National Train Day: Coming May 12, 2012 {Giveaway}

With three young boys in our house we are all...

...Dinosaur Train

...Thomas the Train

..."When can we ride on the train???"

all the time!

For those of you who also understand this type of train enthusiasm, and even those who are not necessarily in that stage yet (or anymore), I wanted to tell you about a fantastic, family-friendly, event. 

Next Saturday, May 12th from 11AM-4PM, train stations across the United States are joining together to participate in Amtrak’s (5th Annual) National Train Day.

National Train Day marks the 143rd anniversary of the creation of the nation's first transcontinental railroad. On May 10, 1869, in Promontory Summit, Utah, the “golden spike” was driven into the final tie that joined 1,776 miles of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railways, forever transforming the face and character of America.

The National Train Day festivities will feature live entertainment, interactive exhibits, kids' activities,  model train, and much more.  Families will also be invited to tour Amtrak trains, freight trains, commuter trains, and private railroad cars.  Each of the key participating locations (New York, Philadelphia, LosAngeles, and Chicago) will host popular performing guests.  Animated characters such as Dora the Explorer will be greeting children and posing for pictures. Children will also enjoy Radio Disney, Wii Games, and craft activities. To tempt your taste buds while you tour the trains, Amtrak is bringing nationally-acclaimed chefs in to the event locations to give samples of their signature recipes.

In addition to the four main event sites, communities all over the US are encouraged to get involved by developing and hosting their own celebration! Share your love for train travel with others in your own town.

National Train Day events offer something special for people of all ages and interests.  What a fantastic opportunity for a free, family-friendly plan to learn experience! To learn more about National Train Day check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

From now until next Saturday, get your kids geared up for some National Train Day learning with these thematic ideas:

Visit the National Train Day website to enjoy photos, videos, and stories submitted by train passengers.  Your family could also share your own train travel experience for a change to win a prize.

1+1+1=1 offers a free download of a Thomas the Train Tot Book.

Homeschool Creations has a Transportation Preschool Packet that will peak the interest of train enthusiasts.

Crafts~n~Things used the concept of Train Cars to practice counting.

Finally, don't miss this.

One of our favorite companies, B.Toys, is working with Amtrak to spread the news about this great play to learn experience.  In fact, they would like to offer one reader of ABC & 123 a gift for spreading the excitement about the event. 

Enter to win Elemenosqueeze, a set of soft A-Z blocks featuring a unique animal for each letter.  These architectural blocks would be fun to line up train style while practicing the alphabet. One winner will be chosen on the 12th in conjunction with the National Train Day activities!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: B.Toys contacted us regarding National Train Day and asked that we share the information about the event with our readers.  We were excited to do so with the opportunity to offer you a giveaway within the post. The giveaway is provided by B.Toys and will be sent directly to the winner from the sponsoring company. 

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