10 Affordable Summer Adventures With Kids

Train obsession is a stage many kids go through. Some never outgrow it. Given the Puget Sound area’s rich railway history, there are multiple ways to learn about, observe and ride the rails. Here are two; discover more.

1. Great Northern & Cascade Railway

There are people in this world who love trains so much that they form clubs to run mini steam trains that you and your kids can ride on. For free. Example A: The Great Northern & Cascade Railway, a group of train buffs that has set up a 1/8-scale mini steam train in the historic railroad town of Skykomish. Every Saturday and Sunday from May to October, volunteers operate the small train (made up of one locomotive and 10 cars) on 2,700 feet of track around the old train yard, including two tunnels and two bridges. 

Bonus: Pair with one of the many kid-friendly hikes along U.S. Highway 2 near Skykomish, such as Wallace Falls State Park or Barclay Lake. You can also ride mini steam trains, through the Kitsap Live Steamers program, in Port Orchard.

Fine print: Rides offered by the Great Northern 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday–Sunday, May through October. There is also a museum, visitor center and gift shop open Thursday–Monday. Rides free; donations are appreciated. 

2. Northwest Railway Museum

This restored train depot in the historic (and charming) town of Snoqualmie is a free museum that’s open seven days a week. The depot alone can entertain train-loving kids for a chunk of time, or you can use it as the starting place for a 75-minute excursion on an antique railroad coach that runs seasonally. Special events at the Railway Museum include the hugely popular Day Out With Thomas in July, when the “real” Thomas the Tank Engine drops in for a visit (book early), and the annual Santa Train, featuring the big guy in red (tickets go on sale in August).

Pro tip: A fun time to visit Snoqualmie and ride the trains is during Railroad Days, the town’s annual festival (held Aug. 17–19 this year) devoted to all things rail. 

Fine print: Visit the Snoqualmie Depot seven days a week, free of charge. Train excursions run on weekend days, April through October, with multiple departures each day. $10–$20, kids younger than 2 free. Day Out With Thomas and other special event tickets are pricier. 425-888-3030, ext. 7202. Northwest Railway Museum, 38625 S.E. King St., Snoqualmie. 

— Nancy Chaney