(4 votes, average: 3.50 out of 5)
Loading...Model Railroad Experience
The Model Railroad Experience is a permanent exhibit at Union Station. It is one of the best FREE activities in Kansas City – especially if you child likes trains or miniature toys. This exhibit has multiple types of model trains and multiple scenes throughout the large exhibit room. Even if it is crowded you will be able to see trains. Your child will be mesmerized.
Overall we like Model Railroad Experience because:
- FREE
- active and educational
- entertainment for all ages
- can be a short or all-day activity
Hours:
The Union Station website lists the winter hours as:
Mon, Tues, Wed: Closed
Thru – Fri: 9:30am to 4pmSat: 9:30am to 5pm
Sun: 12pm to 5pm
However, the volunteers who run the exhibit often keep the room open Monday thru Sunday. Early in the week is when they do maintenance work on the trains. They want people to know that visitors are welcome to come in if the doors are open and lights are on.
Admission:
FREE
Parking: Union Station charges for parking. You can park in the front of the building, but watch out – some spots are reserved for the Post Office. There is ample covered garage-parking behind Union Station on the west side of the building. You can pay with a credit card or cash. Prices are:
0-30 min: Free
30 min – 1 Hour: $1
1 Hour – 1.5 Hours: $2
1.5 Hours – 2 Hours: $3
2 Hours – 2.5 Hours: $4
2.5 Hours – 8 Hours: $5
More Than 8 Hours: $10/day max
Ages: The Model Railroad Experience is great for all ages. Small kids will be enthralled with the sounds and moving trains. Older kids will love searching the model scenes for various items and finding characters they recognize – like Thomas the Train.
Add another activity: If you want to have a day full of train activity – head across The Link, the elevated covered walkway, to Crown Center. There, head to Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant. Kids will love watching the trains that encircle the restaurant and having their food delivered to the table via train.
Or – spend time exploring Union Station. Kids love running around the large Sprint Festival Plaza room and looking at the antique fire engines downstairs. There are pictures and models of trains throughout the building. Have fun searching and looking at the beautiful architecture.
Insider tips:
- Pack a lunch. Many of the restaurants in Union Station are a bit expensive and not really kid-friendly. There are open benches and tables in the Grand Hall. It is a beautiful setting to enjoy a meal.
- Bring a stroller for small kids – especially if you plan on taking The Link over to Crown Center. It is a lot of walking for younger kids.
- Bring some cash – the model train exhibit is free, but they rely on donations to keep it running
