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

I think parents/grandparents/childcare providers are always looking for a new and interesting way to teach and entertain children.. I like that idea because I too remember what you are talking about. Perhaps an old time railroad man could talk about the history of the rail road before or during the ride. I would check into the liability insurance in that type of operation,it could be cost prohibitive. But I like that idea,good clean,interesting fun. Good luck

Answer 2

Kids still like them. They like it when its like a mini rollercoaster for them. Small children (2-6) don't like it when they go to an amusement park with an older sibling (11 and up) and ask their brothe/sister to ride with them on a roller coaster when they only come to find that their brother says that their too babyish for the ride. you can have a ride suitable enough for small children to be proud that they are going to ride on their own Looney Tunes roller coaster.
-Back to the train thing- most people nowadays would ride a train just to cool down and look at the views and scenery. I do believe railroads would still be appealing to people of all ages whether for enjoyment, relaxation, or for someone romantic.
HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!!!!!!

Answer 3

Many still like them enough. Our California State Railroad Museum runs one of the old steam trains up and down the Sacramento River, and it's a very popular attraction in the non-Winter months.

Answer 4

If you make them cute enough to intrest young train-loving customers, I say go for it! I would at least if I had eonugh. Put it in a big park where most kids hang.

Answer 5

There are two that we go to often. My son is 2 and loves anything to do with trains. (I am ready to start a Thomas the Tank engine support group...).
Here are some resources for you:

Answer 6

YES!!! There is one in Hayward, CA. My son and I used to go every weekend when he was a toddler! I loved it as well, don't know why. But he loved pumping his arm and yelling, "Toot, toot!!"