Looking for a fun family adventure that starts with a train ride? The Union Pacific Northwest Metra line is full of charming downtowns, playgrounds, sweet treats, libraries, and unique family destinations that are all within walking distance of the train station. Whether your kids are obsessed with trains or you’re simply looking for an easy day trip without driving, hopping on the Metra makes getting there part of the fun.
The UPNW line runs from Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center to Harvard, stopping in communities including Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Barrington, and Crystal Lake.
Looking for other Metra routes? We have guides for the BNSF and Union Pacific West lines, too!
Know Before You Go
Metra offers a variety of ticket options, including weekend and day passes, as well as ride-all-day promotions. Family Fares, which run every day until Labor Day, and then only on weekends after that, allow for up to three children (ages 11 and under) to ride free with a paying adult. Find travel schedules and buy tickets through the Ventra app.
Remember that if the ticket booth at the station where you boarded is open, you will have to pay a $5 fee to buy your ticket on the train. If it’s closed (as they often are on weekends), then you can buy your ticket on the train with no fee. You can also purchase tickets on the Ventra app, which is the easiest option. See more information about buying Metra tickets.
Kidlist Pro Tip: make sure to check the business hours of the places you’d like to visit, as some of these local shops have days they’re closed or early hours.
Stops Along the Union Pacific Northwest Metra
Norwood Park
Norwood Park is a great first stop outside downtown Chicago. Check out the October-themed coffee shop where you can watch the trains. Zia’s Social is family-friendly with a big patio in the summer.
October Cafe
6046 N. Avondale
Chicago, IL 60631
Norwood Park Playground
5801 N. Natoma
Chicago, IL 60631
Zia’s Social
6158 N. Northwest Highway
Chicago, IL 60631
Edison Park
The last stop within the city, Edison Park offers great parks within steps of the train station along with lots of options for lunch or dinner along with a stop for ice cream.
Monument Park Playground
6679 N. Avondale
Chicago, IL 60631
Edison Park Playground
6755 N. Northwest Highway
Chicago, IL 6031
Soup & Scoops
6701 N. Olmstead
Chicago, IL 60631
Moretti’s
6727 N. Olmstead
Chicago, IL 60631
Pizzaboy
6694 N. Northwest Highway
Chicago, IL 60631
Park Ridge
Park Ridge’s adorable Uptown district is just steps from the station and makes for an easy outing with kids.
Park Ridge Public Library
20 S. Prospect
Park Ridge, IL 60068
Off the Wall Cafe
104 Main Street
Park Ridge, IL 60068
Pickwick Movie Theater
5 S. Prospect
Park Ridge, IL 60068
Holt’s
43 S. Prospect
Park Ridge, IL 60068
Park Ridge Farmer’s Market (Saturday mornings from Memorial Day through end of October)
15 Prairie Avenue
Park Ridge, IL 60068
Kilwin’s Ice Cream
116 S. Prospect
Park Ridge, IL 60068
Des Plaines
Downtown Des Plaines is very walkable and offers a restaurant where a train delivers your food.
The Choo Choo
600 Lee Street
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Des Plaines Public Library
1501 Ellinwood
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Sugar Bowl
1494 Miner
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Amazing Breads and Cakes
1460 Miner
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Mt. Prospect
Grab lunch, coffee, or ice cream within steps of the train station. A new and redesigned playground is a short 10 minute walk away.
Mt. Prospect Public Library
10 S. Emerson
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
Khepri Coffee
106 S. Emerson
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
Hubby’s Dog House
208 S. Main
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
Cap’s Ice Cream
10 S. Pine
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
Lions Memorial Park Playground (10 minute walk)
411 S. Maple
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
Note: the pool and splash pad are under renovation until 2027
Arlington Heights
One of the best downtowns on the line for families, Arlington Heights offers restaurants, parks, and plenty to explore.
Around Cafe
28 E. Northwest Highway
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Berry Yo
50 N. Vail
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Recreation Park Playground and Pool (10 minute walk)
501 E. Miner
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Chick n Fizz
18 S. Evergreen
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Metropolis Performing Arts Center
111 W. Campbell
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Note: lots of kids shows! Check our theater guide for schedules.
Arlington Heights Public Library
500 N. Dunton
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Palatine
My Flavor It! Place Ice Cream
117 W. Slade
Palatine, IL 60067
Community Park Playground and Pool (10 minute walk)
250 E. Wood
Palatine, IL 60067
Nicolette Cafe
45 N. Bothwell
Palatine, IL 60067
Two Libras Cafe
10 N. Bothwell
Palatine, IL 60067
Barrington
Langendorf Park (15 minute walk)
235 Lions Drive
Barrington, IL 60010
Let’s Yo Frozen Yogurt
118 W. Main Street
Barrington, IL 60010
Anderson’s Candy Shop
128 E. Main St
Barrington, IL 60010
Conscious Cup Coffee Shop
100 E. Station
Barrington, IL 60010
Home Team Collectibles
100 E. Station
Barrington, IL 60010
Moretti’s
128 S. Wool
Barrington, IL 60010
Fox River Grove
Fox River Grove Public Library
407 Lincoln
Fox River Grove, IL 60021
Cary
Conscious Cup Coffee Roaster
77 W. Main Street
Cary, IL 60013
Pingree Road
Feinberg Park
701 Juniper Lane
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Woodstock
Woodstock has one of the most charming downtowns and feels like stepping into a movie set (because it literally was! Groundhog Day was filmed here!).
Woodstock Historic Town Square
121 W. Van Buren
Woodstock, IL 60098
Ethereal Confections
140 Cass Street
Woodstock, IL 60098
GriffoNest Games
124 Cass Street
Woodstock, IL 60098
Millie’s Michoacana Ice Cream
116 N. Benton
Woodstock, IL 60098
Road Through the Lynes Bookstore
111 E. Van Buren
Woodstock, IL 60098
Did we miss your favorite stop along the Union Pacific Northwest Metra Line? Let us know in the comments!
