NL
A panoramic train journey with children offers spectacular views and relaxed travel without driving stress, but it does require thoughtful planning and entertainment to make long journeys a success. With the right preparation, the train journey itself becomes part of the holiday experience. Discover which routes are child-friendly and how to keep children occupied during several hours on the rails.
Why train journeys with children work so well in practice
Travelling by train gives families freedom of movement you simply do not have in a car. Children can walk between the seats, go to the dining car or just gaze out of the panoramic windows at passing forests and mountains. There is no driving stress and you do not have to keep checking the rear-view mirror to see if everyone is coping.
Many panoramic routes have large windows and lounge areas where children can play or chat with other travellers. Wildlife spotting keeps young travellers engaged: eagles, deer and sometimes even bison pass by on routes through nature reserves. For more inspiration on scenic rail (panoramic train routes): panoramic trains and the most beautiful rail journeys you will find an overview of routes with spectacular views.
On most routes babies travel free and children from 2 to 12 years get 50% discount on tickets. That makes travelling by train with the whole family financially achievable, especially on longer routes where you do not need hotels en route.
Which panoramic trains are suitable for families
Not all panoramic trains are equally practical for families. Short journeys of 1 to 2 hours are ideal for young children taking their first longer train trip. Longer journeys of 4 to 8 hours require more preparation, but also offer more impressive landscapes.
Short family-friendly routes
- Adirondack Scenic Railroad (New York): Journey through Adirondack Park with mountain peaks, wild rivers and plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities. The route is short enough to keep young children engaged.
- Catskill Mountain Railroad: Winding route along mountains and river valleys where birds of prey circle above the train.
- Black River & Western Railroad (New Jersey): Short themed journeys through rural areas, often with special events for children.
Longer routes for experienced young travellers
- Berkshire Flyer (Amtrak): 4 hours from New York to Pittsfield with views of the Hudson River and Catskills. On arrival you can go cycling or walking in the area.
- Ethan Allen Express: 8 hours to Burlington with Lake Champlain and traditional New England villages. Choose seats on the left-hand side for the best views.
- Grand Canyon Railway: Direct journey to the Grand Canyon South Rim with historic information along the way and overwhelming cliffs on arrival.
- Rocky Mountaineer (Canada): Luxury multi-day journey through the Rocky Mountains with glacial lakes and alpine forests. This route is suitable for families who want to travel for longer and are looking for more comfort.
How to keep children occupied during the journey
Long train journeys call for entertainment, even if the views are spectacular. Young children get bored more quickly than older travellers. So plan variation in activities and make use of what the train itself has to offer.
Organising activities on board
Bring board games, colouring books or card games you can play on a table. Many panoramic trains have table seats where families can sit together. Use quieter moments to talk with children about what they see: which animals, which colours in the landscape, which villages or cities.
On trains with a café car or restaurant section you can pick up snacks in between or order a meal with table service. For children, that feels like an outing in itself. Do bring your own snacks in case they get hungry between official stops.
Themed trains as an extra experience
Many panoramic trains run themed journeys specially aimed at children. These trains combine the route with a story or activity:
- Polar Express: Christmas-themed train with storytelling and hot chocolate along the way.
- Easter Bunny Express: Easter journey with egg hunts during stops.
- Pumpkin Train: Autumn journey where children can pick pumpkins and go on a hayride.
- Father’s Day specials: Trains where fathers travel free of charge on certain routes.
These journeys are often shorter than regular panoramic trains and are fully geared towards young travellers. Do book well in advance, as seasonal themed trains sell out quickly.
Nature shows as entertainment
Teach children to spot wildlife during the journey. Bald eagles, reindeer and other animals can be seen on routes through national parks. In Denali National Park some trains offer guided tours where rangers explain what you are seeing. That keeps children focused and gives them the feeling of being on safari.
Give children a notebook to record what they come across: how many eagles, which trees, which rivers. That turns the journey into an interactive activity rather than just passive watching.
Practical tips for a smooth train journey
A successful panoramic train journey with children depends on the details. Small preparations make the difference between a relaxed day and a chaotic experience.
Book early and choose your seats
Seasonal routes such as autumn foliage trains or holiday trains are fully booked weeks in advance. Reserve tickets as soon as your dates are fixed. Choose weekend services if you want flexibility in your schedule.
When booking, pay attention to which side of the train offers the best views. On the Hudson River route the best views are on the left, at Lake Champlain on the right. Panoramic carriages sometimes cost extra, but they give children much more to see.
Match the journey length to the age
Start with short journeys of 1 to 2 hours for children under 5. Build up to longer routes of 4 to 8 hours once children are used to travelling by train. Parents report that even 2-year-olds enjoy their first train ride, but do take their attention span into account.
For multi-day journeys such as the Rocky Mountaineer, plan rest moments between train rides. Children need time to move and burn off energy outside the train.
