When you travel with kids, are you usually taking the car? Airplane? Train? We finally had our first train trip with our kids a couple of weekends ago.
Over Canada Day weekend, we went to Toronto to take in a Blue Jays game. Our annual Toronto Ball game trip is something all of us look forward to. We stay at the Renaissance Hotel because it’s attached to the stadium making it extremely easy to get to and from basically everywhere. Plus, the rooms are fantastic and service has always been great.
The Blue Jays do a great job putting on a fun show for the kids. On Junior Jays Days and special events like Canada Day, the Jays set up free, fun activities for kids of all ages. Bouncy castles, speed pitch, face painting and more awaited us in the morning. We took in a lot of festivities then headed to the game for batting practice.
But what was especially special about this trip was the fact that for the first time, we took the kids on the train.
Via Rail had an unbelievable sale on and I scored tickets for the 4 of us at a fantastic price. The train station in Toronto is right downtown and only a few blocks from the hotel so we didn’t have to fuss with traffic or parking. Since we were going for only two nights, and because we are excellent packers, we only had a duffle bag, my purse and two other small bags with books and activities in it.
The train trip was excellent for the kids. We were able to sit in a four seater, facing each other. The four and a half hour trip flew by. My husband was able to relax since usually he would be driving. The kids were comfortable and kept amused with the few things I brought for them – card games to play together, colouring books and electronics.
The kids really liked the view, were comfortable and this mama got to read for a few hours each way. Something I can’t do in the car thanks to motion sickness (and yet, I don’t feel that way on the train. Go figure).
I love train travel, and the kids certainly seemed to as well.
My son’s favourite part of taking the train: “All of it. We see a lot of the view”
My daughter’s favourite part of taking the train: “I liked the arm rests and the table.”
Andy’s favourite part was not having to drive, getting to play and read along the way.
My favourite part was that everyone was happy, we felt great, I got to read my book and there was no stress.
Train travel is a fantastic family way to go if you can!!
Have your kids been on the train before? What did they think?
Too funny that you were in toronto this past weekend!! We were too and totally took advantage of the via sale. We were there for a wedding though so we left the kids at home, but are super excited to bring them back with us the next time!!