If your kids love Thomas the Tank Engine, take them to see some real trains.

BIG TRAINS

New Hope Valley Railway and N.C. Railroad Museum
Run by volunteers, the railway has monthly ride days from May to December, Halloween rides in October and Santa Trains in December.
Address: Bonsal Road, New Hill Map
Phone: (919) 362-5416

North Carolina's Amtrak
Quick trips run from Raleigh, Cary and Durham's train stations to some North Carolina destinations, including Charlotte, Burlington and Wilson. And, yes, there are things to do once you get there.
Raleigh Station: 320 W. Cabarrus St. Map
Cary Station: 211 N. Academy St. Map
Durham Station: 400 W. Chapel Hill St. Map

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Take a long weekend and check out these scenic train journeys. It's about five hours from the Triangle.
Address: Dillsboro and Bryson City, North Carolina Map
Phone: (800) 872-4681

N.C. Transportation Museum
The museum includes an authentic train depot, antique automobiles and seasonal train rides, including rides with Thomas the Tank Engine in the fall. It's about a two-hour drive from the Triangle.
Address: 411 S. Salisbury Ave., Spencer Map
Phone: (704) 636-2889

Tweetsie Railroad
A theme park in the mountains, featuring a 3-mile ride on a steam locomotive. Tweetsie Railroad is three to four hours from the Triangle.
Address: 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock Map
Phone: (800) 526-5740

KIDDIE TRAINS

Pullen Park
The kiddie ride is $1 a person and a huge hit with the kids. You also can't miss the carousel and kiddie boats at Pullen.
Address: 520 Ashe Ave., Raleigh Map
Phone: (919) 831-6468

Ellerbee Creek Railway at the Museum of Life and Science
The 10-minute train ride makes two laps and runs daily, weather permitting. Tickets are $2 plus the cost of admission to the museum. It can fill up quick on busy days.

Address: 433 Murray Ave., Durham Map
Phone: (919) 220-5429

City Park
The popular park and flagship of the Burlington parks system includes a kiddie train, along with a carousel, playground and lots of picnic areas. Tickets are 75 cents per ride for the train, carousel and other attractions. It's 50 cents on Thursdays. Burlington is about an hour west of Raleigh on Interstate 40.
Address: South Church Street, about one mile from downtown Burlington Map
Phone: (336) 222-5030

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