Train Vacations Every Family Should Experience at Least Once

by Wendy AltschulerJuly 19, 2022

Travel by train—one of the oldest forms of transport—has a charm and nostalgia that engages even the smallest of passengers. For your next adventure, take your brood on a family rail vacation; it’s an indelible way to give kids a chance to be a part of the world around them. You’ll be able to move about the train, dine in a special car, listen to the conductor and view different cities and country landscapes out of the window from the comfort of your seat.

Once you’ve gotten them totally addicted to everything train, book a few nights at one of these train cars you can sleep in!

Explore the Last Frontier in Alaska

Go on a wild vacation to usurp all others and visit Denali National Park, which sits on six million acres in Alaska. You’ll explore some of the most rugged landscapes, dotted with moose, bears, mountain goats, and other wildlife as you travel through the park. Located between Fairbanks and Anchorage, the interior of Alaska is home to North America’s tallest and most majestic peak, Denali, which rises to 20,310 feet. Your adventure includes a ride on the Alaska Railroad via the Denali Star Train, which stops in the charming town of Talkeetna where a cat is a mayor. Really!

Good to Know: The experts at Pursuit can craft an Alaska Collection trip for your family, creating an itinerary that includes a stay at Denali Backcountry Lodge where your family can go on guided hikes, pan for gold, and enjoy delicious meals.

Online: pursuitcollection.com

Experience Ultimate Luxury

Choose from four different unique rail adventures on a luxurious train trip with Rocky Mountaineer. The First Passage to the West travels from Vancouver to Banff/Lake Louise, the Journey Through the Clouds goes from Vancouver to Jasper, the Rainforest to Gold Rush goes from Vancouver to Jasper, and finally, you can journey from Moab to Denver via the Rockies to the Red Rocks route.

Your family will travel in style and have access to some of the most stunning views in the world out of large glass-domed windows. You’ll ride the rails through some of the most remote nature-filled areas, some of which are inaccessible to vehicular traffic. The food is incredible, the onboard stewards are knowledgeable and entertaining, and the overnight accommodations are top-notch.

Good to Know: Spring for the GoldLeaf service to make the most of the adventure aboard. You’ll enjoy panoramic views out of the top-level glass-topped windows, can dine in a separate lower car, and kick back in a super comfortable seat as you watch the world go by. Step out on the outdoor viewing platform to feel the wind in your face and take unobstructed photographs.

Online: rockymountaineer.com

Urban Adventure

Explore the urban sights of Canada’s biggest and best urban areas on a nine-day journey that'll take you from Niagra Falls to Ottowa and Montreal and then, after traveling along the St. Lawrence River, land you in Quebec City, the only walled city in North America. The train ride is done in comfort, via first-class accommodations, and you'll have plenty of time to explore each city.

Good to know: Meals are included in your plan, and on long-haul trains, games and crafts are available for the kids.

Online: vacationsbyrail.com/canada/maple-explorer

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See America's Great National Parks

You've always wanted to see the Big 5 when it comes to National Parks (Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier, Arches and Canyonlands), so why not travel by train to them all? Start your journey in either Seattle or Chicago, and make your way to Glacier National Park. You'll travel the famous Going-the-Sun-Road, explore Upper and Lower Falls in Yellowstone, float down the Snake River, and spend a night exploring Jackson Hole. After stopping at what was once part of the Oregon Trail, you'll make your way to Utah to see the Landscape Arch, before making your way home on the famed California Zephyr, through the stunning Rocky Mountains.

Good to Know: You’ll travel on Amtrak and spend the night for one night and then sleep 12 nights in hotels in a variety of accommodations.

Online: vacationbyrail.com/americasgreatnationalparks

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Guided Trip Thru Colorado

Summit as high as 14,000 feet above sea level during this eight-day tour of Colorado's finest jewels. Travelers will explore Pike's Peak, the Garden of the Gods, and board the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway.

Good to Know:
Talk your daredevil wild child into Bungee jumping off one of the highest Bungee locations on earth at the Royal Gorge suspension bridge (Or, if you've had too much family time, arrange your own plunge.).

