The Trains at NorthPark has become a special holiday tradition for our family.  There is something magical about watching those little engines circle their way around the tracks on a journey across America. 

Around every corner, it seems there is something new and magical to discover.  I enjoy teaching my little ones about important American landmarks, such as The White House and the Golden Gate Bridge.  It gets them interested in history and in traveling to new cities.  I especially love showing them the Dallas landmarks, including Dallas Hall at Southern Methodist University (where I went to school), Big Tex from the State Fair of Texas, and new this year will be Perot Museum of Nature and Science. As you peer through windows, you can’t help but get caught up in this little world of miniature. It can almost seem real if you let your imagination take over.And while having a great time at the Trains is worth the price of admission, the greatest message is about teaching children about the mission of the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, which is serving families in need because of illness or injury. The fact is that nearly all of the money used to support the Ronald McDonald House comes from individuals, and the Trains are the biggest fundraising initiative of the year. I tell my children that everyone can make a difference in helping others, and that we are supporting a very important cause by participating in the Trains at NorthPark.

So it’s time to get “All Aboard!” and support this worthy cause.  Tickets can be purchased at the ticket desk and are $7 for adults, $3 for children 2-12 and senior citizens, and free for children under 2. The Trains at NorthPark are located on Level One near Nordstrom and opens to the general public on Saturday.