Trains at the Tracks Returns to Hershey Oct. 17–18

I have learned that there are two kinds of children: the ones who like trains and the ones who become temporarily unable to hear you because there is a train nearby.

Hershey History Center is leaning all the way into the second group October 17 and 18 with the return of Trains at the Tracks.

Now in its sixth year, the two-day event combines elaborate model train layouts with the kind of extras that make it an actual family outing rather than six hours of following your smallest train enthusiast around while pretending you understand what they're pointing at. There will be hands-on kids' activities, live entertainment, rail safety exhibits, food trucks and plenty of trains to inspect from every possible angle.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Hershey History Center

More than just watching the trains go by

Families will be able to explore a variety of unique model train layouts throughout the weekend, but this isn't just a look-don't-touch kind of train show.

Trains at the Tracks is designed with families in mind, with hands-on children's activities alongside the model railroad displays, plus live entertainment and rail safety education.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Hershey History Center

The whole event gets a fall harvest spin, and local food trucks will be on-site both days with food and autumn treats available for purchase.

The layouts are part of the fun

Part of the appeal here is simply seeing how much can fit into a tiny railroad world. The displays range from classic model trains to elaborate scenes packed with details that reward kids who want to stop and inspect every inch.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Hershey History Center

And because this is October, at least one of those tiny worlds gets decidedly spooky.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Hershey History Center

For kids who already love trains, this one is an easy sell. For everyone else, the activities, entertainment and food trucks make it much easier to turn somebody else's train obsession into a family outing.

Photos courtesy of Hershey History Center.

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