Online: vacationsbyrail.com/coloradorailadventure

Ride the Rails at America’s Northeast Corridor

Amtrak has dozens of different train routes covering the northeastern territory, that are ideal for families. Tour through the cities that shaped American history, romp through nature or experience art and culture in a newfangled way. Travel from Boston to Washington D.C. on the Acela line, from Montreal to New York on the Adirondack line, New York to Chicago on the Lake Shore Limited line, Toronto to New York on the Maple Leaf line, or Boston to Virginia Beach on the Northeast Regional line.

Good to Know: Passengers aged 2 to 12 receive a half-off discount when traveling with fare-paying adults—one discounted ticket per one full-price ticket.

Online: amtrak.com/home

By Way of Desert to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Do you have secret dreams of sailing the world in a hot air balloon à la Around the World in 80 Days? Imagine arriving by train to the early morning image of nearly six hundred balloons magically lifting off into the sky. This guided trip tours desert highlights like Arches National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, and Santa Fe before ending at the highlighted 50th annual International Balloon Festival in New Mexico.

Online: vacationsbyrail.com/albuquerqueballoonfestival

Blaze Your Own Trail

For families who want to wing it, the California Zephyr is a great way to blaze your own trail. Following a nearly identical path as the original Zephyr train, the San Francisco to Chicago route covers several states including Colorado, Utah and Nevada. Imagine chugging by Donner Pass in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and down through the deserts of Utah. Be thrilled by spectacular views in Gore Canyon, CO, a place with sheer drop-offs on either side—it's only accessible by rail or kayak. You'll pass by the hometown of Western hero Wyatt Earp and consider stopping off in Princeton Il, near Chicago, to check out the home of abolitionist Owen Lovejoy—it was a major stop on the Underground Railroad and is now a National Landmark Site. A grand total of 2,438 miles, for one amazing journey, phew!

Good to know: Tickets for kids twelve and under are half off every day. Kids two and under are free.

Online: amtrak.com/california-zephyr-train

High Tea on the Rails with the Napa Valley Wine Train

by Christine LaiApril 6, 2022

All aboard! For the ultimate train adventure, step aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train into an elegantly restored early 20th-century Pullman car for a taste of what premium class train travel was like in the early 1900s. During the weekends in April and May, Afternoon Tea service is offered for families (kids 10 and up)—read on for all the details on why the Napa Wine train is a truly unique, special occasion experience that your family will not soon forget!

History

In 1864, the railroad was built in order to take visitors arriving from San Francisco up to a resort in Calistoga. The Napa Wine train’s inaugural journey began in 1989 and has been a staple in Napa ever since with the railroad and train playing an integral part to Napa’s growth and development.

Scenery

The 36 mile round trip journey to St. Helena starts at the Napa train station and showcases exquisite wine country scenery (and the famous Napa sign!) as it rambles idyllically along Hwy 29 past 100+ vineyards. Of all the ways to enjoy Napa scenery with your family, the Napa Wine train really lets you sit back and relax… all without a designated driver.

The Experience

Check-in starts at the train station where a wine store, lounge and restrooms await. Boarding is by groups and done so via the Locks of Love Bridge, where a token of your love can be left with the collection. A professional photo is taken before boarding of which the digital copy is complimentary with physical copies available for purchase following the tour.

Stepping into the train car truly feels like time travel with rich mahogany panels coupled with tasteful brass accents engulfing the car. A champagne (or cider) toast sets the right tone and as the train pulls away, attentive staff offer four types of tea: Yunan black, earl grey, chamomile and rooibos.

First, a carrot ginger soup (quite possibly our favorite part of the meal—next to dessert, of course) was served followed by a beet salad. Finger sandwiches followed with the lobster vul-au-vent (fancy speak for a pastry shell filled with lobster) and radish and creme fraiche being favorites.

Cheese and grapes, macarons, bon-bons (how could there not be bon-bons on a train?) and other sweet treats finished the tea service by which time we were bursting at the seams. We also loved that periodically during the trip, narratives and insight is given by the staff regarding the history of certain wineries and interesting facts and tidbits we otherwise wouldn’t have known. This made it seem like a fun history lesson set in an actual piece of living history!

