We want everyone to have a good time at the Expo, especially the kids! As the future of our hobby we want to see them engaged and having fun! We're certain the activities we have planned out will do just that!
Sponsors of our Kids and Families Activities.
Making Trains Fun
First we have to give mention to Making Trains Fun. Their passion and devotion to getting kids engaged and active in the hobby is just amazing! They will be doing four kids clinics this year. Please note although the kids clinics are free they are on a first come first serve basis. Please get here early to register with them to participate.
Read more about Making Trains Fun from GR News HERE
Youth Clinics (Making Trains Fun)
The youth clinics put on by Making Trains Fun are for children between the ages of 7 and 16. The children will be given a USA Trains flat car to build a load for the Train clinic. For the building clinic, the children will be given a wood building made out of cedar to paint and create a diorama. Once the children complete the flat car, they can take them over to the Lakeshore Garden Railway Clubs modular layout to have their flatcar run on the track. The children can take both the flat car and/or building home with them.
A parent or adult family member is required to remain with each child while they are working on the flatcar or building and selecting items to be used.
There is no cost for the children to participate, but a donation to Making Trains Fun is appreciated to help support future youth clinics.
The goal of Making Trains Fun is for the children and their parent or adult family member to have a fun experience via an activity they can enjoy together. The youth can learn about railroading and build new skills and confidence with G-scale trains while applying their imagination and creativity.
The children can sign up for a clinic upon coming to the show where they will be given a wrist band for the clinic. The clinics are on a first come, first serve basis until the clinics are filled. There will be 40 flat cars and 20 buildings available for the clinics.
Jr. Engineer Training (Sponsored by Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad)
Kids get the chance to step into the engineer’s seat and learn how to operate a real G‑scale locomotive. With guidance from the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad team, young railroaders will practice throttle control, direction changes, smooth stops, and safe operation—just like the pros who run the trains through the Cuyahoga Valley.
After completing their training run, each participant will proudly receive an official Jr. Engineer Certificate.
Railyard Switching Puzzle (Sponsored by Large Scale Live)
Think you’ve got what it takes to run a busy freight yard? Step up to the Railyard Switching Puzzle and put your skills to the test. Kids and adults will use real G‑scale trains to shuffle freight cars from track to track, solving a series of switching moves to get every car to its proper destination. It’s part logic puzzle, part railroad operations, and all fun.
Work the yard like a true railroader, complete the challenge, and you’ll earn your very own Jr. Switchman Certificate
Railroad Learning Zone (Sponsored by Mahoning Valley Railroad Heritage Association)
In the Railroad Learning Zone, kids and adults can explore the fascinating tools and technology that kept America’s railroads running.
Try your hand at sending real Morse Code, discover how a telegraph actually works, and learn the secrets behind how railroad crews communicated across miles of track!
Trackside Seek & Find (Sponsored by Warren’s Trains)
Travel to each one of the many operating layouts on our Trackside Seek & Find scavenger hunt! Each stop along the way has objects waiting to be discovered.
It’s part scavenger hunt, part railroading fun, and all about exploring, engaging, and enjoying the journey. Perfect for kids, families, and train lovers of every age. Complete the full route to earn a prize!
Whistle Stop Word Quest (Sponsored by Warren’s Trains)
All young conductors and families are invited to join the Word Hunt at this year’s expo. Each vendor has a hidden train related secret word waiting to be discovered.
It’s a fun way to explore the show, meet vendors, and learn new railroad words along the way.
Turn in your finished sheet and you’ll earn a prize for completing your route.
All Aboard Selfie Station (Sponsored by Warren’s Trains)
Capture a memory from your day at the Great Lakes Train Expo with our All Aboard Selfie Station. Families can step into the scene, grab some fun railroad themed props, and strike a pose for the perfect train tastic photo.