Things to do with kids: The Santiago railway museum

A few weeks ago we visited the Museo Ferroviario (railway museum) in Santiago, Chile.

Now, as a mother of a former trainspotting, Thomas the Tank Engine obsessive I thought we were over trains. But I guess the love of steam engines never really leaves the soul.

I thought to share a few pics for any parents with kids as dedicated to the railway cause as mine once were.

The museum is situated in central Santiago, at the entrance to the Quinta Normal park and just opposite the Artequin gallery.

In fact it’s more of a park, with trains dotted throughout. It’s a great space for little ones to run wild.

There are levers to pull, engines to inspect and buttons to press.

Rather bizarrely, there’s a fish pond under the tracks of one train.

Alas none of the trains were functioning, and some were too high for my kids to climb. But one carriage is open to the public.

There’s no cafeteria so it’s worth packing a picnic. In fact the grounds are so lovely, it wouldn’t make sense to stay cooped up indoors anyway.

It’s only a small space, and perhaps not enough for a full day trip, but still sufficient to wear my little monsters out.

Having said that, the rest of the Parque Quinte Normal is also a great to explore. For us, however, a few hours in the sunshine was enough and besides, we had a (pretend) train to catch.

Need to know:

Check the weather forecast. The museum is almost completely outdoors.

Pack a picnic: There’s no cafeteria within the museum grounds.

Baby changing: Toilet facilities were a little limited, so be sure to pack a decent baby changing mat and everything else you need. Hand sanitiser is a good idea too.

Access: there’s a decent amount of parking available at the entrance to the park. On busy days in the holidays, this space might become busier with visitors to the main park. Remember to bring change for the attendants. We drove, but there is a metro station fairly close by (Metro Quinta Normal, line 5)

Dogs: I’m not sure of the official line, but we did see many families with dogs in the park when we visited.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Fridays 10:00 to 17:50; Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 11:00 to 17:50 and 11:00 to 18:50 in summer.

Cost: Children and students $ 700 CLP; adults: $ 1000 CLP; seniors: $ 500 CLP