There’s a lot of history to be found and experienced while you’re visiting Scottsdale. For those interested in learning more about the history of railroad, a visit to the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a must. Operated by Scottsdale’s Parks & Recreation department, these 30 acres offer a lot of fun for families. Entrance to the Scottsdale railroad park itself is free, with tickets charged for attractions. Read on for information about one of our favorite family things to do in Scottsdale!
Ride a Train (or a Carousel)
The Scottsdale train park’s very first attraction was the Paradise & Pacific Railroad, built to be a scaled reproduction of a Colorado Narrow Gauge railroad. Then there’s the ‘hidden’ train of the Arboretum Railroad, which takes riders on Saturdays and Sundays through a 10-minute journey through the park’s desert arboretum. The Arboretum Railroad is open from October to May. And after a train ride, take the kids for a spin on the Scottsdale Charros Carousel.
Hours for the Paradise & Pacific Railroad train and the carousel vary on a monthly basis. But roughly speaking, the rides open at 10 a.m. and close between 5:30 and 7 p.m., save for the summer months of June to September when the rides start at 9 a.m. and close at 1 p.m. during weekdays and at 6:30 or 7 p.m. on weekends.
Rides for the trains at this Scottsdale railroad park cost a ticket per rider, with tickets sold at $3 apiece. Discount ticket packs and all-day wristbands are also available for purchase.
The Scottsdale Railroad Museum
For $2 a ticket, you can visit this unique museum to learn about different parts of Arizona’s railroad history.
See the Roald Amundsen Pullman Car, constructed in 1928 for $205,000 and one of the last cars the Pullman Company made. This car was used by every president from Hoover through to Eisenhower and it is on the National Historic Register. Another Pullman Company car in the museum is the Baggage Car. Originally one of four dining cars, it was repurposed to carry baggage during World War II. And there’s much more history to be uncovered outside of these two exhibits.
The museum is open from October to May from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is closed from June through September.
Playgrounds
Take a moment to relax while your kids blow off some steam (yes, that’s a train joke), at the park’s two play areas. There’s the railroad-themed playground, with features designed to entertain children two to twelve. And there’s the mini Western Town along the park’s train tracks, a popular attraction.
Plan More Family Things to Do in Scottsdale
After a day at this Scottsdale train park full of playing and learning, you’ll want to be able to take a rest in style and in comfort. And Scottsdale Rentals is more than prepared to offer that, with our selection of vacation villas for you to relax in. Contact us today to get started booking your desert retreat! We offer a vast selection of properties in Scottsdale.
