Going to the Houston Zoo anytime soon? Don’t forget about all the fun family things to do just right next door at Houston’s Hermann Park. I remember the train being right next to the zoo when I was little although we never rode it. On our last visit to the zoo Grandma, Row, and I decided to take it for a run. Hermann Park is directly next to the zoo and has a pond complete with ducks and fish. There are also benches which are great for picnics after the zoo. Train tickets must be purchased inside the store adjacent to the main stop and cost $3.25. As stated by the park’s information page- The new train is a scale replica of the famous 19th century C. P. Huntington 4-2-4T steam locomotive. Pretty cool!
The conductors were retirees who were absolutely wonderful. In fact, they even offered to take group pictures. This was Row’s first official train ride. She absolutely adored it and literally clapped the whole ride. The train ride itself leaves the station and takes a tour of Hermann Park. It was roughly fifteen minutes-not too shabby! We went through the park and saw children playing on the playgrounds. There was a small rose garden we passed right through. A tunnel which lit up with black light. The entire tunnel had been painted with whimsical creatures! We made three different stops along the way in which passengers could get off and on. I have been told by a train loving friend that if you park at the first stop you can get on without a ticket. You must however de-board with everyone else at the main station. Honestly though it’s not a very long walk to the first stop.
We had a blast…we shouted all aboard!!!!!! We even got a sticker at the end. Oh and did I mention stroller parking too! It’s great to ride during the heat. Oh and did you know you can get paddle boats to take on the pond-maybe next time!
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