Many children love castles and Amtrak offers a train tour to Hearst Castle, a creation of publishing mogul William Randolph Hearst. Passengers will board the Coast Starlight train in either San Francisco or Sacramento and ride along the Central Coast of California while taking in spectacular views of beaches and cliffs, and picturesque towns like Cambria and San Simeon. An on-board tour guide provides information during the ride. Meals and drinks are available on-board and the train offers spacious seating, with tables and bathroom facilities.
Upon arrival, children can explore the enormous castle and play in the beautifully tended gardens. A castle tour, lunch and a nearby overnight hotel stay is included in the cost. Hearst Castle is the final destination and children will leave with a souvenir book of their visit.
Kay Holidays
1141 Bont Lane
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
800-783-0783
keyholidays.com
For a longer vacation, Amtrak offers a 10-day rail vacation from Chicago to Santa Fe, onto the Grand Canyon and ending in Sedona, Arizona. The train, called the Southwest Chief, offers spacious seating, with tables and bathroom facilities. The vacation can be customized to fit children's needs; they may choose their own activities in each city they visit and what kind of seating and sleeping accommodations they require on the train. Menus include children's options.
Stops in each city include an overnight stay at a hotel (unless traveling overnight in sleeper cars), meals, tours, and transfers. Tours of Chicago, Santa Fe, the Grand Canyon, and the famous Sedona Red Rocks will make this a memorable trip for any child.
Amtrak Vacations
800-268-7252
amtrackvacations.com
Another 10-day trip for kids begins in Washington, DC. Everything kids learn in civics class can be seen firsthand, from the White House, to Capitol Hill to a trip to the Smithsonian. Families can then board the train that features large tables, bathroom facilities, and dining options suitable for children. Passengers arrive in Williamsburg for two days to discover the history of the American Revolution, including actor-portrayed reenactments in full costume.
Next is Charleston, South Carolina, where families can tour the historical city with its cobbled streets and beautiful homes for two days. A scenic train ride stops in another historic town -- Savannah, Georgia. Kids will spend another two days and nights here, touring this city famous for its historical downtown area, magnificent architecture and gift and toy shops.
The last stop is to America's oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida. Included is a tour and overnight hotel stay. Children can explore the historic downtown area before heading to the beach.
Amtrak Vacations
800-268-7252
amtrackvacations.com
