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All Aboard!

Explore the world of model trains and STEM learning

Climb aboard and discover three model train systems as they journey through a replica of our community.

Watch the Hawkeye Express carrying fans to Kinnick Stadium, the Iowa Interstate Railroad as it travels through Coralville and Iowa City, and the CRANDIC delivering products to a factory in Cedar Rapids.

In this exhibit, your little ones will learn about the important role trains play in moving Iowa freight and people. They’ll also have the opportunity to build their own trains and rail systems, sparking their imagination and creativity.

Children develop important skills when they play with trains, such as hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and spatial awareness. They can also learn about cause and effect as they manipulate the trains and track. This exhibit also encourages imaginative play and storytelling as they create their own scenarios and adventures with their trains.

Ways to Play

  1. Ask your child to count the cars on each model train and discover exhibit components.
  2. Talk about train safety at the train road crossing.
  3. Play “I Spy” with the train landscape and see what interesting sights and objects you can spot.
  4. Challenge your child to build the longest train track they can. How many trains can they add before it falls apart?

This exhibit initiates

Other exhibits

City Money

Build financial literacy skills as you play with earning, spending, saving and giving
Read exhibit details

Notion of Motion

Skateboarding and science come together in this gnarly exhibit focused on the fundamentals of physics
Read exhibit details

Art Studio

Nurture your child’s creative potential and unleash their imagination
Read exhibit details

Give the gift of play!

Fuel their curiosity and create lasting memories—memberships, gift certificates, and unique toys from our gift shop will spark joy, learning, and endless play!

Closed August 26th-30th

The Iowa Children’s Museum will be closed Monday, August 26th, through Friday, August 30th, for routine cleaning and maintenance. Thank you for your patience while we work to make our exhibits even better for your next visit!

Due to Winter Weather

We will be closing at 5:00 pm on 2/12

Thank you for your understanding!