NJ Mommy Blog

Disclaimer: Delaware River Excursions provided me and my family with complimentary train tickets. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. 

All aboard! Choo Choo! This past weekend we took a ride on the Delaware River Excursions Easter Bunny Train Ride & Egg Hunt in Phillipsburg, NJ.  Overall, it was a a great family event that my toddler loved!

Our Easter Bunny Train was set to leave at 11:00 am. With no traffic on the road, we arrived to the Phillipsburg Station around 10:00 am. At the station, there is a small parking lot with metered parking and the ticket booth. Although we had some time to kill waiting in the car, we were glad we arrived early because by 10:30 am the parking lot was full.

By 10:30 am, we picked up our tickets at the ticket window. The ticket line was not long and moved quickly with two employees taking customers. Employees let us know that the train would begin boarding by 10:45 am and the ride itself would last 90 minutes including the stop to collect Easter eggs. Of course, I asked about bathrooms, too. There are two porta-potties in the parking lot if needed before the train. Otherwise, there are easily accessible porta-potty type bathrooms on each train car on the the train.

Once we got our tickets we walked down the large hill toward the water and train tracks. At the bottom of the hill, there is a concert organ playing kids music and a stand selling hot coffee and snacks you can take on the train. I opted to pack a light lunch and snacks for G, but there is also a snack stand on the train with small items like popcorn and hot chocolate, if desired.

As we waited by the train tracks, employees organized us into sections to avoid overcrowding and made boarding fast and easy.  We walked down a little bit before boarding time and we were able to see the train approach the station, which was especially exciting for all the kids. The train left promptly at 11:00 am.

Once we boarded, we easily found seats and unbundled ourselves on the warm train. It was a cold morning! I can’t believe we were still dressed in our winter coats, hats, and gloves. I would suggest sitting on the side of the train that overlooks the water for the most scenic view.

The train conductors, dressed in bunny ears and more, took our tickets and welcomed us aboard as we left the station. Once the ride began, there was Easter themed music playing, jugglers, a singing banjo player, and of course the Easter Bunny. Toddler excitement filled the air! The Easter Bunny hopped on the train and stopped to pose with each family for a picture.  There was also a professional photographer taking Easter Bunny pics who provided you with a business card to go online to view and purchase the photos. Employees came around with large bags of stuffed animals asking for an optional $5 donation for train upkeep and restoration. For a 90 minute ride, there was a nice amount of entertainment to keep the kids entertained.

Toward the end of the train ride, we pulled up to Lime Kilns, a small glade filled with Easter eggs. We stopped and everyone made their way to the hay bale lined area filled with eggs.  I suggest getting off the train as quickly as possible to enjoy this experience. The time and eggs went really fast, even with the 4 egg minimum per child. The Easter Bunny was also available outside for more pictures. We were in the glade only about 10 minutes, then called to board the train once again. In my opinion, this experience could have been improved with a little more time, more eggs on the ground for the kids, more space for the amount of people, and some extra hay thrown down to line the muddy areas of the glade.

Overall, we had a nice experience that got us into the Easter spirit! The staff was friendly, the entertainment was festive and enjoyable, and the riding time was just as scheduled. G was thrilled being on the train and loved all of the excitement. Even the next day, she was talking about collecting her prize-filled eggs, and I even found her juggling her bath bubbles in the tub, just like the train juggler, she told me.  This is a great experience to share with friends and family.

There are still tickets available for Easter train rides this Saturday, April 4th, at 11, 12:30, 2, and 3:30. Please see Delaware River Excursions for tickets and other train ride opportunities.  We’re considering another
“All Aboard” with Thomas the Tank Engine Train in July.