Hop On Scottsdale’s Kid-Friendly Railroad

Looking to entertain visiting guests both young and young at heart? Scottsdale’s beloved McCormick Stillman Railroad Park rolls out its new landmark $3.6M Exhibition Building housing interactive railroad-themed exhibits and features a series of model railroads in the heart of Scottsdale.

One of the Valley’s most charming attractions for kids, The McCormick Stillman Railroad Park (map) offers rides on the Paradise and Pacific Railroad a small-scale railroad that chugs passengers throughout the park on a one mile track. Their authentic steam-powered engine, another crowd pleaser, rolls out every Saturday and Sunday.  You can also ride the antique carousel, visit a variety of shops, play in one of the spacious playgrounds, or just relax in the grass under a tree or in one of the park’s picnic ramadas.

Train rides run every half hour during the weekdays and continously on the weekends. The park is open every day of the year except Christmas and Thanksgiving.  Tickets cost $1.00 each with discount ticket books available through the main office. The train and carousel ticket books cost $10 for 12 tickets.  Children under three ride free with a paying adult.

A fantastic place for children’s birthday parties, your kids will love the Birthday Party Railroad Car.  Parents can sit back and relax while two staff members lead your child’s party through games, train and carousel ride, and more. It’s so popular it was awarded the New Times Best of Phoenix “No Frills Kid Birthday Party.”

The Southern Pacific Railroad Caboose is a snack shop that offers hamburgers, hot dogs, yogurt, beverages and many other items. Enjoy your treats on an attractive, covered patio overlooking one of the two playgrounds at the park.

For the big kids, the new Exhibition Hall is designed to give visitors an up close look at Arizona’s deep railroad roots.  An environmentally-friendly building designed by a local Phoenix designer is an homage to the traditional train shed. An architectural gem with high-tech heating and cooling systems hidden beneath the flooring to give the roof a distinctive shed-like shape. The expansive window walls capture views of the surrounding trains, all while staying shaded from the sun thanks to extra-deep roof overhangs.

A landmark in South Scottsdale, The McCormick Stillman Railroad Park is a great choo-choo choice for everyone in the family.

Photo courtesy of flickr