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Epic Train Adventures on a Shoestring Budget: A Family-Friendly Journey

Viewed by 220 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Chicago

Chicago, USA

9:00AM

Breakfast at Lou Mitchell's

Start your family-friendly adventure with a hearty breakfast at Lou Mitchell's, a Chicago institution famous for its pancakes and unique decor.
Walk or take the L train to the restaurant.
USD20, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Millennium Park

Take the family to Millennium Park where you can enjoy the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture and beautiful gardens.
Walking distance from breakfast.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Portillo's

For lunch, treat the kids to Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches at Portillo's.
Short bus ride from Millennium Park.
USD30, 1 hour

3:00PM

Chicago Children's Museum

Let the kids explore and learn at the Chicago Children's Museum, featuring interactive exhibits perfect for family bonding.
Take a quick L train ride to Navy Pier.
USD60 for a family of four, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Giordano's

Indulge in a family feast with deep-dish pizza at Giordano's, a beloved Chicago pizzeria.
Taxi or public transit from the museum.
USD50, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Chicago

Day 2: Journey to St. Louis

St. Louis, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Blueberry Hill

Enjoy a casual breakfast at this St. Louis hotspot, famous for its comfort food and quirky decor.
Walk from the hotel to the restaurant.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to St. Louis

Board your Amtrak train to St. Louis and enjoy the scenic views of the Midwest.
Walk to the train station.
USD120 for a family of four, 5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Gateway Arch

Once in St. Louis, visit the famous Gateway Arch and take the childhood adventure to the top for breathtaking views!
Walk to the Gateway Arch from the train station.
USD40 for a family of four, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Hill

Enjoy a family dinner at a local Italian restaurant in The Hill district, known for its delicious pastas.
Take a bus or walk from the arch.
USD60, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in St. Louis

Day 3: Kansas City Awaits

Kansas City, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Café

Savor a homely breakfast with a variety of options at The Café, known for its warm atmosphere.
Walk from your hotel.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Morning Train to Kansas City

Hop on the train to Kansas City, in time to explore the local culture!
Walk to the train station.
USD120 for a family of four, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que

Indulge in Kansas City's famous barbecue— a must for any family adventurer!
Taxi from the station.
USD40, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Union Station

Explore the historic Union Station and its amazing exhibits, perfect for a family outing.
Walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Kaleidoscope Experience

Unleash creativity at Hallmark's Kaleidoscope where the kids can craft while you observe.
Walk from Union Station.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Rieger

Enjoy a delicious dinner at The Rieger, with an array of American classics that will satisfy every palate.
Take a short taxi ride.
USD70, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kansas City

Day 4: Denver Discovery

Denver, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Wake up with a delightful breakfast at Snooze, offering a variety of breakfast classics with a twist.
Walk to the restaurant.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Denver

Catch your train to Denver, known for its stunning views of the Rockies on the way.
Walk to the train station.
USD150 for a family of four, 5 hours

3:30PM

Devil's Head Fire Lookout

Take a family hike to the Devil's Head Fire Lookout for some breathtaking mountain views and family bonding.
Take a rental car or ride-sharing service from the train station.
Free (hiking), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Cherry Cricket

Grab a casual family dinner at The Cherry Cricket, known for its burgers and relaxed atmosphere.
Short taxi ride from the hiking area.
USD55, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Denver

Day 5: Exploring Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Original Pancake House

Start your day with some delicious pancakes and swift service at this family-friendly restaurant.
Walk to the restaurant.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Salt Lake City

Take a train to Salt Lake City and enjoy picturesque scenery through the mountains.
Walk to the train station.
USD120 for a family of four, 4 hours

2:00PM

Visit Temple Square

Discover the captivating Temple Square, where the kids can learn about history and architecture.
Short taxi from the station.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Exploring City Creek Center

Spend some time at City Creek Center for shopping and light snacks while the kids play in the fountains.
Walk from Temple Square.
Free unless shopping., 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Red Iguana

Savor delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine that the whole family will enjoy at Red Iguana.
Taxi from the shopping center.
USD70, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Salt Lake City

Day 6: Reno Fun Times

Reno, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de French Market

Indulge in French-inspired breakfast items at Café de French Market to kickstart your day.
Walk from the hotel.
USD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Reno

Get aboard the train toward Reno, enjoying stunning desert landscapes along the way.
Walk to the station.
USD130 for a family of four, 5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Nevada Museum of Art

Explore kid-friendly exhibits at the Nevada Museum of Art which hosts various interactive programs.
Take a taxi from the station.
USD40 for a family of four, 2 hours

5:00PM

Walk along the Truckee River

Enjoy a leisurely walk with the family along the Truckee River, taking in nature's beauty.
Short walk from the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Louis' Basque Corner

Wrap up your day with a hearty Basque meal at Louis' Basque Corner, featuring family-style dining.
Taxi from the river.
USD60, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Reno

Day 7: Southward to San Francisco

San Francisco, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square

Start your day in charming North Beach with breakfast at Mama's, renowned for its fresh ingredients.
Walk from your hotel.
USD35, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Travel to San Francisco

Embark on your train ride to the culturally vibrant San Francisco, famous for its iconic sights.
Walk to the station.
USD100 for a family of four, 5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Fisherman’s Wharf

Take the family to Fisherman’s Wharf for shopping and street performances by local artists.
Walk from the train station.
Free (unless shopping), 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Boudin Bakery

End your day with a family dinner at Boudin Bakery enjoying their famous clam chowder served in a bread bowl.
Short walk from the wharf.
USD60, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in San Francisco

Day 8: Last Stop: Los Angeles

Los Angeles, USA

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Griddle Cafe

Indulge in oversized pancakes at The Griddle Café, a favorite spot among families visiting Los Angeles.
Walk from your hotel.
USD35, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Travel to Los Angeles

Finalize your adventure by taking the train to Los Angeles, ready to explore this iconic city.
Walk to the train station.
USD120 for a family of four, 5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Griffith Observatory

Spend the afternoon at Griffith Observatory for stunning views of the city and educational exhibits.
Uber or taxi from the station.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Hollywood Walk of Fame

Take a stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where everyone can find their favorite star.
Short taxi from Griffith Observatory.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at In-N-Out Burger

Round off your memorable adventure with a classic California fast-food dinner at In-N-Out Burger, making it a treat for the kids.
Taxi from Hollywood.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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