Good to know:

While the afternoon tea service is for the 10 and up crowd, other tours and experiences are available with no minimum age. Seeing as two or three hours is a long time for anyone to sit still, parents of the younger set might want to bring some form of entertainment
Diaper changing is not permitted on board and children aren’t allowed to wander the cars
The Afternoon Tea service menu is not modifiable but we were told other tours can change their menus with advanced notice
The two types of seating are booths and plush armchairs and we recommend a booth because eating in an armchair seems like a recipe for spilling with kids
Tickets range from $245-$295/person which makes it great for a special occasion celebration

Sponsored by the Napa Valley Wine Train but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer

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11 Reasons a Family Vacation Can Change Your Child’s Life

by Wendy AltschulerMarch 8, 2022

Going on a family vacation is an event children look forward to, one that will light up their brains up with new discoveries and help them uncoil and enjoy life. If you’re still not sure it’s worth the cost of a plane ticket to take your family on a trip, consider these 11 reasons for why you should take a family vacation below.

photo: Muhammad Rahmat via Pexels

1. Your kids will learn to be flexible.
Sometimes, you just have to muscle through the whining at restaurants, the schlepping of diaper bags, time changes and everything else that goes along with wayfaring with young kids in tow. Why? Because, eventually, you’ll have well-traveled, flexible children who can behave at a nice restaurant, make eye contact with adults and enjoy pleasant conversations. The more you expose your children to the outside world, full of different cultures, foods and ways of life, the more your children will become adaptable and amenable.

2. Kids can express themselves.
When traveling with their children, parents are dialed into the child’s experience. They are asking questions, listening to answers and teaching their kids how to think deeper about what they are experiencing. Getting out of the ordinary routine allows parents to interact with their kids in a way that they can’t do as readily at home.

photo: Josh Willink via Pexels

3. Learning is more fun on vacation.
Can you learn about architecture, art, geography, culture and history from a book? Of course. But, wouldn’t the information stick better if you actually saw it, could feel it drip through your fingers, smell it, walk up the stone steps, taste the spicy seasoning, press your nose to the glass and see the thick brush strokes on the canvas? When kids use all five senses, they’re more engaged and present. Travel affords us the opportunity to see, think and feel deeper.

4. Everyone will have a different takeaway to share.
Traveling with your family is like investing in different stories—everyone will come away with their own perspective from the same experience. Your son might say the best part of the trip was the Mallard ducks in the pond that he got to feed, while you might recall the surrey bike that got stuck in the mud, forcing you to get your white sneakers dirty (there were ducks in that pond?). Retelling these stories year after year will bring your family great joy, especially if you can laugh at any unfortunate happenings.

photo: vitaliy-m via Pixabay

5. They’ll learn how to be more social.
Kids learn how to interact with people of all ages while traveling. They’ll talk to servers at restaurants, hotel staff, hikers on the trail, new kids at the pool, elderly folks at the airport—traveling creates wonderful opportunities to interact with the world around us. Your children will learn that they are not invisible, that people can actually hear and see them, and that they have to respect other people’s space and property. Talking too loudly in a museum, stepping on someone’s beach towel with dirty feet or taking up too much space in the elevator all become lessons on how to be mindful and kind to others.

6. Travel teaches patience.
When out and about, the hurry-up-and-wait game is often the M.O. Kids will have to wait in lines, be strapped into a stroller, sit on a curb to wait for a cab, run with gear to make a flight or train connection, walk longer than expected, and be patient while parents are talking to other adults. These experiences help teach kids how to be tolerant, resilient and easy-going.

photo: Biova Nakou via Pexels

7. It also kindles the power of passion.
Traveling can spark passion in your child, and it encourages them to want to learn. A trip to the Kennedy Space Center might ignite a love of space; visiting the sponge docks in Tarpon Springs, Florida, might create an interest in sea life and diving; and exploring the Natural Bridge Caverns and Missions in San Antonio might generate a craving for adventure. No matter where you go or what you do, traveling somewhere together will give your family opportunities to delve into different enriched environments, full of various sights, sounds and smells.

