Europe’s Most Fun Railway Museums and Rides for Kids

Europe’s railways aren’t just for getting from A to B—they’re gateways to adventure, history, and hands-on fun for kids.

From chocolate-themed trains to interactive museums with playable locomotives, here are the continent’s most exciting rail experiences designed to spark joy in young travelers.

1. German Railway Museum (Nuremberg, Germany)

Step into the DB Museum in Nuremberg, where history comes alive for train-loving kids.

This museum houses over 160 historical locomotives, including a replica of Germany’s first train, the Adler. Children can climb into vintage carriages, operate miniature train sets, and even dress up as conductors in the play area.

Don’t miss the KIBALA (Kids’ Railway Land), a hands-on exhibit where little ones can “drive” a toy train through a miniature landscape.

The outdoor area features a real steam train that runs on weekends (April–October), complete with a whimsical station café serving Brezeln (pretzels).

Address: Lessingstraße 6, 90443 Nürnberg. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 9 AM–5 PM.

2. The Chocolate Train (Montreux, Switzerland)

Switzerland’s Chocolate Train is a sweet dream come true.

This vintage Belle Époque train departs Montreux and winds through the Alps to the Cailler Chocolate Factory in Broc.

Kids receive a chocolate bar upon boarding and watch cows graze in meadows through panoramic windows.

At the factory, families tour the production line and dip their own treats in a chocolate fountain. The return journey includes a stop at Gruyères, where kids can meet cheesemakers and pet calves.

Book early—this ride sells out faster than a melted truffle.
Departure Point: Montreux Station, Av. des Alpes 10, 1820 Montreux. Runs May–October.

3. North Yorkshire Moors Railway (England, UK)

All aboard the Hogwarts Express! Well, almost. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a real-life steam train journey through landscapes that inspired Harry Potter.

The 24-mile route from Pickering to Whitby passes heather-covered moors and Goathland Station, which starred as Hogsmeade Station in the films.

Kids receive a Junior Engineer activity pack with a whistle and badge.

In summer, themed “Mystery on the Moors” events let families solve puzzles while riding. Wrap up with fish and chips in Whitby, a seaside town famous for its Dracula connections.

Departure Point: Park Street, Pickering, YO18 7AJ. Open daily March–November.

4. Miniature Wonderland (Hamburg, Germany)

The world’s largest model railway, Miniatur Wunderland, is a mesmerizing universe in miniature.

Nine miles of track wind through tiny airports, erupting volcanoes, and a Swiss Alps section with 300 moving trains. Kids press buttons to control race cars, helicopters, and even a UFO!

The Knuffingen Airport is a hit—watch planes “take off” via projection screens. Book a Behind the Scenes Tour to see how 1,000 technicians keep this marvel running.

Avoid weekends; weekdays are quieter for little explorers.

Address: Kehrwieder 2-4, 20457 Hamburg. Open daily 9:30 AM–6 PM.

5. Train World (Brussels, Belgium)

Train World in Brussels combines history with high-tech fun.

The museum’s star is the oldest surviving steam locomotive in Europe, but kids gravitate to the Signal Box Simulator, where they can play “station master” and control virtual trains.

The Children’s Trail includes a scavenger hunt for hidden railway mice. Outside, a vintage postal train hosts storytelling sessions. Cap the visit with a ride on Belgium’s iconic IC trains—many have family cars with play areas.

Address: Place Princesse Elisabeth 5, 1030 Bruxelles. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.

6. The Railway Museum (Utrecht, Netherlands)

Utrecht’s Spoorwegmuseum isn’t just a museum—it’s a theme park for train fans. Ride the Steel Monster, a roller coaster simulating a 19th-century mine train, or hop on the Oriental Express exhibit, where actors reenact Agatha Christie-style mysteries.

The Junior Factory lets kids build their own trains using foam blocks. Don’t miss the Fire Show, where a 19th-century locomotive “explodes” with (safe) pyrotechnics. The onsite café serves poffertjes (mini pancakes) for a sugar boost.

Address: Maliebaanstation 16, 3581 XW Utrecht. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:30 AM–5 PM.

7. La Vallée des Trains (France)

Tucked in the French Alps, La Vallée des Trains is a paradise for model train enthusiasts.

Over 1,000 meters of track weave through miniature villages, forests, and a carnival with moving Ferris wheels. Kids control trains via touchscreens and watch as tiny firefighters “rescue” a burning building.

The outdoor garden has a ride-on steam train, while the indoor play area features Lego train sets. Visit in December when the display transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights.

Address: 2475 Route de la Cascade, 73480 Aussois. Open daily July–August; weekends only September–June.

8. Slovenian Railway Museum (Ljubljana, Slovenia)

Housed in a 19th-century engine shed, Slovenia’s Železniški muzej lets kids get hands-on with history.

They can ring the bell of a 1920s steam locomotive, operate a handcar, or explore a restored royal carriage used by Yugoslav kings.

The Train Driver for a Day workshop (ages 6–12) teaches signaling basics using a model railway. Outside, the Mini-Train Park offers rides on a narrow-gauge track. Pair your visit with Ljubljana’s dragon-themed city train tour.

Address: Parmova ulica 35, 1000 Ljubljana. Open Wednesday–Sunday, 10 AM–6 PM.

9. The Railway Park (Athens, Greece)

Athens’ Railway Park is a hidden gem with retired trains kids can climb, touch, and pretend to drive. The open-air museum includes a 1950s dining car serving ice cream and a steam engine with a working whistle.

The Lego Railway Corner lets budding engineers construct tracks and bridges. Visit on Sundays for storytelling sessions inside a vintage sleeper car.

Nearby, the Athens Metro (with ancient artifacts displayed in stations) makes for an educational extension.

Address: Siokou 4, Athina 104 39. Open daily 8 AM–3 PM.

10. Museu del Ferrocarril de Catalunya (Spain)

Barcelona’s railway museum, set in a former depot, wows kids with its Simulator Cabin, where they can “drive” a high-speed Talgo train. The outdoor area has a mini-railway and a 1929 steam engine to explore.

Time your visit for the Family Sundays program, with puppet shows and railway-themed crafts. The museum also hosts night tours with flashlight adventures through old freight cars.

Address: Plaça d’Eduard Maristany, 7, 08800 Vilanova i la Geltrú. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:30 AM–2:30 PM.

Final Tip: Maximize the Magic

Many museums offer family tickets (save 20–30%) or free entry for under-6s. Pack a mini-conductor’s hat for photo ops, and check websites for seasonal events like Christmas train displays.

Europe’s railways aren’t just journeys—they’re destinations where imagination chugs full steam ahead.