Once upon a time, train travel was the mode of transportation. From its convenience and amenities to its air-conditioned cars, a train ride is still a perfect way for the whole family to enjoy scenery without the hassle of a road trip or plane ride. And if you’ve got a budding train conductor on your hands, go full steam ahead with these train ride excursion through the Texas cities and terrain.
Want even more train fun? Take a tour of the historic trains berthed at the Museum of the American Railroad in Frisco and the Interurban Railway Museum in Plano.
HISTORIC TRAINS
Grapevine Vintage Railroad
Grapevine
817/410-3185
Located in the heart of downtown Grapevine, authentic 1920s Victorian coaches take your family back in time to the Fort Worth Stockyards and back again to Grapevine’s Cotton Belt Depot. This train, the best-known in Dallas-Fort Worth, offers family-friendly excursions throughout the year and special events during the holidays, so check online for future dates the North Pole Express, as well as adults-only excursions. Most years, the local depot also hosts the Day Out with Thomas. Prices vary by route or event. After your ride, complete your day out with a visit to Harvest Hall across the street, a new food hall with architecture inspired by 19th century rail stations.
M-Line Trolleys
Dallas
214/855-0006
McKinney Avenue Transit Authority offers a heritage streetcar service through stops in Uptown and Downtown Dallas at no charge. Simply flag down the trolley (more on how to ride here) and hop on at any of the 42 designated stops. One of the more fun aspects of this trolley is you can request your own stop, you don’t have to wait for a designated place on the route. Each car has a bell, or string that rings a bell, that you can ring to let the driver know you want off. The trolley goes all around the uptown and downtown areas of Dallas, so it’s a great option to see the downtown buildings and atmosphere. Free.
Austin Steam Train
Cedar Park
512/915-2340; 512/402-3830 after hours
Sit back and relax in Austin Steam Train Association’s 44-mile, 2.5-hour journey around Austin. The vintage train cars—built in the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s—are fully restored and climate-controlled for your family’s enjoyment. Trains depart from three depots around the capital: in Cedar Park, Bertram and Burnet. Check back during the holiday season for North Pole Flyer excursions with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Tickets typically start at $30 per child ages 3–13 and $40 for adults. For regular excursions, no ticket is needed for children under 3 if they ride on their caregiver’s lap.
Texas State Railroad
Rusk and Palestine
855/632-7729
Less than a two-hour drive away from Dallas-Fort Worth, it’s a quick escape from the city and features one of the only working steam trains in the state. Texas State Railroad welcomes everyone aboard this historic railroad built by inmates in 1883. Aboard the train, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you view the beautiful piney woods of East Texas. Check their calendar for special events during Easter and the Christmas season. Prices vary by route.
Historical Jefferson Railway
Jefferson
866/398-2038
This ride includes a narrated ride through Texas’ historical ruins from the 1800s in the Piney Woods, including a pitstop (weather permitting) at Diamond Don Gator Pit, where you can feed the gators. Don’t worry if your little one can’t sit still for long; this ride lasts only about 40 minutes with the pitstop. $15. Free for lap children.
MINI TRAINS
Forest Park Miniature Railroad
Fort Worth
817/336-3328
This pint-size locomotive that treks 5 miles to and from Trinity Park has been closed due to mechanical issue but the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that it’s expected to reopen in spring 2023. Check the train’s Facebook page for updates. Ticket prices were previously $7 adults; $6 seniors; $6 children; free for children under 1.
San Antonio Zoo Train
San Antonio
210/734-7184
If you’re making a stop at the San Antonio Zoo, make sure you and your kids hitch a ride on this miniature train, originally built in 1956. Formerly known as the Brackenridge Eagle, this train travels along the banks of the San Antonio river with various stops at places, such as the Witte Museum, Kiddie Park and the Sunken Gardens. $6 for adults and children 3 and older.
COMMUTER TRAINS
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)
Dallas-Fort Worth area
214/979-1111
DART helps you discover all that North Texas has to offer. This extensive network of DART Light Rail, Trinity Railway Express commuter rail, bus routes, and paratransit services gets you around Dallas and 12 surrounding cities. See the station maps here and plan your next trip easily here. Day passes are as little as $3.
Trinity Railway Express
Dallas
214/979-1111
Known for mainly being a commuter train, the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) can double as a fun outing if you have a train fanatic in the family. The TRE connects Dallas to Fort Worth’s TEXRail, more easily allowing for a family day trip to either city.
Trinity Metro TEXRail
Fort Worth
817/215-8600
Want to leave your wheels at home? Hitch a ride to DFW Airport from locations in Tarrant County, or travel from central Fort Worth to North Richland Hills to Grapevine along this commuter rail. Plan your ride here.
A-Train
Denton
490/243-0077
Denton’s got its own commuter train too, a 21-mile rail line that connects Denton and Dallas counties (as part of the Denton County Transit Authority). This train is a great option if you want to spend some time on the downtown Denton square or Lewisville Lake before getting back on the train to go home. Book your pass here.
Amtrak’s Texas Eagle
Various city depots
800/872-7245
Ready for a Texas-sized adventure? Amtrak’s Texas Eagle Trains runs through Chicago to Los Angeles and offers sleeping car accommodations, a dining car and complete meals. Hop aboard the Texas Eagle at any of the 15 Texas cities where the train stops—including Dallas and Fort Worth—and catch the spectacular views from Amtrak’s Sightseer Lounge Car. And there are plenty of discounts for kids traveling with you. Children ages 2–12 ride for half off, and infants ride free.
Image: Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau
