The Arizona Railway Museum in Chandler is the perfect, affordable outing for train lovers of all ages! Located almost next door to Tumbleweed Park, this museum is packed full of information and hands on experiences all about the trains of Arizona and the southwest. Our whole family visited on a whim one Saturday afternoon. We spent almost 2 hours exploring the train cars, and browsing the indoor displays!
Admission tickets can be purchased at the beginning of the museum, and there’s also a nice collection of train related items in a modest gift shop. Everything from models to toys to T-shirt’s are available. This is definitely a great place to browse for train lovers. Restrooms are also located here.
The indoor train displays are fascinating! Everything from commercial to recreational train travel history in Arizona is covered. Lots of old photos and maps bring this era to life. There are a few hands on displays that kids will love too, so be sure to wander. Also, the employees are full of knowledge so ask away – they love all questions.
Once you tour the indoor museum, head outside for the next level of fun – the train yard! Our kids loved this part! There are several trains that are open to tour (and it changes every month or so; certain trains are also only open during specific events. See their website for details.) Train types range from steam engines to luxury travel cars. It’s a very impressive collection.
Train travel is not as popular as it was 100 years ago, and this museum offers a fascinating look back at a time in history which is not often talked about. Adults will love all the plaques with information, and children will love the chance to climb in the drivers seat, or wonder what it would be like to sleep and eat on a moving train across the country.
The Arizona Railway Museum in Chandler is only open Saturdays and Sundays, 12-4pm, September to May. Tickets are $5/adult, $2/children (under 2 is free) with a flat fee of $15/family. Note that while the museum is stroller friendly, the outdoor gravel is chunky and may be hard to navigate with wheels.
February 29, 2020 is Arizona Railroad Day! This will be the 7th annual ARM public open house event. Open hours will be 9am to 4pm. This is an “everything open” kind of event in February to take advantage of our cooler weather and winter visitors.
Arizona Railway Museum
330 E. Ryan Road
Chandler, AZ 85286
480-281-1108
http://www.azrymuseum.org
While you’re in Chandler, check out this list of other great things to do with the family!
