From Judy Hedding,
Your Guide to Phoenix.
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If you are looking for something different to do with kids in the Phoenix area, how about taking them on various train ride adventures around town? Kids love trains, and there are several railroads around town designed with little folks in mind. Keep in mind that prices and any schedules mentioned are subject to change--check the web site to confirm hours of operation and ticket prices. The trains mentioned here are all open to the public.

Why not make it an adventure project? Take a picture of your children on every train ride in the Valley--what a cute album that would make! Who knows--you could end up with a train enthusiast in your family.

Train Rides for Children

Adobe Western Railroad
Free rides on four different 30-minute routes are offered every Sunday between noon and 5 p.m. The last train leaves the station at 4:45 p.m. Donations requested. The Adobe Western Railroad is located on 43rd Avenue just south of Pinnacle Peak across from the Waterworld Safari and Victory Lane Sports Complex, in the Adobe Dam area. Closed during the summer.

C.P. Huntington Train at Encanto Park
Enchanted Island in Encanto Park is an amusement park for smaller children, located in Phoenix. It offers little train enthusiasts the C.P. Huntington Train. It's been chug-chugging along since 1991. There are height restrictions on this ride, and it will cost a few dollars to ride. (Two-for-one discount coupons for ride passes at Enchanted Island are often available through the Entertainment Book. Buy Direct.)

Daisy Mountain Railroad
The Daisy Mountain Railroad is located at Anthem, a master planned community in north Phoenix. It is open to the public, and there is a charge of a few dollars to ride the train. It's about a ten minute ride around the Anthem Community Park on a 24 inch gauge railroad. (Discount coupons are often available through the Entertainment Book. Buy Direct.)

Desert Breeze Railroad
On weekends, get to the Desert Breeze Train Station in Chandler, and take a ride on the Sante Fe Style train for about 3/4 of a mile around the park. You'll feel like you are back in the territorial days of Arizona. A couple of bucks gets you a ride on the train, but there may be age or height restrictions. (Two-for-one discount coupons are often available through the Entertainment Book. Buy Direct.) Enjoy these photos of the train at Desert Breeze Park!

Desert Train Ride at Rawhide
Adults and kids alike will enjoy this train ride around the desert property at Rawhide's Western Town. There is a charge. The ride lasts close to 10 minutes. Here's a photo of the train at Rawhide.

Freestone Railroad
The Freestone Railroad in Gilbert is open on weekends all year long. The replica 1880's engine takes it passengers over a scenic three-quarter mile route through the park. The ride will cost a few dollars, and there are height restrictions. (Two-for-one discount coupons are often available through the Entertainment Book. Buy Direct.)

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
The Paradise and Pacific Railroad is operated as an exact 5/12 reproduction of a Colorado narrow gauge railroad. The Paradise and Pacific Railroad carries its passengers throughout the park on a one mile track. It only costs a dollar to ride, with kids under 3 free. The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is open every day of the year except Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Safari Train at the Phoenix Zoo
Take a narrated train tour around the Zoo, with all day on and off privileges. An admission is required to get into the Phoenix Zoo, and the train ticket costs and extra few dollars. (Two-for-one discount coupons for admission to the zoo are often available through the Entertainment Book. Buy Direct.)

Do you know of another train ride for kids in the metro Phoenix area? Let me know!