If you have a young railfan, train enthusiast, rail buff or fan of Thomas the Tank Engine at home, Virginia offers fantastic train-themed experiences that are perfect for family outings. From scenic railways and holiday train exhibits to historic museums, these destinations are guaranteed to delight kids and grown-ups alike. Why, you can even have train fun right here in Charlottesville. You can visit Rail Tails, the train hobbyist shop on Dale Avenue, ride the Amtrak to Staunton, ride the seasonal “free rolling” train on the Downtown Mall, or pack your picnic blanket to visit Charlottesville’s Botanical Garden of the Piedmont. There you can get a premium view of the Norfolk Southern Railroad trains running along the meadow embankment.
Here’s your railfan guide to Central Virginia’s top train-themed destinations kids are sure to enjoy, with helpful tips on nearby activities to make it a full day. For every kid who loves trains, all aboard for railway fun in Virginia!
Virginia Scenic Railway – Staunton, VA
Drive Time from Charlottesville: 40 minutes
The Virginia Scenic Railway in Staunton offers scenic train rides through the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Families can relax and enjoy the stunning landscapes while taking a nostalgic trip on the rails. Staunton itself is a lovely town with plenty of family-friendly stops, including the Frontier Culture Museum where kids can explore hands-on history outdoors, and the Gypsy Hill Park playground, perfect for running off some steam after your train adventure. And for an extra train thrill, Gypsy Hill Park features a miniature train ride, operating seasonally and loved by children! These two Virginia train outings are an exception daytrip. Don’t forget to check out the Split Banana Co. for some local gelato!
Science Museum of Virginia Model Railroad Show – Richmond, VA
Drive Time from Charlottesville: 1 hour
For train fans, the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond is a must-visit, especially during the holidays. The annual Model Railroad Show is held over Thanksgiving weekend and features expansive model railway displays with intricate details that captivate kids and adults alike. After enjoying the trains, explore the museum’s hands-on exhibits for kids of all ages. The nearby Children’s Museum of Richmond is also a great addition to your day, as well as grabbing a sweet treat at Gelati Celesti.
Richmond Railway Museum – Richmond, VA
Drive Time from Charlottesville: 1 hour
Run by the Old Dominion Chapter of the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society, the Richmond Railway Museum is a treasure trove of train history, with exhibits featuring vintage railcars, memorabilia, and information about the region’s rich railroad past. The museum is a great Virginia train outing for railfans and even includes a caboose that kids can explore. For a fun add-on, the Byrd Park playground is close by, along with Sugar Shack Donuts for a sweet treat after your visit.
Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Heritage Center – Clifton Forge, VA
Drive Time from Charlottesville: 1.5 hours
Located in Clifton Forge, the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Heritage Center lets train lovers explore vintage locomotives, cabooses, and exhibits showcasing the history of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. Kids will love the hands-on exhibits and the chance to climb aboard real train cars. Our publisher, Jen, shared that her kids delighted in pulling the train whistle…long and and often! While in Clifton Forge, be sure to visit the Clifton Forge School of the Arts, where children can participate in art activities, and check out Jack Mason’s Tavern for family-friendly dining.
Gypsy Hill Park Train – Staunton, VA
Drive Time from Charlottesville: 40 minutes
Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton is home to a miniature train ride that’s a must for young train lovers! The train operates seasonally and is a delightful way to enjoy the park’s scenery, especially in warmer months. Along with the train, the park has a playground, duck pond, baseball field and seasonal pool, making it a great spot for a family day out. Pack a cake and now it can be a birthday party too! Stop by Split Banana Co.in downtown Staunton afterward for some refreshing gelato. This is family favorite train outing – be sure to confirm train hours as it is run by volunteers.
Rappahannock Railroad Museum – Fredericksburg, VA
Drive Time from Charlottesville: 1.5 hours
The Rappahannock Railroad Museum in Fredericksburg offers a glimpse into Virginia’s rail history with exhibits and artifacts from the area’s railroads. Kids can enjoy a short “Little Yellow Train” ride, which operates for free on Saturdays, providing a unique and hands-on train experience. Fredericksburg also has plenty of family-friendly attractions, including the Fredericksburg Battlefield Park and Carl’s Frozen Custard for a post-train treat.
