McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
A beloved Scottsdale park featuring miniature train rides, a carousel, playgrounds, and impressive model railroad displays.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved Scottsdale park featuring miniature train rides, a carousel, playgrounds, and impressive model railroad displays.
"Highly recommend and such a great value!"
🎯 Wristband for Unlimited Rides
Get a $12 wristband for unlimited train & carousel rides – great value for families!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring the park's many attractions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Roundhouse Indoor Playground
Indoor Play Structure
A 10,000-sq.-ft. train-themed wonderland with a 3-story play structure and A/C. Perfect for active kids!

Miniature Train Ride
Park Grounds
A charming 8-10 minute ride around the park, offering scenic views and a classic railroad experience.

Model Railroad Display
Model Railroad Building
An incredibly impressive and large model train display with interactive buttons. A must-see for all ages!

Spook-Track-Ula Halloween Ride
Park Grounds
A festive and spooky Halloween-themed train ride, a popular seasonal event for families.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat Indoors
Value for Money
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Wristband for Unlimited Rides
Get a $12 wristband for unlimited train & carousel rides – great value for families!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring the park's many attractions.
📱 Check Roundhouse Availability
Timed sessions for the indoor playground, book ahead if possible.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Especially during popular events or weekends, parking can fill up quickly.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Wristband for Unlimited Rides
Get a $12 wristband for unlimited train & carousel rides – great value for families!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring the park's many attractions.
📱 Check Roundhouse Availability
Timed sessions for the indoor playground, book ahead if possible.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Especially during popular events or weekends, parking can fill up quickly.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water bottles or purchase them at the snack bar, especially during warmer months.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park as a fantastic, family-friendly destination offering great value. The park is praised for its clean grounds, engaging attractions like the miniature train and carousel, and the impressive model railroad displays. While some paid attractions exist, they are considered reasonably priced, and the free admission makes it accessible for all.
"Such a neat place! Large retired train cars throughout the park. They have a small train ride that's about an 8-10 min ride, a large carousel that you can ride either for $3 per person. Ages 2 and under are free. Huge outdoor playground with many unique obstacles. Lots of space to run and play. Small restaurant, museum, gift shop and a large miniature train set with interactive buttons. You can pay $12 for a wrist band for unlimited train and carousel rides for the day. Highly recommend and such a great value!"
Larry Diehl
"This place was great. Mostly free except for the train ride and the carousel which are 3 dollars per person which I thought was reasonable. Very clean and well maintained. Great places for kids to play, water fountains all around or bottles of water in the market. The model train museum was amazing. The largest display I have ever seen and really well put together. So much to see. It’s also air conditioned inside so it’s nice to get in a get a break from the heat. We had a great time."
Aaron B (Foodie Dad)
"Highly recommend!
Kids had a wonderful time here. Very reasonably priced $3 a ticket to ride the carousel or the train. (Helpful tip for a family of 4, they sell a $20 pack of 8 tickets).
The playground is fun. We all loved the miniature train displays.
We enjoyed touring the old train...there was a very sweet lady in the last car that shared a lot of cool historical info.
Overall everything was clean and well kept."
Tony K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located at 7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available, though it can fill up during peak times.
Public transportation options might be limited, so driving is generally recommended.Yes, there is parking available at the park. Visitors are advised to arrive early, especially during popular events or weekends, as parking lots can fill up quickly.
Absolutely! With its variety of attractions like train rides, playgrounds, and indoor play areas, it's perfect for a full day of family fun.
The park generally operates daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., but it's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially for specific attractions like the Roundhouse or during special events.
While there has been ongoing development, including a new entry plaza and indoor play structure, most attractions are now open and fully operational.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is free! However, there are fees for specific attractions like the miniature train ride and the carousel.
The miniature train ride typically costs $3 per ticket per person. A pack of 8 tickets can often be purchased for $20, which is a good deal for families.
The Roundhouse indoor playground has timed sessions. It costs $6 for 1 hour of play or $12 for 2 hours of play. Children aged 2 and under are free.
