While it seemed like everyone was traveling South to the shore last Saturday, my oldest son and I took the opportunity to go West. To the old West that is, on the Delaware River Railroad Excursions' Mine Train. (Keep reading to hear more about Jennifer's adventures and to enter to win a family four-pack of tickets to experience the Mine Train yourself!)
When we arrived, we were greeted by our new friend, Greg, the friendly ticket agent who explained all that we were about to experience for the day. Between riding the steam train and mining for gems, my son and I were excited to get started. We stood patiently with the other families as the steam train pulled up to the station. Throughout the 25 minute train ride to the mine, my son was entertained by the beautiful, lush scenery of the passing Delaware River. I liked listening to the historical facts about the railroad and the train itself...and of course, taking pictures with my son to remember this special day.
When we arrived at the mine, we were promptly set-up for some old Western fun. One member of our group was chosen by our guide to "blow up the mine." I was a little apprehensive about the explosion due to my son's fear of loud noises, but he didn't seem to mind! It seemed his interest in the excursion overshadowed his fear, and he was having fun. The explosion 'woke-up' the hard-working miner just long enough to tell the history of the ol' Susquehanna mine and how it came to be found. Upon leaving the mine, we were all given bags of real dirt and gem stones to be panned - a new experience for my son and me! No one leaves empty-handed. Each bag contains beautiful gem stones that you can keep and put on display for all of your effort and new expertise.
My almost-4-year-old son loves to play with trains, and I love to ride them, so it was the perfect mother/son date. The ticket prices are affordable and at only 80 miles away, the Delaware River Railroad offers many reasons for families at all stages to go West for a day throughout the year. There were families of all stages coming from near and far to take place in this particular event. If you have daughters or older children, you should consider this as something they would enjoy too! In fact, the younger boys in our group were out numbered by girls two to one, and the older kids loved learning about the history and of course, the gem stones.
My son's only complaint was that he wanted to see Thomas. To him of course, any railroad = Thomas. So, while I had excitedly repeated to him that we were going to see a really cool steam engine, we had set the bar pretty high last year when he took part in A Day Out with Thomas. We were without disappointment though. Watching him in awe of the giant steam engine will be a gem of a memory for both of us for years to come.
"What should we do next time, Mommy?"
ENTER TO WIN A FAMILY FOUR PACK OF MINE TRAIN TICKETS!
One lucky Macaroni Kid winner will win a family four pack of free mine tickets to experience the Delaware River Railroad Excursion's Mine Train to the Ol' Susquehanna Mine from now through October 3, 2014. To enter, post a comment below or reply to your e-newsletter with the subject line MINE TRAIN by midnight July 4, 2014. Must be a current Macaroni Kid subscriber to be eligible. No purchase necessary. Receive an extra bonus entry for liking Macaroni Kid's Facebook Page and/or posting a Facebook comment about the Mine Train. Winner will be chosen via random.org and contacted by email July 5, 2014. Good luck!
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE OF ANY KIND WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ODDS OF WINNING WILL DEPEND ON THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ENTRIES RECEIVED. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. DO NOT ENTER THIS SWEEPSTAKES IF YOU ARE NOT EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AS OF JUNE 19, 2014 AND A LEGAL RESIDENT OF AND CURRENTLY RESIDING IN ONE OF THE FIFTY (50) UNITED STATES OR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. Click HERE for complete rules.
Disclosure: Macaroni Kid of Northern & Pascack Valley received compensation in the form of complementary tickets for the purpose of writing a review and running a ticket giveaway. All opinions are solely that of the author. Delaware River Railroad Excursions is the sponsor of this giveaway.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jennifer is the mother of two amazing little boys and loves to know what is going on around them so they can get involved. Originally from the Midwest, Jennifer moved East 8 years ago to pursue a career in New York City's fast-paced apparel industry. After her first son was born, Jennifer and her husband decided it was time to get out of NYC and get some real space to raise a family. They found their niche right in Bergen County. Since stepping foot here, they haven't turned back! Jennifer claims to have the heart of a Midwesterner but the sprit of an East-coaster which, so far, hasn't failed her yet. She always look forward to what is to come. After her second son was born, Jennifer decided to give the apparel industry a break to focus on her two children.
OTHER ARTICLES BY JENNIFER
"I Never Wanted to Drive a Mini-Van," Series Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.
Spring Has Sprung at Papillon Bambino in Westwood
Mama Knows Best at Eat Your Spinach Children's Boutique in Ridgewood
Bergen County Model Railroad Club Open House in Hillsdale
A Night to Remember
