Chugga Chugga Choo Choo

What is it with the fascination with trains? I think it's more a boy thing so I took my boys to Union Station to celebrate National Train Day and we thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon amongst all things locomotive. We arrived later than the festivities start (because Drew had a football game) but that didn't keep us from enjoying what we could while we could.

There were many displays of model trains all over Union Station, in both the main lobby area and near the actual train boarding gates. There were many vendors and other displays there and it was just kind of cool walking around Union Station.

display in main lobby of Union Station

another display featuring Dylan's favorite, Bikini Bottom's Own Spongebob Squarepants

There was a stage area manned by Radio Disney and they were playing music and games with the kids. Dylan was able to play a match the Disney character game and won a soccer ball. He really enjoyed that.

Dylan and the Disney folk

playing the game

They were promoting eco friendly travel and they even have a mascot. Yes, he's a leaf. And Dylan was a fan.

There was an arts and crafts area where we all we able to get paper Amtrak conductor hats, National Train Day fans to color and an activity book.

Conductor Nic

We also got the chance to walk through an Acela train and talk with the train attendants (I have no idea what the train version of a flight attendant is) which was a really cool experience. We may have to schedule a trip somewhere on that.

checking out the Acela digs

Representatives from the Greatest Show on Earth, also known as the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus, were on hand with a model of the circus train and two of their clowns who entertained many kids.

my clowns with a real clown

It was a fun way to spend an afternoon and all for the mere price of parking in the garage (and the meal they insisted on having there). We will have to do it again next year.