Trains captivate kids and adults alike as they rumble down the tracks. The way they roll, chug, and puff along is so fascinating for children. We have quite a few train-lovers in my family, so we’re always on the lookout for fun ways to find locomotives big and small!
This list has destinations and events across Chicagoland and beyond that celebrate all things related to railroads for kids who love trains. Some make for a fun local outing, while others require a bit of a weekend road trip.
Berwyn’s Toys & Trains
Berwyn’s Toys & Trains
7025 Ogden Avenue
Berwyn, IL 60402
(708) 484-4384
This shop stocks Chicagoland’s largest collections of model railroading products, specializing in Lionel O Gauge electric trains, but also carries Thomas trains and tons of other toys. You can also walk to it from the Berwyn train station if you want to take a trip on the BNSF.
The Great Train Story at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
The Great Train Story at the Museum of Science and Industry
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 684-1414
At the MSI’s model railroad exhibit, 20+ trains chug along 1,400 feet of track, completing the winding journey between Chicago and Seattle. This exhibit is also near the aviation exhibits for more transportation exploration.
For extra credit, take the Metra downtown, then hop on a CTA bus to the museum.
Oakridge Hobby and Toy Store
15800 New Avenue
Lemont, IL 60439
(630) 435-5900
This store’s shelves brim with hobby and toy trains, among other toys. The store is located near the train station in downtown Lemont.
Thomas Ford Library
Thomas Ford Library
800 Chestnut Street
Western Springs, IL 60558
Thomas Ford has a train in the hallway leading to the children’s area downstairs. Although it doesn’t move, train lovers will enjoy exploring and reading books in the train cars.
Train Saturdays at the DuPage Historical Museum
DuPage County Historical Museum
102 E. Wesley Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 510-4941
Running every third and fifth Saturday, DuPage County Historical Society welcomes guests to see 2,000 feet of track covering DuPage County landmarks. Whenever the musuem is open, you can also head down to the basement to check out the huge model railroad behind glass. Kids can trigger the trains with the push of a button and watch them chug through scenes full of local history. There’s also a train table and a few other toys downstairs.
Elmhurst Model Railroad Club
Elmhurst Model Railroad Club
111 E. 1st Street
Elmhurst, IL 60126
(630) 530-9584
Elmhurst Model Railroad Club offers open houses on Friday evenings from 7:00pm – 10:00pm and Sunday afternoons from 1:00pm – 4:00pm.
LEGO Train Show
Cantigny Park
1S151 Winfield Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
(630) 668-5161
This annual event is full of large displays with moving Lego trains. It’s free to visit with the parking fee at Cantigny. Details for 2024 aren’t yet available, but you can check out the Northern Illinois Lego Train Club’s calendar for upcoming events, including some at local libraries.
Great Midwest Train Show
DuPage County Fairgrounds
2015 Manchester Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
The world’s largest monthly model train show featuring operating model train displays, LEGO layout and HO layout for the kids to operate. Running the first Sunday of every month.
Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm
Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm
17250 S Weber Road
Crest Hill, IL 60403
Ride the train during Pumpkin Fest from the end of September through Halloween each year.
Illinois Railway Museum
Illinois Railway Museum
7000 Olson Road
Union, IL 60180
(815) 923-4391
Their very popular Day Out with Thomas events are held during the summer, but there’s fun to be had here all year round, including Pumpkin and Happy Holiday Railway Santa Trains. Check their events tab for info on their family-friendly events.
Fox River Trolley Museum
365 S, La Fox Street
South Elgin, IL 60177
(847) 697-4676
Take a trip on a historic train at this museum showcasing antique trolleys and railroad cars. Tickets include unlimited round-trip rides, which run about 35 to 40 minutes; see the schedule for departure times and hours. Open weekends only. Tickets are $8/adult and $5/child 3–11 years old, with kids 2 and under riding free. Tickets are $6 for seniors 65+, first responders, active military, and military veterans.
Monticello Railroad Museum
992 Iron Horse Place
Monticello, IL 61856
(217) 762-9011
Museum with an operational railroad and yard, with train rides on Saturdays and Sundays through October 6 in 2024. Check out the events calendar for other events throughout the year, including donut train rides, a murder mystery trip, and dining events.
Railway Garden at the Gabis Arboretum
Gabis Arboretum
450 W 100 N
Valparaiso, IN 46385
(219) 462-0025
Their outdoor G-gauge model train garden tells an American history story. Trains only run from 10:00am – 3:00pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, now through October 31, and are weather-dependent; they encourage calling ahead if the weather looks iffy.
Playgrounds with Trains
At Rehm Park in Oak Park, kids can ride hand-pedaled trains around a small track on most weekends. Check the train page on the Park District website for current hours.
Looking for play trains at the playground? You’ll find them at:
- Harvester Park in Burr Ridge
- Maryknoll Park in Glen Ellyn
- Ty Warner Park in Westmont
- Sunnyside Park in Wheaton: This is a small neighborhood playground, as opposed to the other, larger parks on this list.
Does your neighborhood playground have a train that we’ve missed? Let us know! You can email annie@mykidlist.com or tag us on social media at @kidlist.
Other Ideas for Train-Filled Fun
We’ve got even more ideas for kids who love trains to get their locomotive fill.
- Get your food delivered in a train car while you enjoy your train-themed surroundings at these Train Restaurants.
- Follow local model train enthusiast groups to see if they’re hosting family-friendly events, like this upcoming model train event hosted by the Elmhust T-Track Club.
- Hop on the Metra! What’s more exciting than actually being on the train? We’ve rounded up Kid-Friendly Stops Along the BNSF for all your planning needs. Kids 6 and younger ride free; remember to download the Ventra app and buy your tickets ahead of time to make travel a snap.
- Polar Express Rides are offered in December, but registration starts early. Our Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides list has all the details for 2024!
- In addition to the train at Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm, you can also head to Blackberry Farm in Aurora or Pirate’s Cove in Elk Grove Village for small train rides for young kids. There’s a ton to explore at both destinations.
- Make a train from cardboard boxes at home with Annie’s instructions.
- Many local libraries have train tables in their children’s sections, including the Downers Grove Public Library, Elmhurst Public Library, Geneva Public Library, Glen Ellyn Public Library, and Wauconda Area Public Library.
Did we miss your favorite spot to see trains? Let us know in the comments below!
1 Comment. Leave new
Downtown Downer’s Grove also has a very nice toy store at the corner of Main and Curtis, less than 2 blocks from the train station.