Of interest to parents

Resources for your kids

Books, videos and games

Have a suggestion of something to add?  Contact NARP!

Thomas the Tank Engine: Everyone’s favorite train!  Includes online games you can play and a list of museum and tourist railroads that Thomas is visiting.

Trakkies: For Kids Who Love Trains: British website for railfans around the world!

American Association of Railroads’ RailFanClub: “RailFanClub celebrates the love of trains by teaching others about the freight railroad industry in North America. RailFanClub’s mission is to inspire, invigorate, and inform.”

Railroad Connections: An interactive game from the National Park Service that explores connections between railroads and America’s National Parks.

Amtrak Store “Toys, Gifts and Fun” Items: novelties for sale on Amtrak’s website.

Operation Lifesaver for Kids: Featuring the Coloring Pages starring Sly Fox and Birdie, and other fun activities!

WMATA Kids Zone: fun games, trivia, and activities from the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

Riding the Rails in North Carolina: a special kids section on the North Carolina Department of Transportation website.

Teen Association of Model Railroaders: organization focused on developing model railroading as a hobby amongst youth.

All About Railroading, by William Vantuono: Bill is the editor of Railway Age magazine and has written an excellent “Railroading 101” publication.

Children’s Books at RAILBookStore.com and Children’s and Related Videos at RRVideos.com

ems and a list of museum and tourist railroads that Thomas is visiting.

Railway Children: The Railway Children helps runaway and abandoned children who live in and around the world’s railway stations.

“Amtrak excels at traveling with the kids”: an article by Gilbert Nicholson detailing a wonderful trip he and his family took on Amtrak’s Crescent from Birmingham to Philadelphia.

Tips for traveling with children on Amtrak: By Louise Capon, wife of NARP Executive Director Ross B. Capon (And mother of three!)

Metro-North Railroad’s Metro-Man: Story about an educational tool for teaching children about railroad safety.

TrainParty.com: all the resources you need to throw a great birthday party for the train lover in your family!

High School and college students may be interested in the following:

The American Public Transportation Foundation (APTF) was established in 1987 to support young professionals pursuing a career in public transportation in order to sustain growth and improvement in the industry.  The APTF’s mission of sustaining and growing a talented, dedicated and diverse workforce is more critical to our industry’s success than ever before.  To date, the APTF has awarded more than 130 scholarships, successfully retaining more than 56% of awardees in various positions throughout the industry.

Student Advantage: program that offers high school and college students discounts on many goods and services, including a 15% discount on Amtrak.  The Student Advantage discount is also good on Amtrak Express shipments, the best way to send your stuff to school!

International Student Travel Confederation: ISTC’s mission is to, “Increas(e) international understanding through the promotion of travel and exchange opportunities among students, young people and the academic community” and offers a 10% discount on Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada travel.

Teen Association of Model Railroaders: organization focused on developing model railroading as a hobby amongst youth.

Adventures of a College Freshman: The First Weekend Home: an excellent newspaper column from college student Leticia Cheng recounting her first experience traveling home on Amtrak!

All About Railroading, by William Vantuono: Bill is the editor of Railway Age magazine and has written an excellent “Railroading 101” publication.