Dallas Area Train Show
*The event has already taken place on this date: Sun, 01/18/2026
Please help us keep this calendar up to date! If this activity is sold out, canceled, or otherwise needs alteration, email mindy@kidsoutandabout.com so we can update it immediately. If you have a question about the activity itself, please contact the organization administrator listed below.
The Dallas Area Train show features 14 model railroads for viewing, more than 260 vendor tables and several activities for kids. Those activites include the Junior Engineer layout, where kids can run trains, the Mini-Diorama table, where kids can make a small diorama of their own, and the Switching layout, where kids can learn how the big railroads switch cars in their yards and customer locations. Kids can see a Lego Model Railroad and get down on the floor in the large scale garden railroad room. This is a family friendly event.
Parents of small children may wish to bring your own step stool so that your kids can get up higher to see the action on the model railroad layouts or be prepared to hold your child so that they can see the action.
Several vendors will have kid friendly train sets and other models to help your child get started with their own home railroad. Aunt Heidi's Trains is a favorite for kid sized clothing. The Ride On Train is a kid favorite. Hourly door prize drawings provide a chance to win models with a train set given away each day.
The Trinity River Division of the National Model Railroad Assocation will be there with a small home layout that will be available as another prize to take home. And while you are there, Moms and Dads can learn more about the hobby by talking to an NMRA Member.
Model Railroading as an excellent STEM activity for kids. There are many entry points into the hobby, such as programming a decoder inside an engine, developing enginnering skills to design a track plan for a home layout, developing carpentry skills to build a home model railroad, and exercising artistic skills as kids learn to paint a railroad car or add scenery to a home model raillroad layout.
Admission is $11.00 for adults with credit cards and a $1.00 discount with cash. Children age 12 and younger are free.
The Dallas Area Train Show will be held at the Plano Event Center, 2000 East Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, TX. Dates are Saturday, January 17th and Sunday, January 18th, 2026. Hours are 10:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday and 10:00am to 4:00 pm on Sunday. The Plano Event Center features a concession area where you may purchase snacks, drinks or a quick meal during your visit to the show.
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.