Ultimate Train Lovers Guide for Kids in Lake County

I’m sure I don’t need to tell you, but kids love trains. I don’t know what it is, but little ones go cuckoo for choo choos. And then there are some children, perhaps one of your own, who are absolutely, unabashedly OBSESSED. This guide was created for the parents of those kids.

Train Lovers Guide for Lake County Kids

So bookmark this post, pin it, print it out, or tattoo it on your arm. When your kid’s loco for locomotives, we know just where to go…

Where to Ride Trains in Lake County

Whether you wan to brave the big real trains or are just looking for a quick fix to make your toddler happy here are the places in Lake County where you can take your child to ride a train.

You’ll find kiddie train rides at these locations:

• Lambs Farm, 14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville | (847) 362-4636
  Their train goes out and back along 94 and through the property. Children can spy on animals along the way. The train does not run daily so be sure to check the website for availability before heading out. The train ride is an additional fee.
• Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee | (847) 249-1776
  You can hop on the Scenic Railway in Hometown Square for a 15-minute loop around the park.
• Westfield Hawthorn, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills | (847) 362-2600
  The Ally & Nela Express is a trackless train that rolls around the upper level. Board it outside the dining court. Fees apply.

Nothing beats riding the real thing! Genevieve tells you how to turn a common Metra ride into a family field trip to some of Lake County’s most charming downtowns and train stations. Take her advice in “All Aboard! Train Travel with Kids.” If you want specific routes and itineraries:

• Five Kid-Friendly Stops on the Metra Union Pacific North Line
• Five Kid-Friendly Stops on the Milwaukee North Metra Line

If you’re willing to venture north into Wisconsin, the East Troy Electric Railroad will help you travel back to yesteryear. Simply enjoy the ride or book one of their dining packages like the pizza or burger train which are perfect for kids.

Train Themed Playgrounds in Lake County

If you’d rather your kids let off their own steam, these playgrounds have stationary train structures that will let their imaginations take flight:

• Betty Russell Park, 5300 Pinewood Dr., Gurnee
• Playground at Lambs Farm,14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville
• Caboose Park a.k.a Lake Villa Township Park, 37908 N Fairfield Rd, Lake Villa
• Jonathon Knolls Park, On W. Kelly Road, west of Route 41 (past Patch 22) in Wadsworth
• Cynthia T. Peterson Park, 200 W. Hawthorn Parkway, Vernon Hills
• Friends Park, 349 Tudor Court, Glencoe
• Engle Junction Playground, 2200 Grass Lake Road, Lindenhurst (part of Engle Memorial Park)
• Jewett Park Community Center Tot Lot, 836 Jewett Park Drive, Deerfield

Where to Play with a Train Table

When you’re the mom of a toddler boy, like Tracy is, you try to remember where the train tables are when you’re out and about. Tracy has compiled a listing of Where to Play with a Train Table in Lake County in case there are a few you don’t know about yet.

Where to Learn about Trains in Lake County

Give them their train fix with a little educational context to boot!

• Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union (815) 923-4000 – Genevieve tells us why it’s worth the trip into McHenry County and why it’s so much more than just Thomas the Tank Engine. P.S. Yes, you can ride trains too.
• Fort Hill Heritage Museum,601 E. Noel Drive, Mundelein (847) 566-8122 
• Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago (773) 684-1414 – So yes, this isn’t in Lake County either, but the Great Train Story exhibit at MSI is not to be missed.  Genevieve tells you how homeschoolers can score free admission.

Train Themed Restaurants in Lake County

Sometimes you want a train and you want to eat too. Loralie curated a list of train-themed restaurants in and around Lake County.  From model trains, memorabilia, and dining cars to miniature trains that actually deliver the food to you, your kids will be begging for seconds.

Where to View Model Trains in Lake County

Even adults find themselves entranced at the model railroad at the Chicago Botanic Garden.   With intricate replications of our nation’s landmarks, the beautiful backdrop of the gardens, and the sheer size of the exhibit, Melissa had a tough time dragging her husband away.

Local libraries such as the Grayslake Area Public Library, Fremont Public Library (Mundelein), and the Wauconda Area Library frequently showcase train displays at various times of the year.  Visit your local library’s website when and where to see the next train display in our area.

Train Books for all Ages

Speaking of libraries, does your child have a favorite train book that they insist you read over, and over, and over again? If you’re about to toss The Little Engine That Could out the window along with your sanity, peruse our reading list for the Best Train Books for All Ages instead. You’re sure to find a new bedtime favorite to mix up your routine.

Where to Buy Trains in Lake County

Sure you can find Thomas and Percy at most any big box store, but we love to support our local toy retailers like Brainstorm (Lindenhurst), Snickelfritz Toys (Vernon Hills), and Learning Express (Lake Zurich).  For a more detailed listing of local toy stores, check out the shops from our Lake County Toy Stores.

For more mature enthusiasts who know how to take proper care of their toys, check out these local hobby shops:

• Ron’s Mundelein Hobbies, 431 N. Lake Street, Mundelein | (847) 949-8680
• Grayslake Hobby World, 140 Center Street, Grayslake | (847) 543-4756
• Antioch Model Trains & Hobby, 924 Main Street, Antioch | (847) 395-5025

Seasonal and Special Events Train Events in Lake County

Here it is, folks. Our ultimate guide ends with the ultimate prize. These events are the brass ring among the train-loving tyke set. Want your kids to eat their veggies? Remember to brush their teeth? Put their toys away?  Put these events on your family’s calendar, and you’ve got one heck of a carrot to dangle in front of your little conductor.  Guaranteed to elicit good behavior for at least ten solid minutes.  At their tender age, it’s the most you can hope for…

Day Out with Thomas – Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union, IL | (815) 923-4000

• Saturday, July 10, 2021
• Sunday, July 11, 2021
• Saturday, July 17, 2021
• Sunday, July 18, 2021

Your chance to take an actual train ride pulled by Thomas the Tank Engine himself, and new this year, is a train ride with Percy for an additional fee. You’ll also get to meet Sir Topham Hatt, see railroad displays, enjoy live music, storytelling and more! Visit the Day Out with Thomas page on the IRM website for full details. Get insider’s tips at our Parents Guide to Day out with Thomas.

Be on the lookout for these events in the future …

Do you think late August is too early to start thinking about Christmas? Well think again… Especially if you want to get a seat on the Polar Express!  Many park districts across Lake County offer seasonal rides on a special Metra Train bound for the North Pole. Stories, snacks, prizes and a visit from Santa are just some of the included activities you’ll enjoy. Be forewarned, registration fills up quickly – sometimes the same day in which park district catalogs are released.

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train rolls across North America to spread holiday cheer while also fundraising for food banks across Canada and the United States. The schedule is usually released in October.  Be sure to like the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train page on Facebook page for notification.

Now if that’s not enough train action to satisfy even the most voracious toddler, then I’m sorry, we can’t help you.  We suggest booking a one-way ticket to Sodor.

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