A while ago I receive a brochure for the Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology National Historic Site’s Golden Horseshoe Live Steamer Days earlier this spring. Don’t ask me where I got it, because mom brain has totally erased that memory.
Alas, today was one of the Live Steamer Days at the museum so I had it in the back of my mind to go. However, we took a trip across the border yesterday to go to Target and Trader Joe’s and in doing so, toddler missed his nap. This resulted in a massive meltdown by 5:30pm and he was in bed for the night at 5:45, sleeping through until 6:30 this morning. He still woke a crabby little bear, so I put him down at 11:30 for his nap and he woke around 2pm. All the stars aligned and my friend and I were able to meet down at the Museum to take the boys for the last hour of Live Steamer Days.
If you didn’t have a chance to check it out today, worry not! The next event is July 7, 2019, and they seem to run approximately every three weeks throughout the summer and into the fall. You can check the Museum’s event calendar for the rest of the dates throughout the summer.
On Golden Horseshoe Live Steamer Days entry to the entire museum is free, currently including a 3D photography exhibit, the pump house, and rides on the miniature railroad. Don’t forget, admission is always free with your Hamilton Public Library card as well, but I don’t think the miniature trains run all of the time, so if you have a little train enthusiast, it’s best to go on a Live Steamer Day! They do have donation bins throughout the museum, and if your little one enjoys their train ride as much as mine did, you’ll definitely feel inclined to donate to keep this great event going.
Each event runs from 11am-4pm at the museum located at 900 Woodward Ave, Hamilton. We arrived at around 3pm and found that it was not particularly busy and headed right to the train rides.
I could see toddler’s eyes light up as he took in the miniature railroad as we approached. We took our place in line at the train station and it wasn’t long before a miniature train pulled up ready for passengers. The trains are perfect for little ones. They just sit on the cars with their legs dangling down as adults sit behind them to make sure they stay on. I am pretty sure toddler was completely in awe that he was riding on a real train, and he started to really get into the routine of the conductor calling “all aboard!” and whistling as we departed the station.
Each train ride includes two loops of the track and takes about five minutes. After our first ride though we were able to ride pretty much continuously because there were so few people waiting. We basically spent an entire hour riding the rails, much to toddler’s delight!
When 4pm rolled around the volunteers who run the railway told us to stick around for a few more minutes and the boys could have a chance to sit in the engine for a photo. The quick wait was totally worth it and the boys both loved having a chance to play conductor for a moment or two. The volunteers were so great with the children when we were there and I think they enjoyed seeing how thrilled the kids were to ride the trains.
Although we didn’t visit for very long, I could see easily spending more time there the next time we go. We’ll probably take a picnic snack to enjoy on the grassy grounds and take time to check out the pump house.
If you have a little one who is into trains, Golden Horseshoe Live Steamer Days is a must-do this summer! We are very lucky to have fun and free activities right on our doorstep here in Hamilton! The City has done a great job of making museums so accessible for families to enjoy.
Have you had a chance to check out any of the other Hamilton Civic Museums with your Hamilton Library Card? Let me know if there are any that are particularly toddler friendly!
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