My son loves trains. I mean LOVES them. I should have known when we chose a train theme for his nursery that one of his first words would be “choo-choo.” There is something magical and nostalgic about trains and we are lucky enough to have a world-class display right in our own Cincinnati backyard. Entertainment Junction has been one of our favorite destinations for the past few years. With this trip though, we got to experience our first Christmas in July at Entertrainment Junction.
Entertainment Junction is set up for you to walk through history and experience how the railroad has grown into what it is today. The space is much bigger than I expected and I am always blown away at the attention to detail in the scenes. Those who maintain this display are obviously passionate about trains and love sharing their passion with visitors.
Beyond the impressive train display, there are many other activities to keep kids “entertrained.” Imagination Junction is basically an indoor playground and is also filled with train tables and an area for toddlers. During the summer, little ones can ride the Kids’ Express, an outdoor hand-cranked locomotive. And parents can get in on the action with the kids and ride an electric train, which also circles a track outside.
While we spent a lot of time in our favorite sections of the museum, our goal this time was to see what “Christmas in July” was all about. Located in the A-MAZE-N Funhouse, we entered a winter wonderland that was such a special treat to visit in July. My son and daughter loved pointing out the snowmen, penguins and ice sculpture train and especially loved visiting Prancer and Rudolph (the pretend versions), who came all the way from the North Pole.
The last room of the path put us right into Santa’s house, where Mrs. Claus had left fresh cookies for us to enjoy while we waited to see the big guy himself. I had two nervous toddlers, so the cookies were a welcome distraction! Santa sees visitors from noon – 6 p.m. daily, with a short nap at 3 p.m. Each family gets special one-on-one time, and while my almost two year old wanted nothing to do with him, my son warmed up and told Santa ALL about his love for the Polar Express. Visiting Santa is included with admission, but when I saw the photo of my son giving Santa a high five, I had to buy it. He hasn’t stopped talking about it!
Whether you have a train lover in your family or you just want a unique destination to take your family, Entertrainment Junction is a wonderful choice. Plan to spend a few hours, pack a lunch or purchase one at the café and definitely head there before July 31 to chill out with Santa. Who knows? It may buy you five months of good behavior until he flies back this way in December.
About Andrea:
A native Cincinnatian, Andrea has experienced life in all four corners of this city. After growing up on the west side, she headed north to attend Miami University, then moved east to Hyde Park and now lives in Northern Kentucky with her family.
When she’s not playing trains and doing the “hot dog dance” as a stay-at-home mom to her two toddlers, Andrea is busy writing for Cincinnati publications and sites. With a newfound passion for fitness and overall health, she spends a lot of time at her family gym and loves to play outside.
Andrea worked in education for several years and has a special love for children’s literature. She loves showing her children all our city has to offer and enjoys sharing her finds with other parents. Her favorite spots include the Cincinnati Zoo (although she steers clear of the bird house), her local library and any playground.