Free Train Rides, Caboose Rides and More Coming to Upstate New York
If you have a kid who drops everything the second they hear a train coming, you may want to add this one to your August plans.
Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad's Touch-A-Train Day is returning Saturday, August 22, with a full day of trains, hands-on activities, demonstrations and family fun... and admission is completely free.
The annual event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, giving families the chance to get an up-close look at locomotives, railroad cars and equipment they normally only get to see from a distance.
Kids Can Climb Aboard and Explore the Trains
You won't have to worry about those "look but don't touch" reminders either.
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Touch-A-Train Day is designed to give visitors an interactive look at the world of railroading. Locomotives, railroad cars and other equipment will be open for public tours throughout the day.
Visitors can check out the cab of the 8223 S7 locomotive, watch equipment demonstrations and see track tools in action while learning a little about how trains and railroads actually work.
There will also be equipment displays throughout the event.
Free Train Rides All Day Long
The Milford Park Railway will be offering free train rides throughout Touch-A-Train Day.
There will also be caboose rides departing every 30 minutes for $5 per rider. But if you want an even more unique view, Cupola seats aboard caboose 35796 will be available for $20.
Cab rides will also leave every 30 minutes and cost $20 per rider.
First 150 Kids Get a Free Railroad Goodie Bag
You may want to get there early for this one.
The first 150 kids at Touch-A-Train Day will receive a complimentary goodie bag sponsored by Otsego County.
The bags will be filled with railroad-themed goodies along with contributions from the Baseball Hall of Fame, Fenimore Farm & Country Village, Chobani, Operation Life Saver and Oneonta World of Learning.
Even More Free Kids Activities
The trains may be the main attraction, but there will be plenty more happening throughout the day.
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Oneonta World of Learning will have children's activities, while Operation Life Saver will offer presentations teaching families about railroad safety.
Huntington Children's Library, the Camilleri Team at Keller Williams Real Estate and Stewart's Shops will also be joining the festivities with on-site displays and activities.
Touch-A-Train Day Returns August 22
Touch-A-Train Day takes place Saturday, August 22, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The event will be held rain or shine and general admission is free.
With free train rides, locomotives kids can explore, demonstrations and plenty of activities, this could be a pretty easy way to fill a summer Saturday without spending a fortune.
And if you've got a little train fanatic at home? You probably don't need much convincing. Get more details at Cooperstowntrain.com.