Bring the right things
Pack snacks, water bottles and entertainment that fit easily into a backpack. Also bring outdoor gear for stops: walking shoes, a ball or frisbee if there is time to move around a little during intermediate stops.
Some trains have open-air cars where children can feel the wind and have a better view. In that case, bring a cardigan or jacket, as it can get chilly during the journey.
Combine the train journey with nearby attractions
Plan an extra day on arrival to explore the area. At the Grand Canyon there are hiking trails suitable for children; in Burlington you can cycle along the lake. That completes the trip and prevents children from feeling like they have only been sitting on a train.
Check in advance which parks, farms or playgrounds are near the terminus. That way the train journey becomes part of a bigger plan instead of a stand-alone activity.
‘ Babies up to 2 years almost always travel free, provided they sit on your lap and do not occupy their own seat. ’
Child fares and family discounts
Most panoramic trains offer standard discounts for children. Babies up to 2 years almost always travel free, provided they sit on your lap and do not occupy their own seat. Children from 2 to 12 years usually pay half the adult fare.
Some routes offer family packages where the fourth or fifth family member receives an extra discount. Ask when booking about family deals or special offers for weekend journeys. Themed trains sometimes use different fare structures, so always check the conditions for each journey.
Bear in mind that panoramic carriages and dining cars often have a surcharge on top of the base ticket. This surcharge also applies to children, although it is sometimes lower than for adults.
Trains with play areas or entertainment on board
Not all panoramic trains have separate play areas, but many routes do offer child-friendly facilities. Café cars with loose chairs and tables give children space to draw or play games without disturbing other passengers.
Some luxury trains such as the Rocky Mountaineer have lounge cars with more room to move around. Other trains organise activities such as storytelling or music during the journey. When booking, ask whether there are any special facilities for children on board.
Open-air cars are popular with children because they give the feeling of being closer to nature. However, these carriages are often busier and noisier, so plan this experience for a shorter part of the journey if you are travelling with young children.
Safety and supervision during the journey
Panoramic trains are usually run by enthusiastic volunteers or professional crews who are used to having families on board. They help with questions and keep an eye on things. Ultimately, though, supervision remains the responsibility of parents.
Teach children where they are allowed to walk and which parts of the train are off-limits. Aisles can be narrow and doors to open-air cars sometimes need to be firmly closed. Explain that running in the train is not safe because of sudden stops or bends.
Always keep small children in sight, especially at stops where doors open and people are getting on and off. Give older children clear agreements about where they are allowed to be and what time they must be back at their seats.
On Traveler Tips you will find much more information about travelling by train with children, from route ideas to practical checklists for a well-organised trip. Discover which destinations best suit your family and how to plan every train journey just that little bit smarter.
Frequently asked questions
For families with young children, shorter panoramic routes such as the Black River & Western Railroad and the Adirondack Scenic Railroad are the most suitable, because they are relatively short, offer plenty of nature and wildlife and often run themed trips (such as Polar Express or Pumpkin Trains). Open-air or panoramic carriages with large windows make it easy for children to look outside and move around a bit. On board, café cars with snacks, sometimes dining cars with table service and themed entertainment provide extra comfort and fun. In addition, many operators offer child discounts, which makes these routes attractive for families.
Bring a mix of simple travel activities: colouring and sticker books, a small travel diary in which they can draw what they see outside, and a few favourite toys or cuddly animals for role play around “the train journey”. Turn the view itself into a game: whoever spots a waterfall, bridge, animal, red car or particular type of house first gets a point. Alternate quiet games (card games, “I spy”, guessing and storytelling games) with short walking moments in the aisle to burn off some energy. Finally, make sure you have enough snacks and drinks and plan fixed “break moments” where you look out of the window together and try to spot animals, special rock formations or buildings.
Ensure comfort by taking layered clothing, a small pillow or blanket and possibly a favourite cuddly toy, so children can easily lie down, sleep or lean against the window. Bring plenty of child-friendly snacks and drinks, even if there is a dining car, so you are not entirely dependent on what is available on board and when it is open. Plan rest breaks by dividing longer journeys into “blocks” (looking, snacking, colouring/game, then a break) and use moments when the train stops to stretch your legs. When booking, choose quiet spots where possible (for example a compartment or a corner with less through-traffic) so that children can relax more easily and have naps.
For families with children, panoramic carriages with large windows, spacious seats and possibly a lounge area or open-air car are the most comfortable, because children can look around better and move a little from time to time. For young children (up to about 4 years), short journeys and seats close to toilets and doors/budget-friendly seats are advisable, so you can quickly change, freshen up or go for a short walk. For primary school age (5–11 years), compartments or table seats work best, as they allow children to draw, play games and enjoy the view at the same time. Teenagers usually appreciate quiet zones with a good view and perhaps near a restaurant or café car, so they can enjoy a bit of independence and comfort.
