Traveling by train with the family is fun and affordable — and will create lasting memories.
Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teenagers, every parent knows that travel is work. The packing, planning and unscheduled bathroom stops are part of family treks, but we do it because we want the memories — and it beats never leaving the house. I vaguely remember the road trips from my childhood, but the two-day train trip with my grandmother up the coast is permanently etched into my memory. Trains elevate travel and invoke nostalgia; kids will remember the journey just as much as the destination. Plus, train travel has perks that all members of the family can appreciate.
Traveling by train is a greener way to get around and can be a great way to get kids involved with the planning. Amtrak Cascades has stops spanning from Eugene to Vancouver, British Columbia, which lends itself to exploratory day trips or more extensive stays. Train rides have an air of relaxation. Skip waiting at the gate, and avoid rest stops altogether with bathrooms and a dining car. Kids getting antsy? No problem! Let them stretch their legs and get the wiggles out. As parents, we can explore and relax alongside our kids rather than parenting from the front seat.
In 2026, Amtrak Cascades will have all brand-new cars, but whether you ride now or next year, here are some things to know to make the most of your trip. You can purchase tickets up to 364 days in advance, and the further out you book the cheaper your tickets will be. An adult fare from Portland to Seattle, for example, starts at $27 per person. You’ll have the best luck planning ahead for the busy summer months, but you can usually find a decent rate for a spontaneous trip, so always check!
For trips within Oregon and to Canada, fares for kids ages 2 through 12 are discounted 50%. Pro tip: For any rides within Washington, everyone 18 and under is free! If you’re traveling from Portland to anywhere in Washington, this adds a quick and easy extra step by calling 1-800-USA Rail to book your trip. They’ll help purchase your tickets from Portland to Vancouver for a small cost and then reserve the rest of your trip within Washington free of charge for the kids. If you aren’t crossing state lines, you can easily book your reservation on online or through the Amtrak Mobile app.
There aren’t assigned seats on the train, but a conductor will always help to make sure your family is seated together. You might be sitting two by two, or you may be lucky enough to snag a table. You can move throughout the cars and head down to the dining car to eat, grab a glass of wine or gather around a table to play Uno.
Train travel is fun, convenient and adds a little bit of whimsy to your trip. Here are some of our favorite places in the Pacific Northwest to visit by train.
Salem
Spend an hour on the train as you make your way from the train station to downtown and spend the day exploring the history, architecture and charisma of Oregon’s capital!
If you stay longer than a day, consider staying at the Grand Hotel or Holman Hotel, both downtown and only a mile from the train station. Soak up the cherry blossoms in the spring or head to Riverfront Park for walking trails and places to play along the Willamette and cross the pedestrian bridge to Minto-Brown Island Park (pictured above). You truly can’t miss the iconic Riverfront Carousel, rich with Oregon history or Gilbert House Children’s Museum for hands-on learning (pictured below).
If you want to infuse culture and history into your itinerary, stop by Hallie Ford Museum of Art or World Beat Gallery with its rotating global exhibitions and hands-on activities celebrating diversity. Explore the murals and installations sprinkled throughout downtown or take a self-guided historic walking tour.
Hungry or craving a sweet treat? Check out fresh food at the Saturday Market, or try local favorites Nekia Kitchen, Archive Coffee or Cozy Taberna!
Albany
Head a little farther south and spend the day in Albany, a historic and charming gem full of family fun. The trip takes a little less than two hours, and you can walk the half mile to downtown to spend the day or rent a historic home for a longer trip.
Take a self-guided walking tour to explore Albany’s historic charm through their very cool app, Albany Explorer or do some shopping in their eclectic shops. If you love history and want to introduce your kids to the oldest and most accurately restored pioneer-era home in Oregon, the Monteith House is must-see.
Albany also boasts a Historic Carousel and Museum (pictured above) complete with hand-carved animals and games to play, meaning you won’t be able to ride it just once. Albany Regional Museum is a treat for everyone in the family with its interactive exhibits and intriguing local history.
Visiting in the summertime? Head to Monteith Riverpark to run around and play in the splash pads or enjoy a picnic and concerts in the park during July and August. Pack a swimsuit and hit the water slides at the Cool! Pool (pictured above) and stop by Hasty Freez for a tasty treat.
If you have puzzle solvers in the family, try a family-friendly escape room designed for all ability levels at Enigma, and if you want affordable and delicious food, stop in at Brick and Mortar or indulge in a sweet treat at Natural Sprinkles Co.
Tacoma
South of Seattle and a truly special place, a 2 ½-hour train ride will land you in Tacoma, Washington. Tacoma’s Light Rail is connected to the train station and makes checking out the sights and culture impossibly easy.
A great start to the day is Tacoma’s rich museum district. Head to LeMay’s Car Museum that will impress even the most skeptical car enthusiasts. Want to see exquisite art and live glass blowing? Watch your kids marvel at the Museum of Glass (pictured above) and Chihuly Bridge of Glass. Explore Washington’s incredible past and present at Washington State History Museum, which will soon be hosting the exhibit This is Native Land. Spark imagination and expend some energy at the donation-only Children’s Museum of Tacoma.
Make sure to go to the Stadium District and check out the iconic school made famous in the movie 10 Things I Hate About You and devour a burger and milkshake at Shake Shake Shake. Head to Wright Park for 27 acres of trees, playgrounds and spraygrounds and soak up tropical vibes in W.W. Seymour Botanical Park.
Visit the largest used bookstore in Washington at Tacoma Book Center and unleash your quirky creativity at Tinkertopia. If you love good food and plenty of international options, Tacoma is a haven. You’ve really got to try the incredible ramen at Moshi Ramen Bar or Zeeks Pizza near Union Station.
It takes a little more effort to get there, but a true family favorite is a walk along the waterfront looking for seals on Ruston Way or taking in the unmatched beauty of Point Defiance Park.
Bellingham
A longer trip that will require an overnight stay, Bellingham is worth the six-hour trek! Home to Western Washington University, Bellingham has an outdoorsy and cozy vibe that will make you want to stay indefinitely.
Fairhaven Village Inn is walking distance from the train station, or you can hop downtown by bus to Hotel Leo. Check out Sun-E-Land Bikes for rentals to ride along the Southbay Trail.
See Bellingham by water on a boat tour or you can explore by kayak. Take a walk through Fairhaven Village and indulge at Village Books or Evolve Chocolate.
Play along the water at Boulevard Park (pictured above) and check out the play structures and slides dotted throughout the area. Want museums that your kids are guaranteed to love? SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention (pictured below) will leave your kids raving about the lightning cage. The Whatcom Museum houses a children’s play area and gorgeous Native American exhibits — you won’t want to miss any of them!
Try any of the fantastic breweries and play mini golf with your kids while you eat at Flatstick Pub. Explore the town and local art, soak in the scenery and have an experience your whole family will always remember.
Want more ideas for weekend fu? Check out all of our family fun ideas here or our ultimate Portland bucket list (there’s 101 activities!)