Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Chicago

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Happy Holiday Railway. Photo courtesy of the Illinois Railway Museum

Looking for Christmas trains in Chicago? These popular rides fill up quickly, but there are still many available Polar Express train rides near Chicago.

Chicago's Union Station Polar Express ride is canceled again in 2024 because of construction around the station, but plenty of suburbs have opportunities for train-loving kids to meet Santa on their ride to the North Pole! We've also found plenty of Polar Express and Santa Express Christmas train rides in Chicago's suburbs with seats available. Check out the breakfast or lunch spread at the CASA Christmas Express in New Lenox, or visit the Illinois Railway Museum before or after your ride on the Happy Holiday Railway. Check out mini trains in Aurora or Orland Park, or board a trolley in Bloomingdale or Oak Brook. And the CTA holiday trains and buses are back for 2024.

Here are our favorite Polar Express train rides in Chicago that are happening this year, and a list of those to look out for next year!

 

11 Scenic Train Rides Through Florida for Families

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Visitors can actually ride the exhibits at the Florida Railroad Museum, which hosts a variety of experiences throughout the year. Photo courtesy of the museum

Looking for a new way to tour Florida? Immerse yourself and your family in fun and adventure as you step aboard these Florida train rides. Whether you’re looking for a scenic day trip by train, a theme park train ride, or a special holiday train like The Polar Express, there are scenic train rides in Florida to please every age and interest. Train enthusiasts—both large and small—will love riding the rails on these Florida train rides.

And if you're looking for an easy, fast, and luxurious way to travel between West Palm Beach and Miami, check out our experience on the South Florida Brightline train!

All Aboard A Polar Express Train Ride, Plus More Christmas Trains Near DC

Submitted by Jennifer Marino... on

Enjoy milk and cookies and meet Santa aboard the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad's North Pole Express. Photo by Kimberly Byard

Nothing adds magic to the holiday season quite like a Polar Express train ride or a festive Christmas train. To help your family experience that magic, we've rounded up a variety of Christmas trains near DC, including several options for Polar Express train rides in 2024.

From trains that transport you to Christmas tree farms to those that bring classic Christmas stories to life, these Polar Express and Christmas trains will make even your Grinchiest family member's heart grow three sizes. And all of them are within a three-hour drive from DC!

Check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids to help you plan more holiday fun this season, and get a jump on your holiday decorating by trying some of these 101 Christmas activities for kids. Santa will be here before you know it!

Best Polar Express Train Rides & Christmas Trains in Los Angeles

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Say hi to the conductor before meeting Santa on the Southern California Polar Express Train Ride. Photo courtesy of the train

'Tis the season for Polar Express train rides or Christmas trains! Los Angeles has plenty of holiday magic waiting on the rails, from a staple in Griffith Park to a movie-like adventure on the SoCal Polar Express. So, put on those matching family PJs and get ready to sing some carols, hear a story, and chow down on Christmas cookies, while embracing the holiday spirit. Kiddos may even get the chance to hand over those wish lists to Santa Claus in person. 

There are seats available (so far!) on the Christmas train rides below that take place from Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas. Reserve your spot ASAP because Polar Express trains are a hot ticket, and tend to book up fast.

Get in the holiday spirit with the best neighborhood holiday lights in Los Angeles, take your Christmas card to the next level with LA-only photo ops with Santa, and visit our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Los Angeles Families for more holiday adventures. 

25 Things To Do in the Finger Lakes with Kids

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on

Letchworth State Park is known as the Grand Canyon of the East thanks to its impressive gorge.

If you are looking for your next family vacation destination, New York's Finger Lakes region is a great option. Mostly known for its namesake beautiful lakes, the Finger Lakes offer a variety of summer activities, including sailing, fishing, and swimming in the crystal clear waters. However, there are tons of family-friendly things to do and places to explore year-round in the Finger Lakes, from zip lining and leaf peeping in the fall to skiing and snow tubing in the winter.

The area around Ithaca is particularly famous for its many glacier-formed gorges that boast numerous waterfalls. Ithaca is also the home of Cornell University and Ithaca College, and offers many art and cultural attractions and museums, including the kid-friendly Sciencenter.

Read on for all our top picks for things to do in the Finger Lakes with kids and bookmark our Day Trips and Getaways Guide for more family-friendly vacation ideas.

Thanksgiving, Pumpkin Destruction Day, and More Holidays & Activities for November 2024

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Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Photo courtesy of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

November means Thanksgiving! But that’s just one day, there are 30 more days to fill with fall activities, indoor play, turkey-basting November fun.

In addition to Thanksgiving, you can also celebrate Pumpkin Destruction Day, Love Your Freckles Day,  Evolution Day, Pickles Day, and more – all this month. Oh, and don’t worry, we’ve also rounded up all the Thanksgiving fun with days set aside for Thanksgiving movies, fall leaf crafts, and kid-friendly pumpkin recipes.

Check this list, and you’ll find the perfect thing to do with your kids each and every day. For more ideas for Thanksgiving activities, check out our Thanksgiving Activities Guide for Families.

Halloween Weekend 2024 in Los Angeles: Trick-or-Treat and More Things To Do with Kids

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Kidspace Halloween is a real treat. Photo by Jamie Pham, courtesy of the event.

Looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles this Halloween weekend? Here are some events and activities to add to your list for Halloween 2024.

This weekend in Los Angeles, there is one trick and many treats. The trick? Halloween is next Thursday. The treats? Many of the most popular Halloween events are this weekend! Among the favorites is the Marina Spooktacular in Marina del Rey, two days of free fun for all ages, and all scare levels. The Anaheim Halloween Parade marks its Centennial. Babe Ruth was one of its first Grand Marshalls 100 years ago! Many Día de los Muertos events are held this weekend in Los Angeles, including the annual observance at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

These are only the beginning of Halloween weekend events. Los Angeles is flush with Halloween celebrations, and our event calendar, just like your kid’s goodie bag, is overflowing with Halloween goodness!

Don’t miss our roundup of free Halloween events in Los Angeles, the best pumpkin patches near Los Angeles, our favorite LA neighborhoods for trick-or-treating, and more Halloween activities on this wonderfully spooky weekend. 

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