5 Reasons to Choose Train Travel with Kids

Traveling with kids can be both magical—introducing them to exciting new places and experiences—and exhausting—hauling car seats, strollers, and snacks. I’ve traveled with my two kids by plane, car, and boat, but we’ve found that one of our favorite ways to travel as a family is by train. Here’s why train travel with kids can be a fantastic way for families to adventure together.

1. More room

Kids are natural explorers and often don’t love being confined to the small spaces typically found in airplanes and cars. Train seats and compartments offer more space for young kids to get their wiggles out and for older kids to spread out. If anyone gets restless—whether it's kids or parents—they can walk around or switch seats for a change of scenery.

2. Less stress

Traveling with kids by car can be stressful for parents who are trying to navigate directions, traffic, endless kid questions, and bathroom breaks. The first time we took a train trip in snowy weather with our kids, I realized I was much more relaxed since I wasn’t worried about traffic jams or icy roads. Traveling by train means you can focus your attention on enjoying the journey, whether that’s by spending time talking or  with your kids.

Another plus: You can skip the long airport lines and packing restrictions that come with air travel. Many trains also provide Wi-Fi, which can be a lifesaver for keeping kids of all ages entertained. My kids also love the novelty of train dining cars—and as a parent, I’m less stressed knowing that if we forget a snack or drink, we can buy one on the train.

3. The excitement of the train

Many kids enjoy trains, and some are downright obsessed with them. Little ones who adore Thomas the Tank Engine will be thrilled to ride the real thing. Once aboard, they can walk around to explore the different train cars and enjoy the unique sounds of whistles and the engine, which add to the excitement of train travel. To build anticipation, kids can read books or watch movies featuring trains before the trip. Some routes even offer kid-friendly experiences, such as the holiday-themed train rides.

4. Scenic views

The windows and glass-dome roofs on trains offer a unique opportunity to spot wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and even spectacular sites, such the Northern Lights. While a toddler may not spend a lot of time appreciating a beautiful valley view, they can still have fun playing sightseeing games with you—such as spotting different types of wildlife, playing “I Spy,” or joining in a visual scavenger hunt. My family also enjoys the chance to relax by listening to music or audiobooks on our headphones while watching the scenery go by.

5. A smoother ride

If you’re a parent who’s had to care for a child experiencing motion sickness, I feel you. It can be one of the more challenging aspects of family travel. One of my kids is prone to motion sickness and often starts to feel unwell on windy roads or when an airplane hits turbulence. Train travel, however, is a much smoother ride. The gentle motion, combined with the large windows, helps him focus on the horizon and reduces the sensation of motion sickness, which happens when the inner ear detects movement that the eyes don’t register. Tip: We make sure he always rides facing forward on the train, which seems to help minimize discomfort.

. . . . .

While getting to a destination can sometimes feel like an obstacle course when traveling with kids, opting for train travel can make for more enjoyable family travel. Now that my kids are older, my husband and I have started to involve them in trip planning—and taking another train trip is high on their list.