Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
add photos3- hour round trip or hop off in the Village of Peninsula to explore unique shops and galleries.
National Park Scenic - ride thorugh the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National park in a vintage train car. See wildlife and historic buildings.
Canton-Akron Flyer - travel through urban countryside between Canton adn Skron aboard a vintage Rail Diesel Car.
Nov and Dec:
Polar Express
Mr. Jingeling Holiday Express
6 Reviews for Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
5
41 family found this helpful
"Biking and Trains...who could want more?"
My family and I headed to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad with my three children, ages 9, 7, and 3. We boarded the train with the bike aboard program. Our bikes were loaded onto the train and we road the train south and then rode back to our car. The ride was only 2.50 per set of pedals so we didn't have to pay for our bike trailer. The kids enjoyed the scenery as we rode the train through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The towpath trail(for bikes and walkers/runners) that runs parallel to the train tracks was beautiful and very kid friendly as it is relatively flat.
Send a Message 
Send a Compliment
It's helpful
0 families found this helpful
"Relaxing and Enjoyable Ride"
When you hear the words train ride you don't think much! But when you step on a train at the vally scenic railroad you will be shocked to find that its not just a train ride. I think this good for older folks and children as well, especially boys who find a love for trains. Very relaxing and just nice to sit back and relaxe and see all the trees and flowers pass you by. I have been told that they have special train rides during the christmas holiday and sometimes halloween. I have not been on these trips but they sure do sound fun.
0 families found this helpful
"The Polar Express!"
Ride the Cuyahoga Valley Senic Railroad during the holidays to experiance The Polar Express! This is such a fun & magical event for the kiddos! It is encouraged you ride the train in your pajamas! (just like the book/movie!) Once you are aboard, settle into your seats for some hot chocolate & a reading of the Polar Express Book...and then....when you reach the NORTH POLE.....SANTA! The price is WELL worth the memories you will make with your family-worth every dime! GREAT for those who still believe!
1 family found this helpful
"Our sons love it"
The other reviews here are talking about the railroad's Polar Express excursion, which takes place every November and December. We just did it (2010) and our sons loved it. Yes, it's a bit pricey for a train ride in the dark, but when we reached "The North Pole", our sons jumped up and down in their seats. We sat in the Emerson car, which I recommend because there are fewer seats, so less crowded. Our sons received more individual attention from the elves and there was plenty of room to look out the windows at the North Pole. (which by the way is so fun and I believe is put on by all volunteers). I think this is something most kids would enjoy at least once. Probably 4-7 is ideal age.
The railroad offers many other excursions. We mostly ride during the summer when they offer "Bike and Ride". We ride our bikes on the Towpath Trail in one direction. Then, for $2 each, we ride the other direction on the train back to our car. Our sons are at the stage where they love trains, so this is exciting for them no matter how many times we go.
The other must-see is when Thomas the Train comes once a year.
1 family found this helpful
"Stay at home and watch the movie/read the book to your kids"
The tickets are $35/person regardless of age. Seating is first come, first served--no assigned seats. The children receive a medium size jinglebell from Santa and a ziplock baggie with some stickers, mini coloring book, eraser, and 2 crayons from the elves. Everyone is served hot cocoa and a chocolate chip cookie. My husband and I took our 2 year old and 6 year old for the first time this year (2009).
The partking lot is barely lit. The boarding began at 6 pm and the train left at 7pm. We were able to arrive at around 6:30pm due to work/day care, dinner, and driving across town. The train was already filled. Since there are no assigned seats, my family was unable to sit together. My husband took our 2 year old and was able to get 2 seats together. My 6 year old had to sit across the aisle from me. We couldn't even talk, let alone hear each other. Seating was very cramped. Thankfully one of the volunteers near the 7pm departure time asked someone to move together so my 6 year old and I could actually sit together.
The train ride itself was fine. At the North Pole the kids are told to move to the one side to see everything and the parents are left to see what they can from the other side. Santa boards at the North Pole and did a great job of making sure pictures were taken with all the kids.
Overall, it wasn't worth it. We paid $140 to not sit together, drink a cup of cocoa and eat 1 cookie, listen to the story, see Santa, and go home with a couple trinkets for the kids. Like I said in the title, stay at home and just watch the movie or read the book with your kids. Cookies and cocoa are easy to buy/make and you'll be a lot more comfortable and won't miss any magic.
'10
1 family found this helpful
"Polar Express"
Extremely popular in winter when they used to offer a lottery to purchase tickets for the Polar Express experience. [Now available online, dates sell out FAST!] Lovers of the classic book by VanAllsburg or the movie will enjoy boarding the train which is manned by Santa's helpers who sing, entertain and provide cocoa. Train runs at night, so not much to see outside of windows until you reach the North Pole and pick up Santa! Santa visits each child, poses for pictures and gives children the magical sleigh bell.
What's Nearby? Hotels » Activities »
Find Hotels near Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad »
Find Activities near Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad »
Find Restaurants near Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad »
Get the inside scoop from parents who have been there!