8. They’ll learn that experiences are more valuable than stuff.
Many parents feel like their homes are overrun with toys scattered everywhere, and according to this study, an excess of toys may obstruct a child’s growth, behavior and ability to use their imagination during creative play. Perhaps a better option is to donate some of the toys to encourage giving and focus on finding ways to provide your kids more meaningful experiences. Children will value the time spent with their family while on a vacation long after the trip is over, which means it’s money well spent.

photo: Pixabay via Pexels

9. Vacations usually include the great outdoors.
Whether you’re sticking your toes in warm sand, swimming in a choppy lake, hiking through a forest of oak trees, or skiing down the slopes, getting outside will provide enriching experiences for your kids. Kids have no problem keeping themselves busy exploring the outdoors. A stick becomes a sword, the sand becomes a castle, water becomes an antagonist to punch and jump over—creative play is instant and intrinsic.

10. Everyone will be faced with challenges…which is a good thing.
There’s always a risk that travel will not go smoothly: Planes get delayed, flights get canceled, drivers get lost. You may have forgotten to pack an essential lovey or pair of socks. All of these challenges provide opportunities to teach your kids about problem-solving and working together toward a common goal. You might find that your older child steps up and comforts your younger child or that your middle kid is flexible beyond what you thought was possible.

photo: Markus Spiske via Pexels

11. You’ll be able to fill up the family happiness bank.
The emotional, social, and psychological perks of family vacations extend long after the trip is over. If you were to ask the adults in your life what their happiest childhood memories were, they’d likely recount a family trip. Your uncle might say it was the time his parents rented an RV and drove to a national park; your mom might say she loved swimming in the hotel pool with her siblings. Thinking back to their own happiest vacation memories can be a powerful tool for your children when they are going through a tough time—reflecting on magical excursions experienced as a family may bring them a sense of comfort.

— Wendy Altschuler & Eva Ingvarson Cerise

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Share Your Clifford-Sized Pet Photo for a Chance to Win Tickets to See Clifford The Big Red Dog

by Kenzie KramerNovember 2, 2021

The new Clifford The Big Red Dog movie shows kids the magic that can happen when you love big. By making your pet Clifford-size at CliffordSizeYourPet.CliffordMovie.com and sharing the photo, you can win $100 to use toward a trip to the movies to see Clifford The Big Red Dog! Entering is as simple as sharing a photo!

Here’s how it works: Once you upload or snap a pic of your pet, the background will be cropped out so you can place a larger-than-life photo of them in one of Clifford’s favorite NYC locations. Head to CliffordSizeYourPet.CliffordMovie.com to get started!

How to Enter:

Option #1: Post a photo of your pet edited with the tool at CliffordSizeYourPet.CliffordMovie.com to a public account on one of the following social platforms: Instagram, Twitter or Facebook and include #LoveBigContest in the post.
Entries must be shared between November 2 and November 10 and the social media account you share from must be set to public.

Option #2: Post a photo of your pet edited with the tool at CliffordSizeYourPet.CliffordMovie.com in the comments of the contest post on the Tinybeans Facebook page.

See the official rules here.

This Larger Than Life Mister Rogers Monument is Exactly What the World Needs

by Sarah ShebekOctober 29, 2021

At Rollins College, every day is a beautiful day in the neighborhood. That’s because Fred McFeely Rogers, otherwise known as Mister Rogers, is an alum and the school just unveiled a new sculpture to celebrate. “A Beautiful Day for a Neighbor” is a beautiful 360-degree monument to the goodness of Mister Rogers and it’s exactly what the world needs.

To honor Roger’s legacy, the College commissioned renowned British artist Paul Day to create the detailed piece. It stands over seven feet tall and weighs more than 3,000 pounds, with a final cast in bronze. Mister Rogers appears in his iconic sweater and sneakers, holding his Daniel Tiger puppet and surrounded by children.

“This inspirational sculpture will be a permanent reminder of the ideals and values modeled by Mister Rogers as he set out to make the world a better place,” said Rollins President Grant Cornwell. “This tribute will reinforce the quest for empathy, acceptance and kindness so needed in our society today.”

