Train Travel with Kids: Single Mama Tricks & Tips

Aiden at the Denver Union Station showing off the Amtrak train he built himself. Some Amtrak trips offer special activities for kids such as this adorable build-your-own mini Amtrak engine.

My son LOVES the train. And really, what kid doesn't? If you've yet to experience train travel with or without your kiddos, I encourage you to give it a try! And to make your next train adventure as enjoyable as possible, here are a few super-mama hacks.

Money Saving Hack #1: Get comfy in coach

When my son and I first started our train travel adventures, I was convinced sleeper cars (first class) was the only way to go. Given that on our first trip he was only 3, and I was not yet navigating the single-mom financial tightness, a First Class Roomette was totally doable.  However, now that I must look to cut costs and my boy is a bit more travel savvy, I've learned that coach class is definitely the way to go... for us.

With savings ranging from $200 - $800 a ticket, traveling coach is a great way to save money on long-distance travel.

To make the coach experience the best it can be, I've learned to bring a few essentials to get super comfy during our super affordable trip:

This queen fitted sheet allows for us to get super cozy in coach. It stuffs tightly into our backpack and gives me the peace of mind while we snuggle up for overnight trips on Amtrak and save loads of money by passing on a Sleeper Car.

Bring a Fitted Sheet
Feel relaxed, cozy, and clean by packing a fitted sheet. I brought a queen fitted sheet and it wrapped comfortably around both seats, allowing us to snuggle up in our lounge chairs without worrying about who or what had been in them before us.

Pack a Blanket and Pillow(s) -- if Space Allows
Based on the dozen plus trains we've been on, it's hard to predict what the temperature on the train car will be... I've even noticed that the temperature varies from one car to the next. So pack (and dress) accordingly.

Dress in Layers
See note above.

Sights, Smells, and Sounds
In coach, you'll be sharing the car with 20+ other travelers, with a host of different smells, lights, and sounds. Take charge of your own little section by bringing sleep masks, essential oils (or other non-offensive smell-goods), and headphones/ear plugs. You can thank me later.

Money Saving Hack #2: Pack a Picnic, Train Style

While nearly all Amtrak trains feature dining cars, or at least sell food in some form, we've always brought along our own drinks and snacks to save money and ensure we have what we need.

Here are some of the essential "meals"/snacks I always bring:

• sandwich rounds (like bread - only it doesn't matter if it gets squished) + nut butter + jelly (of course)
• healthy-ish trail mix (that little bit of sweet keeps it exciting for Aiden after days of relying on this for our main snack)
• tangerines
• beef jerky
• caramel rice cakes (SUPER tasty with nut butter smeared on top)
• fruit leathers
• veggie chips
• healthy snack bars for breakfast
• tuna snack kits (even though they're smelly and perhaps not the kindest thing to bring on a train trip, I appreciate the protein punch and break from beef jerky & pbj)

With plenty of luggage space on the trains, I've found that I'm only limited based on what I'm able to carry.  Unlike airline travel these days, train travel does not charge for luggage... yet another reason to give trains a try.

Money Saving Hack #3: Amtrak Guest Rewards

We've already had numerous FREE train travel tickets, thanks to the Amtrak Guest Rewards program. Aiden has his own account so he accumulates points as well. When you're taking as many long distance trips as we do, the points add up fast and can be redeemed for upgrades, free tickets, and so much more. Check it out at ​https://www.amtrak.com/guestrewards/home

Hack #4: Make new friends while enjoying the view

One of the many reasons I love train travel, is the opportunity it provides to meet new people. 

Many trains, especially all the double-decker trains traveling long distances west of Chicago, feature observation cars. Aiden and I have made some great friends in these observation cars.  In fact, our train buddies have become our regular pen pals!  Aiden has benefitted from the writing and communication experience, plus we now have new friends all over the country :)
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Even though we pack most of our own food (see above), we always dine in the dining car for at least one meal. Any party less than 4 people will be sharing the breakfast/lunch/dinner table with strangers, making a great opportunity to meet new folks.

Making new friends of all ages in the lounge car. Now we have a new friend who lives in Philadelphia!

Main takeaway... try the train!

If I haven't convinced you, try it for yourself. With the right attitude, train travel may become your new favorite way to travel!

One of the most scenic trips by Amtrak is through the Colorado Rockies, between Denver and Grand Junction. The observation car is a great way to take in the breathtaking sights.