Amtrak Kids 'n' Trains Packages

The Perfect Family Travel Experience by Rail

This program is designed to make multi-day rail journeys stress-free and highly engaging for children. Instead of being confined to car seats on a long highway trip, kids can walk around, play games at tables in the Lounge Car, and enjoy scenic views of the American landscape.

Kids 'n' Trains packages are available on major scenic routes across the United States, including the Empire Builder, California Zephyr, and Southwest Chief, providing families with a memorable, educational journey.

Package Eligibility & Features

To qualify for a Kids 'n' Trains package, the travel group must include at least one adult and one child aged 2-12. The package must be booked as a unified itinerary, combining passenger tickets and participating route features.

The package includes several key perks designed for children: 50% discount on child rail fares (which stacks with package savings), complimentary kids' meals in the Dining Car for sleeper class passengers, educational route guides highlighting historic landmarks, and priority boarding at major stations.

These packages are particularly popular during school holiday breaks, spring break, and summer vacation periods. Because family compartments are highly limited, booking 60 to 90 days in advance is strongly recommended.

How to Book Kids 'n' Trains Packages

Kids 'n' Trains packages can be customized using our search form above. Simply enter your family group size, travel dates, and destination. The system will search for participating trains and display eligible family rates.

Because family travel requires coordinating adjacent seats or specific lower-level compartments, booking through our dedicated family travel desk is highly recommended. We make sure your seats are grouped together and handle any special dietary requests for the dining car.

Call us to customize your package with hotel partnerships, national park tours, or car rental additions at your destination.

Accommodation & Route Rules

Accommodation Eligibility: Packages can be booked in Coach class or upgraded to private sleeper cabins. For families, the **Superliner Family Bedroom** (which sleeps 2 adults and 2 children on the lower level) or adjoining standard Bedrooms (forming a Bedroom Suite) are the ultimate choice.

Route Availability: Kids 'n' Trains packages are valid on all long-distance Superliner routes operating in the West and Midwest, as well as select eastern corridors. They are not available on commuter-heavy weekday Acela express lines.

Planning and Packing Advice: When preparing for a family train package, we recommend packing small board games, tablet devices with downloaded movies (cell service can be spotty in rural areas), headphones, and comfortable slip-on shoes for moving around the train cars.

Family Package Suggested 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1-2: Chicago to Flagstaff. Board the Southwest Chief in Chicago. Kids enjoy custom travel guides and coloring books while passing through Illinois, Iowa, and the Kansas plains. Sleep comfortably in a private Family Bedroom.

Day 3-5: Grand Canyon Adventure. Arrive in Flagstaff and connect to Williams, AZ. Board the Grand Canyon Railway for a steam-powered canyon tour, complete with western cowboy entertainment. Spend two nights at a partner resort before returning.

Common Family Package Pitfalls

Sleeper Availability: Waiting too long to book sleeper compartments is a common mistake. Since Superliner cars only contain one Family Bedroom, these cabins sell out months in advance during summer and Christmas travel seasons.

Child Age Verification: Always double check that your child's age is entered accurately. If a child turns 13 during the trip, the system may void the child portion of the package, requiring a fare adjustment.

Why Book Your Amtrak Tickets via AmmTrain?

We are a dedicated travel support desk helping thousands of passengers manage their rail itineraries every month. We monitor active discounts, cross-verify promo codes against real-time availability, and coordinate group, sleeper class, or ADA boarding requirements without extra hassle. When booking through us, you get direct human support, priority modifications, and assistance navigating complex travel terms.