Choo-Choo! 10 Train Adventures for Seattle-Area Kids and Families

With a little more time, you and your crew can cover some serious ground riding the Sounder train from Seattle’s King Street Station to Kent. Explore the shops at Kent Station for a few minutes or a couple of hours, then hop the train back. For early risers who live between Tacoma and Tukwila, hop on one of the morning commuter trains. The latest one leaves the Tacoma Dome station at 10:25 a.m. and arrives in Seattle at 11:27 a.m. Return trains depart Seattle starting at 2:35 p.m.

Getting there: Bus it or ride the Streetcar to Pioneer Square, or use your best street-parking tricks — and be sure to avoid days with sporting events or concerts.

Ride and cost: Southbound Sounder trains depart King Street Station on weekday afternoons starting at 2:35 p.m. Choose one of several afternoon departures to arrive in Kent 20 minutes later. Have an ice cream cone and a look around, then be back at the platform ready for the northbound train leaving Kent at 5:49 p.m. Adult fares each way range between $3.25–$5.75, depending on how far you travel; youth ages 18 and younger ride free. Buy tickets at the platform vending machine, or use your ORCA card.

To visit nearby: Enjoy a treat at Cold Stone Creamery or Cow Chip Cookies, or visit any of Kent Station’s eateries and shops.

Next up: Model train display

^{Photo credit: Atomic Taco/Flickr CC}