Train Ride on the Delaware in Phillipsburg, NJ

One thing Phillipsburg, NJ has going for it is the awesome steam train ride on the Delaware River. If you have little (or even bigger) kids, this is the perfect weekend afternoon activity that they will remember for the rest of their lives. After all - what kid doesn't thrill to the sound of the big steam engine, whistling and puffing its way down the river on a crisp fall day?

In October, they have something like a Fall Foliage train ride, where they make their run up the river, stopping at a cornfield where kids can purchase popcorn and hot cider, run through the corn maze, and jump in one of those inflatable moon bouncer things. After that the train makes a stop at a local pumpkin farm. We went last year, and my son was still a bit too young to totally enjoy this - but we will definitely take him back there this coming fall and maybe even make it a yearly tradition.

I've also seen signs on Rt. 22 for the "Polar Express" train ride, which I assume would run in a similar fashion but of course happen during the holiday season and maybe even feature Santa Claus or some other Christmas character. We have yet to experience this due to the typical hectic frenzy that is the holidays... but again, our son is still young so we will be sure to explore the winter train ride in future years.

Actually, now that I am online, I see that they have an awesome website detailing themed train rides throughout the year! The aforementioned Polor Express involves heading out to ride the train in your PJs for some Christmas fun with Santa, AND there is also an Easter Bunny Train and Thomas Train for fans of the well-known kids' television show.

And if that's not all... apparently there is a wine train! All aboard, chug chug. My husband and I will be looking into this further when we can procure babysitting. In the meantime - check out all the great entertainment offered at the P-Burg Delaware River Railroad Excursions.