Photography courtesy National Museum of Transportation
TRAINS
National Museum of Transportation
With more than 190 major exhibits for visitors to view, this isn’t merely one of the best places in the area to admire trains and the history of transportation—it’s one of the best places in the world for a train-loving tyke. The best part is that it has something for everyone. There are hands-on learning opportunities in the museum’s Creation Station and regular rides offered to lovers of handcars, trains, and trolleys. Children will get a kick out of the mini train, which operates every 20 minutes. A $6 fare affords unlimited rides on the day of your visit. 2933 Barrett Station. 314-965-6212.
Wabash, Frisco, and Pacific Railroad
One of the hidden-gem family destinations in the area, this Glencoe rail yard features a miniature train pulled by a steam locomotive. Riders will hear the whistle sing as the train chugs through the wilderness along the Meramec River. The journey, which lasts approximately 40 minutes, allows passengers to enjoy the surrounding scenery while keeping a lookout for an albino deer named Snowflake who inhabits the area. The Wabash, Frisco, and Pacific Railroad is open only on Sundays from May through October. 101 Grand, Glencoe. 636-587-3538.
One of the best ways to explore and experience the Saint Louis Zoo is by hopping on the park’s all-ages, ADA-compliant train. Tickets are $7.95 per person and include all day on-off privileges; it's free for children under 2. The Zooline Railroad provides riders with a 20-minute narrated tour of the zoo as the train winds its way through tunnels and chugs alongside animal habitats. The 1.5-mile trip is available to zoo-goers year-round from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., though trains typically aren’t in service during inclement weather. While riding the train, families can stop to view zoo attractions and then jump back on to complete their journey. 1 Government. 314-781-0900.
Take a break from all of the thrill rides with a trip around the park on the Tommy G. Robertson Railroad. The red-and-black steam engine pulls passengers along a looping track that presents views of each of the major attractions. Starting daily at noon, train conductors serve as tour guides, noting all of the park’s best rides so you can know exactly where to go once you step off the train. Kids will also enjoy Foghorn Leghorn’s National Park Railway, a miniature version of the Robertson Railroad. It features three cars, including a green-and-orange engine train, an open-air middle car, and a caboose. 4900 Six Flags, Eureka. 636-938-5300.
More than four decades have passed since the last passenger train left this venerable downtown depot. But the renovated and reinvigorated Union Station is still a place where kids can appreciate the wonders of rail travel. Keep an eye out for seasonal train-specific events, like the annual Polar Express. During the holiday season, families can board a train and travel to the 'North Pole.' Join Santa's list to be the first to see when tickets go on sale. 1820 Market. 314-923-3900.
PLANES
Historic Aircraft Restoration Museum
The nonprofit is dedicated to acquiring, restoring, displaying, and operating antique and vintage aircraft. According to its website, the museum's collection is focused on “aircraft and related items from what many refer to as The Golden Age of Flight, roughly 1920 to 1939.” $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5–12. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Thu through Sun, by appointment Tue and Wed. 14301 Creve Coeur Airport.
Saint Louis Science Center, Experience Flight
The Experience Flight section at the Saint Louis Science Center’s James S. McDonnell Planetarium has simulators that allow you to journey through the universe, act as a pilot or gunner on an air combat adventure on a F-15 aircraft, simulate the flying experience of a propeller-driven stunt aircraft as you perform tricks at an airshow, and more. While there, be sure to scope out the F/A-18B Hornet on display outside the planetarium. 5050 Oakland.
Scott Field Heritage Airpark
Scott Field Heritage Airpark carries on the longstanding tradition of air parks displaying Air Force craft and commemorating significant events. Learn about the history of Scott Air Force Base, the Air Mobility Command, and more by viewing planes that played significant roles in history, such as the C-141 Starlifter and KC-135 Stratotanker. 763 Seibert, Scott Air Force Base.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. LOUIS CAR SHOWS
AUTOMOBILES
National Museum of Transportation
The museum showcases collections devoted to rail, automobiles, and just about any other vehicle that can get a person from point A to point B. Highlights include a one-of-a-kind Bobby Darin “Dream Car” and a 1901 St. Louis Motor Carriage Co. automobile. Young children can explore the Creation Station, a hands-on play area featuring crafts and activities designed to teach kids 5 and under about all modes of transportation. And check the museum’s website for a schedule of their car shows, handcar rides, trolley rides, and spins on the miniature train. 2933 Barrett Station.
Moto Museum
For those who love the idea of rolling on two wheels, this museum displays a private collection of 100 rare and vintage motorcycles. The focus is on European makers practicing their craft prior to 1975, and some motorcycles even date back to the machines’ early 20th century beginnings. Guided tours available upon request. 3441 Olive.
St. Louis Car Museum & Sales
The St. Louis Car Museum serves as a hub for car enthusiasts to see more than 100 classic and collector cars, rare pedal cars, vintage signage, and more while listening to popular music throughout the centuries. Visitors can plan a tour, peruse to purchase, or enjoy a self-guided tour. 1575 Woodson.
