Scottsdale Railroad Park

Before the weather gets too hot, we've been trying to squeeze in as many outdoor activities with the grandbabies as we can find.
One of the best family oriented "finds" is the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Located on a 30-acres, this beautifully maintained park is listed as one of America's top 50 destinations for children.
I couldn't agree more.
Admission to the park is free, with small fees for the rides.

So many things to see and do.
The Model Railroad Building just opened in January.
This 10,000 square foot building showcases the on-going work of 4 Model Railroad Clubs.
Featuring 7 different scales, this is a railroad hobbyist fantasy land.
As much fun for adults as children.
I kept thinking of how much Sam (husband to my friend Ricci) would love the park. Sam has an entire basement room dedicated to his model trains. He loves trains so much his grandchildren call him Grandpa Choo-Choo.

There is the Roald Amundsen Pullman Car, used as Presidential travel for Herbert Hoover, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and Dwight Eisenhower.

You can host a child's birthday party in a Railroad car. If you would like to read more about the features of the park, they have a wonderful web-site HERE.

Our grandchildren loved playing at the 2 well designed playgrounds.

Complete with misters to cool them down after running full speed here and there and back again.

I told Isaak and Noah they better be good or they would get locked up in jail.

Uh-Oh.

At 3 years old Noah is fearless, except when it came to riding the antique carousel. It's a good thing papa was there...

...and Aunt Aubrey who came straight from work to share in the kids excitement.
Aubrey is the most wonderful Aunt to these children, and they are so lucky to have her love and attention. She is silly and playful and they adore her.

My favorite part of the Railroad Park was riding the 5/12ths scale train ride.

I loved seeing the curiosity and joy in my grandbabies faces as we bumped along the 1-mile track.

But even more delightful was seeing the joy in my daughter's face as she interacted with her children.

I've heard it said the only thing more rewarding than being a mother, is watching your own daughter's become good mothers.

Absolutely.