Photo: Stephan Grütering
Photo: Reed Radcliffe
Photo: Ethan Whetstone
Kirkwood, Missouri
★4.7(67 reviews)FreeActivity
🕑 30 minutes to 1 hour👶 Best for ages 2-8. Toddlers and preschoolers are mesmerized by the arriving trains, while elementary-aged kids appreciate the historic architecture and can learn about train travel. Even babies enjoy the sensory experience of seeing and hearing the trains.🧡 Saved by 22 families
About
The historic Kirkwood Train Station offers train-loving kids an exciting opportunity to see real Amtrak trains arrive and depart throughout the day. This beautifully preserved station in charming downtown Kirkwood combines the thrill of watching active passenger trains with a slice of local history, making it a perfect quick outing for families with young transportation enthusiasts.
Highlights
- ✓Watching real Amtrak trains arrive and depart from the platform
- ✓Exploring the beautifully restored historic 1893 station building
- ✓Learning about railroad history through station displays
- ✓Hearing the train whistle and feeling the rumble as trains pass
- ✓Walking through charming downtown Kirkwood with its family-friendly shops
Pro Tips
- 1.Check the Amtrak schedule online before visiting so you can time your trip to see trains arrive,watching passengers board and disembark adds to the excitement
- 2.Park in the free public lot adjacent to the station on Argonne Drive for easy access
- 3.Bring a picnic and enjoy it at nearby Kirkwood Park (just blocks away) before or after train watching
- 4.Visit the small historic displays inside the station building to teach kids about the station's 100+ year history
- 5.Download a train identification app to help kids spot different types of locomotives and rail cars
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings or early afternoons are ideal when trains run frequently but crowds are minimal. Avoid rush hour times (7-9am and 4-6pm) when commuter traffic makes parking challenging. Spring and fall offer comfortable weather for outdoor train watching.
What to Know
Visiting the station platform is completely free. Free parking is available in the adjacent lot. Downtown Kirkwood has multiple restaurants and shops within walking distance, and the station has public restrooms inside during business hours.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round as an active train station. Summer can be hot on the open platform, so bring water and sun protection. Winter visits are brief but magical, especially during the holiday season when downtown Kirkwood is decorated with lights. The station occasionally hosts special events during holidays.
Nearby Eats
Walk to nearby Public House Kirkwood (casual American fare with a kids menu) or Two Stones Pub (family-friendly with good burgers and pizza), both within two blocks of the station and perfect for refueling after train watching.
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