Celebrate February school vacation week with an exciting adventure on the Amtrak Downeaster. On board amenities give parents the tools to entertain the little ones. The kids can meet the conductor, snack on a whoopie pie from the Downeaster Café, watch the world go by from our big windows or stay plugged in with free Wi-Fi.

Visit Portland, Maine

The train arrives in Portland, just a short walk to the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine. Promoting accessibility and inclusion, designed, and engineered to allow children to play and learn through hands on exhibits and experiences. In ‘Our Neighborhood’ your child can play different roles including, life as a lobsterman, and of course, an Amtrak Downeaster conductor! Other exhibits include opportunities for your child to explore science and technology-based systems such as the power of water, light and color. From the Mountains to the Sea is your child’s opportunity to go on their own nature investigation and learn to identify some of Maine’s freshwater species, explore tidal pools and sand flats. Love turtles? They have those too.

Did you know?

Maddy’s Theatre is the oldest continuously operating children’s theatre in the nation. Let your child become immersed in the magic of live theatre right here in Portland, Maine.

Downeaster Insider Tip: Plan for mealtime by packing a small cooler. There are no concessions on site.

Head South to Boston, MA

The New England Aquarium

Take the Amtrak Downeaster to Boston for non-stop family entertainment. The New England Aquarium is a family favorite and a global leader in ocean exploration and marine conservation, with thousands of aquatic animals to visit. Let your child see species like the African Penguin, California Sea Lions or Green Sea Turtles up close and with their very own eyes. This is one day trip you won’t soon forget. With onsite dining, you won’t need to leave to get everyone recharged and ready for the touch-tank! Did you know? They have a four-story ocean tank exhibit featuring hundreds of Caribbean Reef animals.

Downeaster Insider Tip: Plan ahead. Tickets are sold in advance to ensure admission.