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It’s no secret that my children are train fanatics… Truth be told, I’ve become a huge fan myself. I’m excited that we live within an hours drive of one of the best Railway Museums on the East Coast. The B&O Railroad Museum brings to life the magic and adventure of railroading through hands on exhibits that allow you to see, touch, hear and explore the wonders of trains. There is so much to see and do at this museum throughout the year; however, there are some entertaining events occurring this Spring and Summer that you wont want to miss!

B&O Springfest
Before sharing about events that are coming up; I want to take a moment to share about Springfest and provide information on visiting the B & O Railroad Museum ! We had the chance to hop aboard the Mile One Express and take a train ride with the Easter Bunny. The Bunny visited each passenger, delivering a Easter egg with a Thomas & Friends tattoo inside. I think my kids favorite part was the balloon drop!  The kids had a blast catching their balloon and than popping it to see if there was a lucky golden ticket inside. This is a new Spring time family tradition for us, we can’t wait to attend next year. We always have such a great time that I know we will definitely be returning back for other events this season! We wouldn’t miss Day Out With Thomas for the world.
The Museum
The main exhibits are showcased in a magnificent roundhouse dating back to 1184. The building is gorgeous as it windows let in tons of natural light to show off the splendid engines and train cars that encircle the turntable. The museum is designed to be self guided and allows for visitors to explore as they please. I love that many of the trains are open for viewing and some of the engines are set up to explore how they work. Perfect for little engineers to pretend they are taking the locomotive on a trip.
Just when you think you have seen it all in the main building their is tons to explore outside. In the cars stationed to the side of the main building you will find a caboose, outdoor theater and cars that house the model train layout. You also wont want to miss exploring the shop that has tons of engines and cars that you can climb inside and explore. In the children’s section outside you will find a model train layout where they can push buttons to make the train move. There is a great playground shaped like train and a few rides that cost additional to do.
Tips
  • One thing I have learned is to save the best for last! We always ride the carousel and explore the kids zone at the end. In the kids zone you will find the wooden railroad train tables, lego train activities and other fun activities. We save this for last because once the children have discovered this section it’s hard to get them to do anything else.
  • The bathrooms are located towards the front of the museum and  conveniently have diaper changing stations.
  • The museum has a very limited meal options. There are vending machines and a  snack bar with food like pizza and hot dogs. Not the most healthy.  The museum doesn’t have many options available with in walking distance either. You aren’t allowed to bring your own food into the museum; however, you are allowed to eat your own food outside in the picnic area. Also, the museum is only five-minute drive to the restaurants in the Inner Harbor area.
  • Be sure to get a passport so that your child can stamp their paper as they explore different exhibits.
  • It’s also a good idea to buy your tokens before you go outside so you can ride on Choo Choo Blue. It’s about a $1 a token and costs $2 tokens to ride most rides.

All Aboard for Train Ride Season at the B&O!

Beginning April 1 
Train ride season returns! Take a round trip train ride along the first commercial mile of railroad right-of-way laid in America, recognized as the birthplace of American railroading. For the train ride schedule please click here. With paid admission train ride tickets are $3 adults, $2 for children (2-12), and free for B&O Members. Please note that train rides are not guaranteed with your visit and are subject to change without notice.
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Education Connection
Art: Rail Design
Proudly presented by AMTRAK®
April 18-21
10:00 a.m. – 12 Noon
Children enjoy Education Connection at Choo Choo Blue Kids Zone in the B&O Roundhouse. Children discover the importance of aesthetics in Rail Design, an imaginative look at railroads.
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Thrifty Tuesday
Tuesdays
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Visitors receive half off regular admission rates the first Tuesday of every month at the B&O Railroad Museum! All aboard for the most important American railroad collection in the world!
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Toddler Time 
Thursdays
10:30 a.m.
Toddler Time is usually held the first and third Thursday of each month from January – October. Children to listen to a railroad story, create a craft, enjoy playtime at Choo Choo Blue KidsZone, and take a kiddie train ride through Choo Choo Blueville – all included with paid admission. Program recommended for ages 2-5. All children programs begin promptly on-time.
Museum CLOSED
Thursday, April 27
The B&O Railroad Museum is closed to the public on Thursday, April 27 for the set up of the weekend event, Day Out With Thomas.
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Day Out With Thomas
Friday – Sunday, April 28-30 &  May 5-7
Friday (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Saturday (8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Sunday (8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.)
Thomas the Tank Engine returns to the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore! Take a 25 minute train ride behind Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt, and enjoy a full day of live entertainment, activities, and family fun! Tickets on-sale beginning February 1, 2017. Visit http://www.ticketweb.com/dowt or call 1-866-468-7630. Advance purchase recommended for the train ride. Please note that everyone including B&O members will need to purchase a ticket for entrance into the museum during this six day event. Coupons, vouchers, discounts, consignment tickets, complimentary passes, membership cards, etc. are not accepted during Day Out With Thomas.
B&O Members receive FREE admission to the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore!
During the months of April and May 2017, B&O members receive free admission to the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore with the presentation of a valid B&O membership card and photo identification. Please note that Family and Family & Friends memberships will allow free admittance for 2 adults and 2 children. To become a B&O members, visit Membership.
B&O RAILRAOD INFORMATION 

901 West Pratt Street

Baltimore, MD 21223

410-752-2490

http://www.borail.org/

Hours of Operation:
Wednesday – Sunday

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Admission:

Adults – $6

Seniors (60+) – $5

Children (2-12) – $4

B&O Members – FREE

 

 ***The playful parent does not receive payment for featuring articles on events and activities. All opinions are my own; I like to share my experiences so that parents have resources on fun family outings. Discounted or complimentary tickets are an advantage but not a requirement.***