Although the fifth annual National Train Day is being celebrated at cities across the country on Saturday, May 12, the New York City edition takes place at Grant Central Terminal. From 11am-4pm, kids can drop by to explore various freight, commuter and private luxury trains. The centerpiece will be Amtrak's 40th Anniversary Exhibit Train complete with bistro, sleeper and baggage cars, historic ads, uniforms and memorabilia.

Other attractions include a Kids' Depot with interactive exhibits and games, model train displays and live cooking demos featuring renown chef Roberto Santibanez (who apparently advises Amtrak's culinary team. Train travel is much more civilized than air travel!). There will even be live entertainment from VY Higginsen’s Teen Choir and one of our favorite kindie rock groups, the Bari Koral Family Rock Band. Radio Disney will also be on hand with train-themed contests and prizes.

Although admission is free, all activities are first come first serve, so families are encouraged to arrive early.

Read about other train fun in New York City.