Living! (On the Cheap)--Kansas City Northern Railroad

            Do your kids like trains?  What am I talking about?  If you have kids-- they LOVE trains and we both know it.  Well if you’re a cheap parent (whether it’s out of necessity or personality) like me, have I got the Kansas City destination for you!  The Kansas City Northern Railroad is just about the coolest train that two quarters can buy a ride on anywhere.  That’s right I said 50 cents per ride!  For a roll of quarters you can keep your kiddos entertained most of the afternoon.  Where else can you do that?

            KCNRR** has three different miniature trains to transport your family.  (I don't know if there is a rhyme or reason as to which train runs at which time.)  The first train they acquired was the Red Train.  For those of you who remember this far back, you may just recognize it as the original Kansas City Zoo train.  The KCNRR acquired it in the mid 80’s and restored it.  The Yellow Train comes originally from Pittsburgh, PA and the Blue Train comes from Binghamton, NY and each train is painted to represent different rail lines. 

            The ride itself is two loops of a ½ mile long track that is complete with 110 ft tunnel, a railroad crossing with flashing lights, and a train depot. 

The KCNRR is located in Frank Vaydik Line Creek Park. NW 60th St and Waukomis Dr. in KCMO

Things to know...

• The train will leave the station approximately every 7 minutes.  Even the most impatient child (or daddy) can hold out for that.
• Buy the “bulk” ticket packages.  The kids (and parents) are going to want to ride more than once and it lowers the price even more!
• Pack the sunscreen!  There’s very little in the way of shade out there, even the depot isn’t shaded well.
• Pack SNACKS and drinks!!!!  There aren't any concessions available on sight.  It’s good, cheap fun but not if you have to try and track down (pun intended) drinks and snacks for grumpy children. 
• Dress the kids up in all of their train gear and bring a camera.  Might as well get those Christmas card pix done now, right?

Two of my children, Logan and Myriam (in the hat)
and the "conductor" of the day.  Side note:  My
daughter had her hat blown off and they stopped
the train and retrieved it for her on the second
loop.  Wow! 

Hours of Operation

OPEN MAY - SEPTEMBER
SATURDAYS 10:00AM - 6:00PM
SUNDAYS 12:01PM - 6:00PM
HOLIDAYS 12:01PM - 6:00PM
WEATHER PERMITTING

I'm pretty sure my husband has as much fun as the kids!  Pictured:  Porter and Daddy.

Although I do my best to ensure that the information I report is current and correct, I suggest that you always follow up for yourself.  If you would like more information about the Kansas City Northern Railroad check them out at http://www.kcnrr.com or give them a call at (816) 746.5663.

**I was in no way compensated for this review this is just a tip I like to pass on to my readers and friends.

Check out my other Living! (On the Cheap) segments here!
Dagg Park                                                              
Powell Gardens
The Kansas City Northern Railroad
Geocaching
Fort Scott, Kansas
Two Websites Every Parent Should Know About
Emporia Kansas Zoo
Powell Pumpkin Patch
Portable North Pole
Deanna Rose Farmstead Pin It