The National Museum of Transportation

The National Museum of Transportation is a large campus where families move between historic trains, cars, aircraft, boats and transit vehicles. The museum says its rail and transit collection includes more than 190 major exhibits. Children who are fascinated by machines get the rare chance to compare vehicles at full scale instead of looking only at small models.

Two paid extras shape a family visit. The Major Lee Berra Creation Station is a self-directed transportation play area for children 5 and under. Sessions last 40 minutes, cost $3 per person and are sold first-come, first-served.

The whole party must be present when tickets are purchased. The miniature train is open to all ages and takes riders on a seven-minute trip. A $7 wristband covers unlimited rides for the day, while regular museum admission is still required.

Historic trolley rides are included with admission when the trolley is operating.

The museum reports that most visitors stay 2 to 4 hours. That is a useful range because the campus is large and mostly outdoors. Current spring and summer admission is $16 for adults and $8 for children ages 2 to 12.

Free parking is available in fenced lots. Families can buy lunch and snacks at Barrett's Landing Café, which lists several child-friendly choices. Personal food is also allowed at outdoor picnic tables.

Weather matters here. The miniature train and trolley operate only when weather and mechanical conditions allow, and the museum tells visitors to call its weather hotline during bad conditions. Hours also change by season.

The current schedule has the museum open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM through September 7, 2026; fall hours begin September 8. Check the dated official calendar even if you have visited before.

Families with toddlers should arrive near opening if Creation Station is the main goal. Older children may prefer the full-size locomotives, the first F/A-18 E1 Super Hornet and the walkable deck of the H.T. Pott tugboat. A general stroller policy and nursing or changing facilities were not confirmed, so call before visiting if those details will determine whether the outing works.