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 see who won the family four pack of tickets to experience the Mine Train!)
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?"
CONGRATULATIONS TO CHERYL D FOR WINNING THE FAMILY FOUR PACK OF TICKETS!
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
