Trains, Dinos & Heroes

Disney Princess Subscription Boxes Arrive Just Before Holidays

Submitted by Sally Chaffin Brooks on Mon, 11/12/2018 - 11:08am

Disney has just launched a brand-new princess subscription box filled with tiaras, tulle — and fairy tales, of course. With the holidays right around the corner, and many kids (not just ours, right?) already working up their wish lists, we suspect this latest, kid-targeted subscription service will land at the top of a few most-wanted toys' lists.

Promising to deliver this Disney magic straight to your favorite princess-loving kid’s door for either a year, six months, or month-to-month, the first boxes will make it in time for Christmas delivery, we're told.

Polar Express: Christmas Train Rides for Kids Near Philly

Submitted by Maureen Rayburn on Fri, 11/02/2018 - 1:59pm

There is something about trains that evokes nostalgia at Christmastime. For some, it stirs up childhood memories of building a model train set under the twinkling tree lights. For others it may be a simple reminder of that "coming home for the holidays" feel, where folks would arrive at the train station, arms filled with Christmas packages for family at home. Whatever the reason might be, many railroads in the tri-state area hold events to bring back that old-fashioned holiday tradition. At many of these special outings, families can ride a real locomotive with Santa Claus, hear Christmas stories, sing carols, sip hot chocolate and admire the views of the passing countryside. Children are even invited to wear their pajamas at some of these events!

We have rounded up a list of railroads hosting holiday-themed trains of all kinds. Some of these are located more than an hour's drive from Philadelphia but can make for a fantastic holiday outing.

All aboard for some Christmas fun!

8 Polar Express and other Christmas Train Rides Near Boston

Submitted by Tara D on Fri, 11/02/2018 - 12:46pm

What is it about trains and Christmas? The two have become inextricably linked—especially since The Polar Express, Chris Van Allsburg's glorious picture book about the magic of Christmas, captured the hearts and imaginations of kids and adults alike. During the holiday season, train rides complete with hot chocolate and visits from Santa bring Christmas stories like The Polar Express to life..for all who believe, of course.

Lucky for us, we have plenty of delightful train ride options close to Boston, from cozy, seaside New England journeys to 4-D movie experiences that feel like a real locomotive ride, right down to the sounds, sights, and even smells. The seats on all these trains fill up quickly, though, so we recommend getting your golden tickets now.

Polar Express: Christmas and Holiday Train Rides in Connecticut

Submitted by Julia Tolstrup on Fri, 11/02/2018 - 7:45am

To be honest, I don’t know the last time I saw Santa in a sleigh. Nope, over the past several years, I’ve seen Santa arrive to greet crowds of believers in a fire truck, a police car, a helicopter, and a Porsche (really, Santa??).

So it was no surprise when my 5-year-old came home from school telling me her friend Abby saw Santa on a train. And she’s absolutely right – there are a few amazing Holiday Trains in Connecticut, where you and your kids can enjoy both your love of trains and the holiday season! Watching the steam roll and waft in front of the train's headlight, while giant snowflakes fall will throw you back 60 years – in the most wonderful, magical, 'It's a Wonderful Life' sort of way.

What's New in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Lineup for 2018

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 11/01/2018 - 11:30am

There's nothing like Thanksgiving Day in New York City, and that's thanks in large part to the one and only Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which celebrates its 92nd anniversary when it steps off at 9am on Thursday, November 22.

We've got the scoop on all the new faces joining the parade lineup in 2018, in addition to our tried-and-true tips on how to catch the balloons coming to life the night before, and where to stake out your prime viewing spot for the main event. Read on to meet the new stars of the show.

All Aboard With Thomas & Friends at Please Touch Museum's New Exhibit

Submitted by Christine Mooney on Tue, 10/30/2018 - 10:00am

If you have a little train lover in your family, chances are you practically live on the Island of Sodor: humming along to the theme of Thomas & Friends™, and amassing more trains, tracks, and stations than you thought humanly possible. Now Thomas the Train fans are in for a special treat. At Please Touch Museum’s latest exhibit, Thomas and Friends: Explore the Rails!, the entire family can enter their favorite world of make believe, practice STEM skills, and spark their imaginations with Thomas. Read on to find out what makes this exhibit a must-do for Philly area families with tykes in tow.

Christmas Trains: All Aboard the Polar Express for Kids in LA, Ventura, & Orange County

Submitted by Roberta B on Tue, 10/30/2018 - 1:19am

Trains in Los Angeles are more or less novelties all year round, which means they hold onto that wonderful Thomas-the-Tank-Engine, Polar-Express mystique far longer for LA kids than for urban kids who take the A train regularly. And for anyone who loves trains, Christmas trains offer the ultimate "old world charm" rail experience. Add an appearance by Santa Claus and a few Christmas trees, and you have a recipe for a memorable holiday experience. Some of the dates are limited, though, so booking ahead when possible is the best way to make sure this train doesn't pass you by. All aboard the Santa Express!

7 Best Train Ride Day Trips To Take from Los Angeles

Submitted by Brian Steele on Sun, 10/21/2018 - 10:37pm

One of the best parts about living in Los Angeles is getting out of Los Angeles. With an unending supply of beaches, mountains, deserts, and historic highways just a short distance away from the city, there’s always an excuse for a day trip. But what are the options if you’re looking to leave cars out of the equation and travel by train to your favorite SoCal destination? Here are a few of the best spots Angelenos can get to by rail and still be home by bedtime.