Toy Town Junction at Luray Caverns – Luray, VA
Drive Time from Charlottesville: 1 hour and 15 minutes
For a combination of toy trains and a full train museum experience, Toy Town Junction at Luray Caverns is a hidden gem. Located in the Luray Caverns complex, this railfan exhibit features an extensive collection of model trains, toy trains, and railroad memorabilia that’s sure to delight kids and collectors alike. After exploring Toy Town Junction, your family can tour the famous caverns or visit Luray’s Garden Maze for extra adventure.
VRE – Northern Virginia’s Trains
This may not be historical but it can sure be fun to ride the rails. As of July 1, 2025 VRE eliminated fares for passengers ages 18 and under. Free youth travel on VRE comes with some caveats. Children 18 and under when accompanied by a fare-paying adult need no identification. Children ages 11-18 riding alone need a valid school, state, or VRE Reduced Fare ID. Get an application at www.vre.org. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by a fare-paying adult. We recommend on your next daytrip to DC, park in an outlying town’s train station and ride the VRE. A train ride for the kiddos plus you don’t have to worry about parking in the city. Win-win!
Virginia Museum of Transportation
This impressive museum is worth the drive to Roanoke for any train enthusiast. Housed in a former freight station, the museum features dozens of full-size locomotives and railcars—both indoors and out—including the legendary Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611. Families will enjoy walking through restored cabooses, exploring a giant model train layout, and visiting the transportation-themed exhibits covering cars, aviation, and trolleys. Check the museum calendar for special events like Touch-a-Truck and seasonal train days.
DID YOU KNOW? Charlottesville is at the crossroads of two railroads. Today it’s the Buckingham Branch/CSX going east/west, and the Norfolk Southern & Amtrak running north/south. The railroads were formerly the C&O Railway and the N&W Railway. Charlottesville’s historic train station (circa 1885) still serves Amtrak.
Further Afield: Train Destinations Worth the Drive for Railfans
If you’re up for a bit of a road trip, these destinations outside Virginia offer unforgettable train-themed experiences for your young rail fanatics.
Tweetsie Railroad – Blowing Rock, NC
Drive Time from Charlottesville: 4 hours
For an immersive Wild West train adventure, Tweetsie Railroad in North Carolina is worth the trip! This family theme park set up like a Wild West town features a historic steam engine that takes guests on a scenic 3-mile ride through the mountains, complete with cowboy reenactments and interactive experiences. The park also has rides, gem mining, and a petting zoo, making it a full day of family fun. While in Blowing Rock, visit Kilwin’s Chocolates for delicious treats and explore the charming downtown shops. Fun Fact: Tweetsie Railroad was designed and built by the same family that created the theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee that is now Dollywood.
B&O Railroad Museum – Baltimore, MD
Drive Time from Charlottesville: 3 hours
The B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore is a premier destination for train history, with one of the largest collections of historic locomotives in the U.S. Kids can explore full-size trains, climb aboard vintage cars, and enjoy model train exhibits. The expansive museum for railfans often hosts themed events, like the Holiday Festival of Trains and is an impressive train outing. Our publisher has been to nearly all these trains and this one she recommends watching their calendar for special events like when they host Thomas the Tank Engine. For additional fun, the Port Discovery Children’s Museum is nearby, and Miss Shirley’s Café offers a family-friendly menu perfect for breakfast or lunch.
Tips for Train-Loving Families
– Check the schedule in advance: Some attractions, especially the scenic railways, operate on seasonal or limited schedules. Be sure to reserve your tickets early for special events!
– Pack snacks or picnic essentials: Some railfan destinations are located in quieter areas, so packing a few snacks or a picnic can be handy.
– Bring a camera: Many of these train stops are incredibly photogenic, and you’ll want to capture the memories of your family enjoying the trains.
Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or a weekend adventure, these destinations offer wonderful experiences for train enthusiasts of all ages. Head over to [CharlottesvilleFamily.com](https://charlottesvillefamily.com) for more family-friendly travel tips and ideas for making the most of your time in Virginia and beyond!