The best family-friendly train rides to take in Texas

In Texas you can explore with the whole family aboard some of the state’s most scenic and fun train rides.

There are a host of family-friendly train trips that provide a unique way to experience the Lone Star State. Here are five different train rides you can take around Texas cities including Houston, Grapevine, Austin, and Palestine.

Hermann Park Railroad (Houston)

Hermann Park Railroad is located in the Hermann Park Conservancy and offers a fun experience for train enthusiasts of all ages. The 18-minute train ride takes you on a journey around Hermann Park, departing from Kinder Station every 20 to 25 minutes.

You can purchase a day pass, which allows for unlimited stops and rides throughout the day. Ticket prices vary depending on the time of year: off-peak days (weekdays, excluding holidays) are $6 per person, while peak days (weekends and holidays) are $7 per person. Tickets expire 30 days from the date of purchase. Hermann Park Conservancy members can ride for free on the second Saturday of each month.

Although the experience is open to all ages, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The train and stops are wheelchair accessible.

Hours: Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Houston Area Live Streamers

Houston Area Live Steamers (HALS) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that offers free rides on the third Saturday of each month. All ages are welcome, and the rides run from March to November. The train rides are powered by diesel engines, but there are also specially designed cars for those who enjoy the nostalgic clickety-clack of the rails.

Rides cover about one mile and last 12 to 15 minutes. Passengers can ride as many times as they wish until the line closes. For the month of October, HALS is offering an additional ride on Sunday with a Halloween theme. To avoid long wait times, the first 30 minutes and last hour of operation are recommended.

There is a gazebo and several picnic tables available on a first-come, first-served basis, perfect for planning a party.

Hours: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Texas State Railroad (Palestine)

Texas State Railroad offers a scenic journey through the woods of East Texas. The ride lasts four hours and covers a 25-mile round trip. There are two depots, located in Palestine and Rusk, each with a fascinating history.

You can choose from four different rides: The Polar Express™, Piney Woods Express Diesel, Fall Harvest Lunch Train, and Piney Woods Evening Dinner Train.

The Polar Express™ runs only from November to December, with prices ranging from $30 to $125 per person, depending on the chosen car.

The Piney Woods Express Diesel runs Thursday through Saturday, with pricing ranging from $22 to $87 per person.
The Fall Harvest Lunch Train features a catered lunch, complimentary appetizers, and a champagne or cider toast. Prices range from $81 to $131, with your meal included in the ticket price. Available dates are Oct. 19 and 26.
The Piney Woods Evening Dinner Train departs at 5:30 p.m. and is for adults only. Prices range from $87 to $117, and include a champagne or cider toast, freshly prepared appetizers, dinner, dessert, and iced tea or water

Check out the calendar to see the full ride schedule and pricing. An ADA-compliant car is available but must be booked by calling the reservations desk directly at 855-632-7729.

Grapevine Vintage Railroad

Grapevine Vintage Railroad (GVRR) transports you back to the 1920s while offering modern conveniences, such as air conditioning, to ensure the best experience. GVRR is family-friendly and offers different rides to suit different needs.

There are three different rides to choose from, each varying in time and price: the Cotton Belt Route, Grapevine Bear Creek Short Line, and Trinity River Train Excursion. Check the schedule for each ride.

The Cotton Belt Route takes passengers through six different cities and offers an opportunity to explore the Fort Worth Stockyards. The ride lasts four hours, plus an additional two hours to explore the stockyards. Prices range from $18 to $72 per person.
The Grapevine Bear Creek Short Line is a quick one-hour trip, featuring live entertainment from the Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s Theatrical Players. Prices range from $10 to $12 per person, depending on the car.
The Trinity River Train Excursion is a 45-minute ride that begins and ends at the Fort Worth Stockyards, ideal for families with smaller children who want to experience a train ride. Costs range from $10 to $14 per person.

In addition to regular weekly excursions, Grapevine Vintage Railroad offers special events throughout the year, including Santa’s North Pole Express and the Sweetheart Wine Train.

Hours: Friday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Memorial Day through Labor Day)
Saturday & Sunday – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m

Austin Steam Train Association

Austin Steam Train Association (ASTA) is dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and re-creating the first-hand experience of historic steam-era railroading for the enjoyment and education of today’s families and future generations.

Train rides vary week to week, except for the Hill Country Flyer, which runs every Saturday. Sundays feature themed train rides such as the Wedding Oak Wine Train, The Flannel Flyer, Spooky Trivia Express, Veterans Day Flyer, and many more.

There are three depot locations: Cedar Park, Burnet, and Bertram. Saturday rides depart at 9 a.m., and Sunday rides depart at 11 a.m.

Passengers can choose between four classes of service: Excursion Coach, First Class Coach, First Class Lounge, and Adults-Only First Class Lounge. Ticket prices range from $30 to $60, depending on the route and class of service.

Check out the schedule and book your ticket.