Rogers transferred to Rollins College from Dartmouth and graduated with distinction in 1951. He majored in music composition and met his wife of over 50 years, Joanne Rogers, on campus. If you decide to make the trip to Rollins to see the impressive sculpture, you can include it in the Mister Rogers Walking Tour that features tributes to his life across campus.

––Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Scott Cook, Rollins College

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Magical Santa Train Rides to Book NOW (Before They Sell Out)

by Meghan Yudes MeyersOctober 25, 2021

Choo, Choo! Santa coming through! Christmas traditions are back on track this year and this is one of our favorites! After Ol’ St. Nick’s famous red sled, trains are Kris Kringle’s favorite way to travel. NOW is the time to book! These magical holiday rides sell out quickly, so make your reservations soon. Scroll down for the best places to catch the holiday spirit on the rails. All aboard!

Bring Your Holiday List

West Chester Railroad's Santa Express

Spend 90 minutes with the Jolly Guy on this excursion that explores the Chester Creek Valley in PA. There are plenty of chances to fill your Instagram feed, from the historic station to candid meet-and-greet snaps on the rails. Be sure to bring your wish list to give Santa. West Chester Railroad also offers a Christmas Tree Train on Nov. 28 and Dec. 5, 12; hop aboard for a scenic trip to Wiggins Tree Farm for a unique pick-your-own tree experiences (trees are tagged and loaded on to the train's flat car).

Cost: $30/adult, $25/child ages 2-12, $10/infant, children under 9 months are free
When: Nov. 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 and Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and Dec. 4, 11, 12, 18, 19 at 5 pm.
Where: 230 E. Market St., West Chester, PA
Online: wcrailroad.com

Hop a Ride on a Historic Train

Strasburg Railroad's Santa Paradise Express

Share in this 60 year tradition on America's oldest operating railroad. Climb aboard a vintage rail car for a 45-minute journey with Santa himself on Santa's Paradise Express. You can even hop aboard on Christmas Eve! Before you depart, don't forget to visit Mrs. Clause at the North Pole Annex. Want get cozy on a train in your PJs? Come listen to The Night Before Christmas from story tellers dressed in old fashioned nightcaps and gowns. Santa makes a brief appearance on this train, as well.

Editor's Note: To ensure everyone's safety, all Team Members will be wearing masks during you visit. The rail line asks that guests also wear a mask when not eating or drinking.

Cost: $23/adult, $17/child ages 2-11, Free/infant ages 0-1
When: Nov. 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 29 and Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 24; departure time varies by date
Where: 301 Gap Road, Strasburg, PA
Online: strasburgrailroad.com

Sip Hot Chocolate with The Big Guy

Walkersville's Train Ride with Santa

Get your camera ready for this Insta-worthy trip on the Walkersville Southern Railroad. Santa will make his way through rail cars, being sure to greet each passenger with his hearty signature welcome and a special small gift for all children. After the trip, be sure to grab your free hot chocolate and cookies in the museum.

Cost: $18/adult, $17/child ages 2-12 and seniors, Free/2 & under
When: Nov. 27 & 28 and Dec. 4, 5. 11. 12. 18, 19; departing at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Where: 34 West Pennsylvania Ave., Walkersville, MD
Online: wsrr.org

Head to the North Pole on the Polar Express

Polar Express Train Ride

All aboard at the B&O Railroad Museum’s roundhouse, which, we might mention, is chock full of trains. The museum is open daily, but you can take a special trip on the Polar Express on select dates in Nov. and Dec. Character actors bring this beloved book to life through songs and interactions. Get you golden ticket punched while Chefs dance to the hot chocolate song and guests receive a special gift: a silver bell.

Cost: $47-67
When: Nov. 19-21, 26-28 & Dec. 2-5, 10-12 at 10 a.m.
Where: 901 West Pratt St., Baltimore, MD
Online: borail.org/holiday

—Meghan Yudes Meyers

featured photo: Strasburg Railroad

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Narwahl Waffles Are Real & Here’s Where to Get Them

by Karly WoodOctober 19, 2021

Unicorn and mermaid waffles are so last year. Now it’s time to get down to breakfast business with Kellogg’s new Narwahl waffles!