Yes, tickets for special events like the Spook-Track-Ula can often be purchased online in advance. It's recommended to check the park's official website for online ticketing options.
While not always advertised, purchasing ticket packs for the train and carousel can offer savings. The $12 wristband for unlimited rides on both is also a great value.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
The park features a miniature train ride, a carousel, a large outdoor playground, the Roundhouse indoor play structure, model railroad displays, and retired train cars to explore.
Yes, there's a huge outdoor playground with many unique obstacles and recently added sun sails for shade.
The Roundhouse is a new, 10,000-square-foot indoor play structure with a train theme. It's air-conditioned and features a multi-story play area, perfect for escaping the heat.
Yes, the park hosts popular seasonal events like the Spook-Track-Ula during Halloween, offering a festive train ride experience.
Absolutely! The park has several retired train cars on display that visitors can explore. Some even have interactive elements or historical information shared by staff.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a small restaurant and a snack bar on-site offering food and drinks, including ice cream.
The park has plenty of space and seating, making it a great spot for a picnic. Bringing your own food is generally allowed.
Yes, there's an ice cream/snack bar where you can purchase refreshments.
Specific dietary options are not detailed in reviews, but typical park snack bars usually offer standard fare. It's best to inquire directly or pack your own if you have specific needs.
Yes, there is a small restaurant available for dining within the park.
📸 📸 Photography
The vintage train cars, the miniature train, the carousel, and the colorful Roundhouse indoor playground offer great photo opportunities. The seasonal decorations, especially during Halloween, are also very photogenic.
Definitely! With retired train cars, a miniature train ride, and extensive model railroad displays, it's a paradise for train enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Yes, photos are generally allowed inside the Roundhouse, capturing the vibrant indoor play structure.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography, especially of children.
Mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, while evenings during events like Spook-Track-Ula provide unique, atmospheric shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing the $12 wristband for unlimited train and carousel rides to maximize value. Pack snacks and water, or utilize the on-site food options. Arrive early, especially on weekends or during special events, to secure parking and avoid long lines.
💰 Budget Travelers
For a small fee, you can enjoy the miniature train ride and carousel ($3 per ticket, or a pack of 8 for $20). The $12 wristband for unlimited rides on both is an excellent value if you plan to ride multiple times. Bringing your own picnic lunch and water bottles will further keep costs down.
☀️ Summer Visitors
While the outdoor attractions are best enjoyed in the cooler morning or late afternoon hours, the indoor options ensure fun regardless of the temperature. Remember to stay hydrated, as even with shade, the Arizona sun can be intense.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Evolution of the Park: From Construction to New Attractions
Beyond the Roundhouse, the park has also seen upgrades to its outdoor amenities. A new splash pad provides a refreshing way to cool off, and the outdoor playground has been enhanced with sun sails for much-needed shade. These improvements, alongside the existing beloved attractions like the miniature train ride and carousel, ensure that McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park continues to be a premier family destination, blending historical charm with modern play spaces.
Visitors have noted that while there was construction, the park remains open and enjoyable. The ongoing development aims to enhance the visitor experience, with new entry plazas and improved facilities contributing to the park's overall appeal. The park's commitment to providing diverse and engaging activities, from historical exhibits to active play, solidifies its reputation as a valuable community asset.
Experiencing the Magic of Miniature Trains
Complementing the ride is the model railroad display, housed in a dedicated building. This is not just any model train setup; it's described as incredibly impressive and one of the largest displays many visitors have ever seen. With interactive buttons and intricate details, it captivates both train enthusiasts and casual observers. The park also features several retired train cars that visitors can explore, offering a glimpse into the history of rail travel.
For those looking to maximize their train and carousel fun, purchasing a $12 wristband for unlimited rides is highly recommended. This offers exceptional value and allows visitors to enjoy the train and carousel as many times as they wish throughout the day.
Seasonal Delights: Halloween and Beyond
Tickets for the Spook-Track-Ula typically include the train ride, carousel, and mini-golf, making it a comprehensive entertainment package for a set price. Due to its popularity, arriving early for parking and tickets is strongly advised.
Beyond Halloween, the park is known for its festive Christmas decorations and train rides, creating a magical atmosphere during the holiday season. These special events add another layer of appeal to the park, encouraging repeat visits throughout the year to experience different themes and celebrations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit