Transportation

Among the many things we romanticize during the holidays, trains are right up at the top, but usually it's the "choo-choo!" kind, not the "screech-screech-unh-unh-eh" variety, a.k.a. the subway.

The exception is the MTA's annual Nostalgia Shoppers' Special Train, vintage subways running on the Sixth Avenue line. Read on to find out how you can catch a trip back in time courtesy of the MTA, all for the price of a regular fare!

Just like a ride on the Staten Island Ferry, kids think taking the Roosevelt Island Tram is an adventure in and of itself. (That's why the tram is on our list of 100 Things to Do With Your Kids in NY Before They Grow Up, again just like the ferry.)

Although it was closed for nine months in 2010 while it underwent extensive renovations, the tram's back up and as exciting as ever. It departs every 15 minutes from Second Avenue and 59th Street. In chillier weather, heat lamps keep you toasty as you wait for it to arrive. Once on board, the tram takes passengers high above the East River, peaking at 250 feet, all for the cost of one MetroCard swipe. (You can even use your unlimited card.) The views of Manhattan’s East Side, the East River and the Queensboro Bridge are spectacular. But as fun as it is, at approximately three-minutes in length, it doesn't equal a day trip.

However, once you arrive, you can certainly make a day of it. My family and I recently spent some time on Roosevelt Island and we found plenty of cool things to do.

For many kids, a ride on the Staten Island Ferry is a fun activity in itself. (That's why it's No. 69 on our list of 100 Things to Do With Your Kids in NY Before They Grow Up!) The 5.2-mile, 25-minute nautical jaunt offers crisp air, a great view of Lady Liberty and the thrill of moving on the water—all for free.

Once you're off the boat, you could go further inland to hit the Snug Harbor Cultural Center (there are some gorgeous flowers blooming there right now). But you don’t need to take a bus or train to get a taste of the borough. There's plenty of fun to be had within earshot of the ferry horn.

Here are my kid-tested suggestions for a day trip to St. George, Staten Island. With the amazing St. George Day Festival coming up on Saturday, April 21, you'll want to make a note of these!

Round this time of year I usually get at least one email from someone asking about traveling to New York City or traveling away from NYC with little kids and how to deal with taxis and car services and car seats. Although the law does not require you to use a car seat in a taxi or livery service, it is wise to do so anyway. You probably wouldn't even dream of letting your kids go car seat free in your own car and a taxi is no safer. If you have a baby then a snap and go is a great option for traveling and switching between car and walking, but for kids that need a regular car seat it gets a little more complicated. Luckily, if you don't want to travel with a car seat, there are some car services in New York that will provide one.

Northlandz, Home of the Great American Railway (Flemington, NJ)

This is a dream come true for model train lovers! Northlandz is the world’s largest miniature railway.  100 miniature trains travel 8 miles of track and an impressive landscape with thousands of small buildings and mountain ranges.  The museum is closed Tuesdays.  Admission is $13.75 for adults, $9.75 for kids.

Black River Railroad Historical Trust  (Flemington, NJ)

Black River Railroad Historical Trust has the widest variety of old fashioned train trips in antique and vintage train cars as well as World War II train stations.  Their special event rides also provide a wide variety of experiences: Easter Bunny Express, Pumpkin Junction, Santa Claus Express, Train Robbery, and Railroad days when kids can see railroad maintenance equipment and try out different locomotive horns.  Kids ages 3 and under ride free, adults are $14, kids are $7.

The New Jersey Museum of Transportation (Farmingdale, NJ)

This is the place to check out and take a ride on one of the oldest steam preservation railroads in the US.  Hop on board and take a ride on the old trains through Allaire State Park.  Rides are every half hour from noon to 4:30 on weekends.  The fare is just $4 per person (special events prices vary).  Or check out the museum’s calendar and catch one of their special event rides like the reenactment of an old Western train robbery or a haunted train ride around Halloween time.

The Whippany Railway Museum (Whippany, NJ)

This small collection of old trains is fun to look at, but especially worth the trip during one of the museum’s special train ride events.  There is the usual Easter Bunny Express, Pumpkin Festival, and Santa Claus Special, but during the summer there is a series of real Caboose rides to tempt your young train lover.  The museum is open Sundays only, noon to 4pm.  Admission is $1 for adults $0.50 for kids. For their special rides, check the museum’s calendar.  Rides are about $12 per adult, $8 per child.

If you have a young child and are looking for a ride on a miniature train on a real track, don’t forget to check out some of the local zoos that have short ten to fifteen minute train rides for just a few dollars.  Van Saun Park and Zoo and Turtle Back Zoo are great places for young kids to experience the thrill of an old fashioned train ride on a smaller scale.

{Updated September 13, 2010}