Has anyone ever traveled long distance with kids on a train? I'm looking at taking a train from here to Michigan and back in June instead of flying. It's about half the cost and I think (maybe I'm crazy) it'd be an interesting trip for the boys. It'd take us about 24-28 hours each way. What do you think? Dh is afraid the kids will hate the ride there and not want to get on the train to come back! lol The boys are 9 and 11, almost 10 (Aug) and 12 (Oct). It's not like they're babies or toddlers (wouldn't even consider that!). So am I nuts??? I've never riden on a train before, except the Cog rail up Pikes Peak and the train at the Royal Gorge. The boys went on the Royal Gorge one with me and loved it, but it was only a 3 hour ride. Anyone btdt??? tia

By Christylee on Sunday, May 29, 2005 - 12:42 pm:

My mom took a train from TX to MI last summer with my sister who was then 15 and they both had a great time. They said there were kids onboard as young as 5 and 6 and loved it. I'd just make sure you bring some things to keep them occupied if they get restless.

Gameboys, board games, headphones, do they like to read, color (still??, when do boys outgrow that??) They have a dining car for eating which they both said was fun to go to they also have a car that plays movies...

I think it "could" be a great adventure, I'm hoping to do the same in the next couple of summers with my son. Have fun and good luck!!!

By Tink on Sunday, May 29, 2005 - 01:04 pm:

My dh and I are talking about taking the train up to Washington (about 14 hours) this summer. He has made this trip several times and thinks our kids would love it. I think that with a few things to keep them occupied, the boys would have a great time. It will probably be old hat by the time you make the trip home but it isn't the same as a car trip where you can't stretch your legs or go somewhere else for a change of scenery. I say Go For It!

By Trina~moderator on Sunday, May 29, 2005 - 06:42 pm:

I think it would be a fun adventure! No, you're not crazy.

By Eve on Monday, May 30, 2005 - 06:25 pm:

I know my DD would love it, so I'm sure your boys will have a ball! I haven't been on a long train ride in 15 years, so I can't give you much advice. Go for it and have fun!

By Cat on Monday, May 30, 2005 - 06:41 pm:

We went ahead and bought plane tickets. The train ride had a REALLY long layover in Chicago, and there are some issues with Robin right now that would probably go better with a shorter trip. Maybe next time. We did get a good deal on the tickets, though. So it wasn't that much more. I am looking at a day trip somewhere on a train. I still think it would be fun.

By Jann on Monday, May 30, 2005 - 08:44 pm:

It wouldn't be in different than a long car trip on the downside (so you would need books, music, games ect). On the upside, they would be able to move around and stretch without having to stop the car.