As we were on the hunt to find parking in Toronto, Linus jumped for joy almost out of his car seat when he saw the plethora of life-size trains parked next to the CN Tower! We paid an extraordinary price for parking (but what else can you expect in a city parking garage). Once we walked out, the Toronto Railway Museum was right there. A kind stranger told us that they were giving away free train rides all day today.
Our lucky day!
Miniature Train Rides
We waited in line, and then rode on the electric train. Oh the joy on Linus’ face was enough to make us smile ear to ear. This train, unlike other train rides, had open seating, so that you could feel the wind in your face. The length of the track took you quite a distance, different from the Lincoln Park Zoo train ride in Chicago.
The best part was the trains ran like a real train. The steam train had a funnel and fire box, just like Thomas the Tank Engine. Children and adults alike enjoyed seeing how a it all worked in miniature form.
Inside the Toronto Railway Museum
I was expecting to pay an entrance fee, but visiting the museum was free as well for the day. We saw plenty of fun and exciting machines.
Typically prices for the Toronto Railway Museum are:
Person(s) 14 years old and over – $5.00 (admission)/ $3.00 for each train ride
Children under 14 years old – $3.00 (admission)/ $2.00 for each train ride
Note: The Miniature Train ride tickets are a separate fee. Prices are also in Canadian dollars.
But if you get a chance to go on a free admission day, you can take your little train lover to this place and know that you can spend a good chunk of your day there.
As we surveyed the area, there were no signs for the entrance to the museum. We walked in to see more life-size machines. I pointed out “Kevin” from Thomas the Tank Engine, and Linus was thrilled.
A little LEGO railway station was set up, as well as a little Brio train table for little ones to enjoy.
We skipped the simulator and went back out for more life-size train watching.
As we exited the museum, local community members handed out free toys and trinkets for little ones as being a part of the community.
We continued on our three-hour visit to the CN Tower, but we finished off with one final miniature train ride – this time on a steam engine train! Oh Linus had the best time! He didn’t care if it was hot outside. He was going to wait for a ride on a steamie!
(You can check out a video of a steamie in action on Instagram.)
So what’s next on our list of things to do in Toronto?
Diverse food districts of Toronto
St. Lawrence Market
Related Links:
TRAVEL: Inside the CN Tower
TRAVEL: Thomas the Train at Greenfield Village, Michigan
TRAVEL: Centerville Amusement Park on Toronto Island
How to Take a Family Road Trip with Seven
