For more family fun around Florida, visit our Florida Family Travel Guide.

All Aboard Scenic Florida Train Rides

1. Florida Railroad Museum – Parrish, Florida

Visitors can actually ride the exhibits at this train museum that hosts a variety of experiences throughout the year. During fall, take a train ride on the Pumpkin Patch Express to the museum’s own pumpkin patch. During the winter holidays, take a trip on the North Pole Express to visit Santa. Other experiences include an Old West Train Robbery ride and Von Kessinger’s Express (where World War II comes to life). Beyond special events, visitors can take a 13-mile, round-trip train ride, with a stop in Willow, FL, to see more of the museum’s exhibits and artifacts year-round.

2. Georgia Coastal Railway – St. Marys, Georgia

This railway is across the Florida state line, about 30 minutes north of Jacksonville, and is popular with north Florida families. Scenic 1.5 hour train rides from St. Marys to Kingsland are offered on Saturdays, crossing the south Georgia marshes. Themed and holiday excursions include Wild West Train, Murder Mystery Train, Shipwreckers Pirate Train, Halloween Train, and Christmas Train ride. Get more information about the Santa Special holiday train ride here.

3. Gold Coast Railroad Museum – Miami, Florida

This historical railroad museum has more than 40 railcars to explore, a model train display, and train rides. The Standard Gauge train ride is 25-minutes long and operates on the first Saturday of each month; guests take a trip around the property and can even ride with the engineer. The railroad speeder car also runs the first Saturday of each month and is a 20-minute ride around the property. A smaller children’s train runs each weekend (and certain weekdays), offering a view of the rail yard. Special events include Ghost Hunting on the Rails and a North Pole Limited Train. FYI, the museum is located next to Zoo Miami, so guests can visit two great attractions in one day!

Kirby Family Farm offers trains, rides, and a petting zoo. Photo courtesy of the farm

4. Kirby Family Farm – Williston, Florida

Kids and families can learn about Florida’s railroad history at this non-profit educational family farm. The farm boasts a historic collection of multiple locomotives and open-air passenger cars. Popular annual events include Six Gun Territory Wild West Weekend, Rock-N-Roll Easter Train, Scary Train Halloween, and the Christmas Train. In addition to the railroad, the farm features carnival rides and a petting zoo.

Kids (and many adults) love riding trains, especially the SunRail. Photo by the author

5. SunRail – Central Florida

Known as Central Florida’s commuter rail, the SunRail is a fantastic train ride for Orlando families. Our family personally enjoys riding the SunRail from the Sanford stop to the Advent Health stop, which is just a short walk away from the Orlando Science Center, the Orlando Repertory Theatre, and the Orlando Fire Museum.

6. Amtrak Silver Service – Florida

With locations all across peninsular Florida, the Amtrak is perfect for day trips around the state. Popular destinations include the Winter Park station, which is within walking distance of the Winter Park historic district and downtown area; as well as Tampa Union Station, near Ybor City.

7. Brightline - Florida

See the best and the brightest of Florida by traveling aboard the Brightline rails. This extensive train line extends from South Florida, including Miami and West Palm Beach, and extends north along the Atlantic coast to Central Florida in Orlando. Kids can play at the stations' BrightKids Zones before the train ride, and then once on board, families enjoy onboard snack options, group seating, and more.

8. Sugar Express - Clewiston, Florida

Take seasonal train rides and enjoy events in Clewiston, Lake Placid, and Sebring on the Sugar Express. In addition to year-round trips, the Sugar Express offers sweet holiday train trips with its Santa Express. This Christmas train ride runs two hours and includes a visit with Santa, cookies, and a commemorative gift.

Harry Potter fanatics love this enchanting train ride aboard the Hogwarts Express Train. Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando

Theme Park & Attraction Train Rides

9. Gatorland's Express Train – Orlando, Florida

Tour the Alligator Capital of the World on a small steam train to learn about the history of the park and get a unique view of the breeding marsh and animal exhibits. The round-trip ride takes about 20 minutes. Note: The train has a $3 fee in addition to park admission.

10. Universal Orlando Resorts' Hogwarts Express – Orlando, Florida

Harry Potter fanatics will love this enchanting train ride that transports guests to and from both lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Diagon Alley (at Universal Studios) to Hogsmeade (at Universal’s Islands of Adventure). Passengers will encounter favorite characters from the popular book and film series while on the ride.

11. Walt Disney World Railroad – Kissimmee, Florida

Walt Disney loved trains—he actually built his first train in his own backyard! Because of his love for trains, the Walt Disney World Railroad is a great attraction for guests (and a wonderful place to rest your feet). The train is located at Main Street USA, just inside the entrance of Disney’s Magic Kingdom park. Disney runs four historic steam trains on the railroad, all originally built between 1916-1928. Visitors can enjoy a 20-minute, scenic tour around the park, with stops at Frontierland and Fantasyland.