Alan Krell Seattle Center's Winterfest train |
Train love runs deep, as any parent (or spouse) of a train fanatic knows. And there's no better time to indulge than during December's bounty of train events. From trains on the IMAX to riding the rails to viewing trains in miniature, we've got something for everyone. All aboard!
TRAINS ON THE IMAX
SEATTLE AREA
Rocky Mountain Express. If your kids love trains, our parent reviewer has suggested a great outing for your family: check out the new Rocky Mountain Express IMAX movie at Pacific Science Center, then hop over to Winterfest at Seattle Center and enjoy the turn-of-the-century village and train exhibit. You'll likely hear your kids exclaim, "It's engine 2816!" Check out the full parent review of the movie. www.pacificsciencecenter.org.
MODEL TRAINS
SEATTLE AREA
Reindeer Festival. Visit reindeer Dasher and Blitzen, and Curly the camel at Swanson's Nursery, plus see a model train layout that incorporates water and living plants. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Dec. 24 (closes at 3 p.m. Dec. 24). FREE. 9701 15th Ave. N.W., Seattle. 206-782-2543. www.swansonsnursery.com.
Winter Train and Village. See a giant layout of a turn-of-the-century village complete with two trains. Kids can take turns operating a train for a small donation from 10:30 a.m. to noon, 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. daily. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Jan. 6, closes 4 p.m. Dec. 24, closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. FREE. Seattle Center Armory, 305 Harrison St., Seattle. 206-684-7200. www.seattlecenter.com.
SOUTH SOUND
The Great Train Expo. Traveling show for model train enthusiasts of all ages, with layouts, vendors, hands-on activities, kids' area and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 15-16. $7, free ages 12 and younger. Puyallup Fair & Events Center, 110 Ninth Ave. S.W., Puyallup. www.greattrainexpo.com.
Model Train Festival. Elaborate model train layouts on each floor of the Washington State History Museum, along with the largest permanent model train layout in the state. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 21 through Jan. 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 24, closed Dec. 25. Included with admission. $9.50, $7 seniors, ages 6 to 17 and military, free ages 5 and younger. 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma. 888-238-4373. www.wshs.org.
FARTHER AFIELD
Holiday Village. See a charming miniaturized town meticulously hand-made and decorated by a local artisan. Electric trains complete the scene, plus enjoy hot cocoa and cider. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 31. Included with admission. $13, $9 seniors and military, $5 ages 13 through college-age, free ages 12 and younger with paying adult. Bloedel Reserve, 7571 N.E. Dolphin Drive, Bainbridge Island. 206-842-7631. www.bloedelreserve.org.
TRAIN RIDES
EASTSIDE
Santa Train. Board the Snoqualmie Valley Railroad at the decorated depot in North Bend and ride to the Snoqualmie depot for a Santa visit, music and refreshments, then return to North Bend. Trains depart hourly starting at 9 a.m. with last departure at 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 15, plus 11 a.m. Dec. 14 (special needs train at 9:30 a.m.). $20, free younger than age 2, pre-register, space limited. North Bend Depot, 205 McClellan St., North Bend. 425-888-2206. www.trainmuseum.org.
NORTH SOUND
Christmas Train. Ride in Lake Whatcom Railway's vintage passenger train. Visit with Santa and his elf, and sing carols. 9:30 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 22. $20, $10 ages 2 to 17, free younger than age 2. Advance reservations only, see online for instructions. 5185 N.P. Road, Wickersham. 360-595-2218. www.lakewhatcomrailway.com.
SOUTH SOUND
Santa Express. Train ride to visit Santa, includes refreshments and holiday music. 10 a.m., 12:45 and 3:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 16. $26, $23 seniors and military, $21 ages 2 to 12, free ages 1 and younger. Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad, 349 Mineral Creek Road, Mineral. 888-783-2611. www.mrsr.com.
Santa Steam Train. Enjoy a 30-minute steam train ride during which Santa visits the cars, with photo opportunities before and after each trip. 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 9. $10, pre-register. Chehalis-Centralia Railroad, 1101 Sylvenus St., Chehalis. 360-748-9593. www.steamtrainride.com.
Polar Express. Evening Polar Express rides include Christmas carols, hot chocolate and cookies on the way to the "North Pole" to see Santa. Wear your pajamas. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 16. $20 to $30, pre-register. Chehalis-Centralia Railroad, 1101 Sylvenus St., Chehalis. 360-748-9593. www.steamtrainride.com.
Polar Plaza Express Children's Train. Kids can take a short ride along Pacific Avenue, from Washington State History Museum to Tacoma Art Museum. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 21-24 and 26 (closes 1 p.m. Dec. 24). $2 each way. 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma. 253-272-4258. www.polarplaza.com.
Barb Kittell is the calendar editor at Seattle’s Child and mom of two young kids, including a son whose train obsession is still going strong.
