Do Adults and children like trains enough that they would pay a fee to ride a small one in a park setting?

Question

When I was a kid in the mid to late 70's, there were many midwestern municipal parks that had small railroads in them. In some cases they were free or charged a nominal fee. Both Children and adults could ride inside the cars and travel on simple loops of track or sometimes through more complicated scenery. Many of these amusement rides have since been abandoned due to insurance or operating costs and the trains themselves are collectors items.
It was a relatively simple form of entertainment that I imagine grew out of America's fascination with the real railroads especially since many of our parents had traveled the rails when they were younger. The great part was that both Children and their parents or grandparents could participate together.

Do you believe this entertainment situation could still work today? Or, have we all grown so busy that no one would be interested?

Answer 1

One of our local parks has a train that runs through it. Cost is $1.00 per person over the age of 2. It does so well that it was renovated a few years ago.

Answer 2

Yes I do believe it would still work today. I know in the summer, we travel far to just ride a train. Doesn't matter how much it cost, we do it. We love it and hate it when the ride is over. We have rode Thomas the Train many times and other trains. It would be nice to have something like that, if the parks could afford it, or would want to take the time to do something like this. There are train rides at the Zoo, amusement parks, and other places. But you have to pay a substantial amount or wait in line for a long time. But I think in the end, it brings enjoyment to people and also some history.

Answer 3

Many amusement parks still have little trains that run through them. Usually the cost to ride them is included in the park admission. Perhaps if you can build some things around the train set up, then charge admission for admittance into the whole thing. Even if you had some farm type animals and a petting zoo as an added feature. Families love that sort of thing. Be sure to include picnic areas and the like. Sounds fun.

Answer 4

There is still a train that runs around the Tulsa Zoo in Oklahoma. I have rode on that train every time that I visit that zoo. I love riding on that little train. You can either ride it half way around the park (zoo) or round trip. It is for a small fee of course, depends on if you go half way or round trip as to how much you pay. It goes by all the animals that they have there and threw a tunnel. I really think it is very neat. The very old and the very young all love riding on this train.Oh and the train ride fee is separate from the admission to the park.

Answer 5

Yes, and it does work many places. But I can't imagine you can earn any money - it's all about grown ups sharing their hobby running a model railway and spending their freetime.

Answer 6

ohh yes....trains can be passion for people. for kids they might just be fun. but there are people , my friends actually, who keep are passionate about railway engines.

i think locomotives are greatest human invention for transport, second only to airplance, if ever.

Answer 7

I am in Arizona and we have several parks that do this, so YES!

Answer 8

if the liability issues can be resolved, yes.