All Aboard: Train Rides in KC

Screaming in the tunnels, listening to the rhythm of the tracks and waving at passersby … memories of train rides are a highlight of childhood. Kansas City is home to several affordable train rides and attractions for families. Celebrate National Train Day on May 13 with one of these ideas.

• Belton Grandview and KC Railroad

  The BG&KC offers excursions running south from Belton on a 5-mile, 45-minute round trip. Season: May through December.

• Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant

  Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant at Crown Center on Level I  Model trains travel around the perimeter of the restaurant, delivering burgers and fries to your table.

• KC Northern Railroad

  The three restored G-16 open air trains operate on a half-mile of track. Season: First weekend of May through last weekend of September.

• Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

  The zoo features an open air, large-scale train. A highlight of the ride is a trip through the tunnel. Season: Year-round; operates daily if the weather is above 50 degrees.

• National Agricultural Hall of Fame

  Ride a narrow-gauge Union Pacific miniature train through the site. Explore museum exhibits and living history displays. Season: Spring through fall.

• Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

  Enjoy the magical Train Garden, where trains wind through bluffs, over streams and through an old town.

• dszc Getty Images/iStockphoto

  Union Station

  Union Station celebrates its rail history as a station for Amtrak and the home to an 8,000-square-foot model train exhibit and the KC Rail Experience.