The raspberry-flavored breakfast treat boasts a blue hue that would look great with a dollop of whipped cream. Like its plain-colored counterparts, these waffles need just a quick trip in the toaster before enjoying with a little syrup and a glass of milk.

photo: Walmart

Perfect for picky eaters or enjoying on the go, these fun waffles put a new spin on breakfast (and make you an uber cool mom or dad!). We found the six-pack of waffles at Walmart for just $2.96.

––Karly Wood

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New “Home Alone” Movie Is the Reboot We Didn’t Know We Needed

by Karly WoodOctober 14, 2021

Disney+ Day is quickly approaching and among the tons of new content lies the reboot we’ve been waiting for. Home Sweet Home Alone is almost here!

It’s been over 30 years since the OG film debuted (yeah, you’re that old) but holiday mayhem is about to be had in the style you know and love. Home Sweet Home Alone debuts exclusively on Nov. 12 as a part of the Disney+ Day lineup. So how will this new film compare? Keep scrolling to see the trailer!

The story follows Max Mercer who’s family accidentally left him behind on a trip to Japan. While he hangs out solo, he ends up protecting his family home from a couple trying to snag a priceless heirloom.

The new film stars Ellie Kemper, Rob Delaney, Archie Yates, Aisling Bea, Kenan Thompson and many more. Don’t forget to tune in only on Disney+ when the movie drops on Nov. 12.

––Karly Wood

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The One with the Awesome “Friends” Advent Calendar

by Karly WoodOctober 5, 2021

This year was one for the books: we finally got our Friends reunion! Now we can count down the holiday season with the 2021 Friends: The Official Advent Calendar.

Packed with 25 days of goodies, Friends fans will love taking a trip back to Central Perk and other nostalgic moments of the beloved show. You’ll be surprised with mementos, mini books, activities and even a few recipes. Could it BE any more exciting?

Friends: The Official Advent Calendar is available starting today on Amazon for $25.

—Karly Wood

All photos courtesy of Amazon

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It’s Official, Vacations Are Better With Kids (According to This Survey)

by Sarah ShebekSeptember 7, 2021

Vacationing with kids: stressful, unexpected, but also pretty great. In fact, a new survey found that 52% of parents think trips are more enjoyable if the kids can come too. It’s part of a larger study focusing on family vacations as summer travel season comes to a close.

SWNS, in conjunction with OnePoll and Apple Vacations, surveyed more than 2,000 Americans about their travel preferences and 59% also said that they don’t mind a bad day of vacation, as long as their kids get to enjoy it! That may relate to happy family trip memories—half of respondents who traveled growing up said the excitement will never go away. And despite the headaches of planning and packing, 80% plan to continue family vacations to build strong bonds.

Speaking of packing, respondents ranked it as the least enjoyable part of vacationing (relatable). Once families reach their destinations, there’s plenty of water activities they’re eager to experience. Over one third (35%) said they’re excited for kids to try swimming, visiting a water park (29%) or fishing (28%). Don’t forget those swimsuits when you’re filling those bags!

Finally, it’s no surprise that Americans prioritize price when booking a vacation destination, followed by Wi-Fi access and a pool. Luckily, we have the perfect, budget-friendly ideas no matter where your fam is headed next, from Portland (Oregon) to Portland (Maine)! And if your travel is done for the year, you’ll have plenty of time to snag that hot reservation for next summer!

––Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Jan Kopřiva on Unsplash

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ML Interest Tag: trip

Train Vacations Every Family Should Experience at Least Once

Explore the Last Frontier in Alaska

Experience Ultimate Luxury

Urban Adventure

See America's Great National Parks

Guided Trip Thru Colorado

Ride the Rails at America’s Northeast Corridor

By Way of Desert to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Blaze Your Own Trail

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High Tea on the Rails with the Napa Valley Wine Train

History

Scenery

The Experience

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Magical Santa Train Rides to Book NOW (Before They Sell Out)

Bring Your Holiday List

West Chester Railroad's Santa Express

Hop a Ride on a Historic Train

Strasburg Railroad's Santa Paradise Express

Sip Hot Chocolate with The Big Guy

Walkersville's Train Ride with Santa

Head to the North Pole on the Polar Express

Polar Express Train Ride

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