Chug-a, Chug-a, Choo, Choo

Most kids love trains, mine included. So what could be more fun than a train ride? In Fort Worth there are several opportunities to ride a train, and all three are different types of trains. So, all aboard Thomas lovers!

Forest Park Miniature Railroad - This five-mile, forty-minute train ride is perfect on a beautiful Texas day, which can happen in the summer or winter. The train has specific times for each season. During the summer it runs Tuesday-Sunday, though the winter schedule is only on the weekends. There is at least one train each hour and the prices are a great deal (adults $3.00, kids $2.50), but remember it's cash only. They do request that you don't bring any outside food or drinks and each depot has concessions for sale. But, who really follows that rule? You can board the train at the Forest Park or Trinity Park Depot. Check the website for specific schedule and running times.

Trinity Railway Express (TRE) - This true commuter train between Fort Worth and Dallas can be a great day trip in any kind of weather. You can catch the train at various stops in Fort Worth and ride all the way to Downtown Dallas, about a one-hour trip. On Saturday's the train operates every 1 1/2 hours, and is closed on Sundays. Children under five are free and other fares vary depending on how far you want to ride. Each station has free parking. The ticket kiosks in Tarrant County are currently cash only. If you aren't familiar with how the train operates and it's schedule, spend some time on the website before you are stuck on the platform trying to buy a ticket from the kiosk with a line of people behind you. My husband and I have both taken our daughter on the train when she was in a stroller and it was fairly easy to get on and off. The train is safe and clean.

Grapevine Vintage Railroad - You can board this vintage railroad train in Grapevine for a two-way trip to the Fort Worth Stockyards and back (including a two-hour layover to explore the Stockyards) or board in Fort Worth for a one-way trip to Grapevine. Children under three are free and adults are $20 and kids 3-12 are $10. The cost is about half that for the one-way trip. The train runs Friday-Sunday (depending on the season) and departs from Grapevine at 1:00 or the Stockyards at 3:15. The train also has special events for the holidays, including the Halloween Scream Train and the North Pole Express. The train is open-air, with operable windows, so check the weather. I have been told that the route isn't extremely scenic, but I'm sure the younger kids won't even notice.

Any of the these train trips would make a great day or half-day trip. You can always pack a picnic lunch to eat on the train, or eat at your destination when you arrive. If you wanted to make an overnight trip, you can ride the one-way train to Grapevine from Fort Worth, spend the night in historic downtown Grapevine, and return to Fort Worth the next day. The Forest Park and the Grapevine train also offer group rates and could make for a memorable birthday for your little one. You can reserve a pavilion at Trinity Park for birthday cake and presents, the kids can play at the playground (or you could rent a bounce house), then ride the train to Forest Park and back. A lot of fun for not much effort on your part.