Take to the open country and explore the United States the old-fashioned way, by rail. No matter the age, there’s nothing like sitting back and enjoying the scenery of a new, or beloved, destination with the family. Don’t worry about navigating, driving and trying to enjoy the ride. Just find a cozy spot with the family, grab some snacks and refreshments and watch the scenery roll by.
Choose the destination and riding style that best suits your family, from Alaska’s vast wild landscape to the fine wine and rolling vineyards of California’s wine country.
Already a big name in the train tour game, America by Rail is beloved by families of avid travelers and novice explorers. It’s one of the best places to begin when booking a tour-by-rail family vacation. Peruse the seemingly endless list of tours, destinations and travel opportunities across the country — some, even Europe. European destinations come with a bit more planning and work, but are definitely worth the effort.
Explore tour options within the States from east to west and national parks to Canada and Alaska. See Cape Cod, Boston and Martha’s Vineyard in August, or explore Albuquerque, New Mexico, during the balloon festival in the fall. Check out the full tour list here and plan your railway journey. This diverse option lends well for any age and interest; the only trouble will be narrowing down tour options.
Bring along the older children and enjoy fine wine, food and scenery. Even the little ones enjoy romping around in wine country. They can press their faces up against the glass, checking out the incredible landscape, while you sit back and enjoy some quality time with local samplings. The Napa Valley Wine Train allows guests to choose by winery and tour, including a journey to the Castle, Ambassador, Raymond or Grgich Hills Winery.
Further customize your trio with a variety of excursions and take in the view from the train’s impressive lounges, dining cars and glass-dome seating areas. Enjoy the luxury service, accommodations and top-notch dining of the Napa Valley Wine Train — perfect for couples, all ages, but most importantly, family travelers that will appreciate the high-end atmosphere.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train
For something a bit more rustic, check out the Durango & Silverton in Durango, Colorado. The Narrow Gauge Railroad Train is a historic landmark in these parts and built on tighter tracks than your standard train — providing impressively sharper turns. Bring the kids, any age, and tour the wild, rustic beauty of the area around mountainsides and along steep cliffs and canyon edges.
Built during the mining boom in the 1800s, the Durango & Silverton provides incredible wild beauty on the outside and unique history within. Check out special packages and rates for a ride and hotel or opt for an event like Shamrock Express for St. Patrick’s Day or Narrow Gauge Day in May — best for young kids and history buffs.
Read This Next
5 Family-Friendly Museums in Charleston
Destinations / North America
Aug 22, 2024#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedAge Specific / Multigenerational
Oct 10, 2024Venture into local food markets to sample diverse cultures and flavors
Prepare for sensory overload. Every country has unique sights, smells and sounds. In local markets they’re dialed up to the max. If you really want to get to know a place, start at the market.
Sponsored Content
Sunflower Accessibility Program Featured at O’Hare and Midway Airports
Travelers with invisible disabilities passing through O’Hare and Midway International Airports can now discreetly signal they need assistance thanks to a new Chicago Department of Aviation partnership that helps create more accessible and inclusive spaces.
Destinations / North America
Oct 10, 2024SeaWorld Orlando Unveils World’s First Fully Immersive Arctic Flying Theater
Family travelers, prepare for the spring 2025 opening of Seaworld Orlando’s latest groundbreaking attractions: the world’s first-of-its-kind Arctic flying theater. Families will fly over icy landscapes and also descend frozen waters to come nose-to-nose with the world’s creatures, like Beluga whales, Orcas and walruses. Housed indoors, the attraction operates rain or shine.
Slideshow
Oct 10, 20248 Haunted U.S. Cities for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these haunted U.S. Cities with us.
Sponsored Content
Travel to Madrid with the Family and Find Activities to Keep Everyone Happy!
If life were a city, it’d be Madrid. Sometimes it can be quite the challenge to find a destination just right for the whole family. Different tastes and ages make agreeing on where to go seem impossible. Unless, of course, the destination you have in mind is Madrid. With all of its new immersive museums, musicals, soccer stadiums and monuments like Royal Palace, anyone who suggests coming to the capital is sure to get a unanimous yes!
Hotels
Oct 10, 2024This Resort Just Launched a “Cravings Menu” for Expecting Mothers
With babymoons on the rise, treat yourself to one last getaway before all your trips become centered around family. More and more resorts and hotels create babymoon packages, but Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resort take it to the next level by catering to guests’ pregnancy cravings while they are on their trip. A new 24/7 Cravings Menu is now available at all resorts across the Caribbean from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to Jamaica to Turks & Caicos to Grenada and beyond.
ShareThis