Review of EnterTrainment Junction

You can get a very good idea about what you will experience at EnterTrainment Junction by watching the video above!  
EnterTrainment Junction is in West Chester, OH just north of Cincinnati.  It is open 7 days a week and offers a huge train display like nothing else!  Children 2 and under are free, for kids 3-12 it’s $9.95, for adults it’s $12.95 and it’s $11.50 for seniors.  There’s also a “do it all” option that includes more but is discounted if you buy online!
While you are there, the kids can pick up a “look and find” map at the entrance and find the pictured miniatures or find what’s listed in the clues.  There are step-stools to use so smaller children can peak at the displays.  My kids loved looking at the tiny animals and my son (5) really felt accomplished finding the items on the look and find sheet.  
About half-way through the displays, there’s a large play area. The play structure has climbing walls, slides and more. It’s would be suitable for a variety of ages through middle school.  For younger children, they have a tot area.  They also have bathrooms in this play area, very convenient.  Parents took a break on benches and kids burned off some energy.  My daughter loved the play train where she could load fake coal with a shovel!  Everything was very clean. 
Also while touring the displays and museum areas, you can pop outside and the kids can ride the arm-powered trains through a little town.  My 3 year old needed some help getting started but was able to do it and my 5 year old loved powering his own train car!  Also outside, there is a small Thomas the Train ride for adults and kids to take a short ride around the building.  Both of these features are included in the “do it all” admission.
We happened to go when they just started their Halloween fun called Jack-o-lantern Junction.  If you get a “do it all” ticket, this is included.   (They also have a Christmas event).  The Halloween area was really cute. The kids started with some temporary tattoos and got a treat bag with a few items in them.  Then, we walked through the non-spooky maze that was decorated and had a few treat stations (just enough to make the kids squeal but not too much to make us have to limit their candy intake!).  Then, we exited to a craft area where they each got a little pumpkin and decorated it with stickers and crayons and sat for a while to have some deep conversations with a talking jack-o-lantern.  
We ended our outing to EnterTrainment Junction with a stop in the Fun House area.  In this area, be sure to read the recommended ages for each section. We entered one maze and were immediately shocked by a blast of air that was loud and totally freaked out my 3 year old.  I did not read the sign on which they recommend it for kids 6 and up.  OOPS!  She did calm down but she did not like it, my mistake!  They liked the silly features of the different fun house room, the tilted rooms and the mirror maze.  Just read the warnings, that’s what they are there for!  
Finally, although we didn’t eat there, I noticed that they have concessions and an area to dine.  Also, at the exit for this attraction, there are many options for casual family dining. There’s shopping for train goodies right in EnterTrainment Junction as well. We will definitely go back.  It would be perfect for pairing with an IKEA outing!  I really liked the balance of having multiple options for them to play and exert energy with the opportunities to quietly marvel at the displays.
Stephanie
DCPD
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