Ride On Trains For Kids in Sydney

If you have a train fanatic whose obsession extends far beyond Thomas the Tank engine, they will love these exciting train-themed experiences!

We’ve rail-tested just about all Sydney and its surrounds have to offer, and here are six of the best train ride experiences in Sydney.

Ride On Train Experiences For Kids in Sydney

1. NSW Rail Museum

 

The NSW Rail Museum is indisputably Sydney’s premier destination for train lovers and ride-on trains for kids in Sydney.  It is the sort of place where an entire day can easily be spent. The site itself is enormous and children and adults alike love simply wandering up and down the many rows of historic engines and carriages. There is a lovely playground and picnic area, but if you forget to bring food with you or the weather isn’t great, there is also a little cafe within the museum. Trainworks is a terrific place to visit no matter what the weather is doing as the bulk of it is undercover. Keep your eye on the Trainworks calendar for wonderful unique events, like the much-loved Day Out With Thomas event. An ellaslist favourite! 

There are different theatre productions at various times throughout the year and the museum also runs terrific craft activities. However, one of the absolute highlights of the Trainworks calendar is the steam train rides every Saturday & Sunday (running every weekend until the 27 November 2022). Enjoy a scenic 40-minute steam train ride the whole family will love. 

Location: Thirlmere

2. Sydney Live Steam Locomotive Society Train Rides

The Sydney Live Steam Locomotive Society was founded in 1948 in West Ryde and has been in the same spot ever since on the corner of Anthony Road and Betts Street. On the third Saturday of each month from 1:30 to 4:30 pm, the Society offers miniature railway rides which are a huge hit with big and little children. Dare we say, one of the best ride-on trains for kids in Sydney. 

The park setting is fantastic for picnics and it's not unusual to find a birthday party taking place. Your little engineer will have a wonderful time and with rides only $2 each, you can let them go crazy!

Location: West Ryde

3. The Picnic Train Tours

 

Sydney Rail Services run The Picnic Train tours to some of the most beautiful destinations within a few hours of Sydney. Get on board for a unique ride-on train for kids in Sydney experience. This one is an extra special experience as it's a steam train! Bring the family and enjoy traditional open-windowed period carriages - hauled by steam power only. On limited dates throughout the year, you can join one of the classic rail tours from Sydney’s magnificent Central Station along the picturesque South Coast Line to Kiama, or catch the Steam Locomotive 5917 to The Hunter Valley region.

The Picnic Train makes a fun day trip on a real vintage steam train where you can relive an authentic rail ride from the past. All fares are for same-day return travel.

Location: First pickup location for the Kiama Picnic Train is Tempe Station. For other locations and trips see the website.

4. Central Coast Steam Model Co-op

 

We are eager to give the mini-train rides that have recently reopened at the Central Coast Steam Model Co-op in Narara a try, and we cannot wait to get on board the ride-on-train experience for kids (and adults)!

Ride the tracks on these one-of-a-kind miniature trains. A number of engines are powered by steam, others by battery-powered electric motors, and others by small internal combustion engines. All of them are driven and owned by volunteers, so make sure to thank your driver!

To avoid disappointment, make sure you wear covered shoes to be able to take a ride.

Location: Showground Rd, Narara (opposite Bellbowrie Ave).

5. Sydney Trains

 

Once you’ve exhausted all of these other fabulous rides-on train experiences, why not grab a rail map from Sydney Trains, let your child choose a destination, and ‘ride the rails’? You can beat an original.

Location: Sydney wide

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