s puppet theatre nearby, and lots of other family friendly activities!