New memories are full steam ahead!
This year, get on board to celebrate National Train Day on May 10 by visiting one of Kansas City’s railway attractions. Punch a ticket for a ride on a miniature railroad, disembark at Calamity Line Park or find your seat at Fritz’s for a novel dining experience.
Next stop: Fun!
Union Station — Kansas City, Mo.
Tickets, please! Rich in history and engagement, Union Station offers the KC Rail Experience. Curious kids will be thrilled with the interactive exhibits that include climbing on a steam locomotive.
Anticipate 2.5-3 hours if you take in the Union Station Stories and Model Train Gallery too. Add another hour if you decide to check out the record-breaking steampunk locomotive engine at The Science of Guinness World Records exhibit. Made of over one million matchsticks and 35 gallons of wood glue, it stands over 20 feet long and 9 feet high. Exclusive to KC! The exhibit ends Sept. 2, 2025.
KC Parent Pro Tip: For a great photo op, venture directly across the street to the Liberty Memorial Tower. The breathtaking skyline view includes the iconic Western Auto sign as well as Union Station.
Kansas City Northern Miniature Railroad — Kansas City, Mo.
True railroad magic for your child and inner child! May through October, KCNMR treats passengers to a delightful ride (two loops of a 0.4-mile track) within Frank Vaydik Line Creek Park. At the end, children may ring the bell or blow the whistle.
Cost: $1 per ride (make sure to bring cash).
Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant — Shawnee; Kansas City, Kan.; Crown Center in Kansas City, Mo.
Remembering my first visit to Fritz’s as a grade-schooler still brings a smile to my face. Fritz’s delivers your order of burgers and fries to your table via an overhead train system. Order by phone at your table and enjoy the atmosphere as delivery cars carry one meal after the next on this unique track. Paper conductor hats are available free to kids. All ages can enjoy this dining experience, but children ages approximately 3-6 will get the biggest thrill out of it.
KC Parent Pro Tip: Bring your garage ticket when you visit the Crown Center Plaza location to have your parking validated by staff.
Missouri Model Railroad Museum — Independence
Newly opened in 2024, this museum is a little-known treasure in the making. Construction of the replica line from Kansas City to St. Louis is still underway, but is available for viewing.
Kids' passports are available with completion stickers and prizes for those who can spot certain items within the exhibits. A play and coloring zone called Kids Depot engages the youngest visitors with railroad rugs and wooden toy train sets.
Cost: Free!
Kansas City Zoo Railroad — Independence
To make the most and best of your visit (especially if your goal is to see the entire zoo in a day), catch the train. Enjoy spotting kangaroos and other animals as the tracks take you across the scenic and expansive zoo grounds.
Cost: $2 for a one-way trip or $3 for a round trip; children 2 and under ride free with a paying adult.
Train Garden — Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Trail meets track toward the back of the children’s garden! Your little crew will be delighted to explore the red caboose and enjoy the outdoor model railway — complete with a miniature scene of the city’s downtown! The model even runs underneath a glass tunnel built into the sidewalk.
Cost: Free for ages 0-5; $2 for ages 6-17; $5 for 18+.
KC Parent Pro Tip: Save on admission! On the first Tuesday of every month, the arboretum welcomes guests for free. In addition, the city designates two free weekends each year.
Calamity Line Park — Olathe
Little imaginations love climbing aboard this charming, lone engine! It features a slide and several climbing structures outside and inside the train that range in difficulty.
The easy, half-mile path is perfect for young cyclists or for a short family stroll with drippy ice cream cones.
KC Parent Pro Tip: Conduct your visit to this popular locomotive in the morning, as parking is limited and the dark wood of the playground absorbs heat from direct sunlight most of the day. An early outing makes for a cooler playtime.
Dodge Town at Antioch Park — Merriam
Step back in time! This petite Wild West town is ideal for pretend play. From the General Store to the depot, this location invites hours of fun. The bright Engine No. 8 is suitable for younger children, and the child-sized main street will keep older children exploring.
Shaded benches are located at the depot, and the open platform allows parents a view of both the buildings and playground.
KC Parent Pro Tip: If your passengers need a bite, Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant (Shawnee location) is approximately a ten-minute drive away.
T.B. Hanna Station Sprayground — Raymore
Once home to a bustling depot, this is now a train-themed splash pad. Squeals of delight can be heard on summer days at the rise of cool geysers and the pouring of dump buckets. As the day fades with the sun, colored lights illuminate the jets.
Fun should be inclusive, and here, it is! The locomotive’s tunnel is accessible for wheelchair users.
The Katy Trail
One of the longest rail-trails in the U.S., the Katy Trail stretches from Clinton, Mo., to Machens, Mo., and mostly parallels the Missouri River. Depots (four of which are fully restored) and railcars punctuate the path at key access points. Hikers, bikers and horseback riders get to see wildlife and charming towns similar to the ones that rail passengers once enjoyed. Plus, the largely flat route makes the Katy Trail kid-friendly.
KC Parent Pro Tip: Pleasant Hill, Mo., marks the nearest trailhead for KC families. Entry is located within the Cass County fairgrounds.
Nichole Parks shares highlights of Kansas City to help parents make ordinary days extraordinary. She resides in Overland Park with her son.