A great park for families. Updated recently and lots of fun. I wish there was more to see along the train ride. I think it would be a great opportunity to teach kids more about the animals they could find in the woods.
Carousel and train are cheap and fun for the kids. There is a nice playground and picnic area nearby and easy access to Brookside Gardens if you should so choose to go for a stroll.
This part of the 500-acre Wheaton Regional Park is on the south side and not connected with the Brookside Gardens and Nature Center by car. The miniature train is delightful as it leaves the station for a 10-12 minutes journey into the wooded area of the Park. Periodic whistles bring to mind the train rides of the past with excitement about the sights on each side of the train. There is a trestle and a tunnel as part of the ride (only $1.75). Hike a bit up the hill to the carousel for another old-fashioned experience, complete with a variety of animals situated to give you a sense of full control as you whirl around in a circular motion. The horses in particular are beautifully painted and fully poised to spring into a gallop beneath you. Unlike most commercial rides, this one is a long one that is well worth the $1.75 fee.
We frequently visit the park for the train and and carousel. The train is such a bargain - it's less than $2.00 per person for a 15-minute train ride through the woods. They also have a "spooky train" around Halloween. It's a lot of fun for kids of all ages - I have children ages 16, 8, 7, and 2.
This is like a huge playground. with a train. The small fee for the train is a good value. We usually visit the adjacent Brookside Gardens and walk through the free formal gardens.
This park is tucked away and it is well worth seeking out. The playground will give your child hours of fun, the carousel and train ride (in season) are also delightful and affordable. While at this park, don't overlook the many hiking trails and the connection via a trail to Brookside Garden. At Brookside the grounds are stunning, especially when everything is in bloom, and there are several wonderful children's events. Parties (birthday, large gatherings, etc) are also available both at Wheaton park and Brookside Gardens. Wheaton has indoor and outdoor options.
It is so great to find a park so wonderful and free. My kids felt so brave and had so much fun while I as their mother felt they were very safe.
The boys loved the carousel and the very detailed and innovative playground equipment. We were a little disappointed that the train was closed due to construction while we were there.
Wheaton Regional Park has to be one of the most poorly designed in the area. The parking is atrocious, it's as if someone without any concept of traffic flow or intended audience (small kids and families with strollers). It can be hard to find a spot on either side on a busy day. The park itself (beyond the attractions) is always crowded and many of the picnic pavilions are outdated and badly in need of refurbishment.As for the train, it's an awesome ride and a cheap outing for kids, bit that's undone by the long waiting lines. Seriously, would it kill them to just buy another train and run them every 15 minutes? The carousel is fine, and a good value for the money. The "new" play area is huge and has plenty of stuff to keep kids busy. It doesn't have enough seating for parents, or an easy way to scale the massive concrete fall if you suddenly need to get to your kid. The Blue Monster is a pretty unique feature I haven't seen anywhere else.But sadly this park is just too overcrowded most weekends and the wait for the train is seldom worth it. Go to Cabin John where there's less to do, but it's less crowded.
You have the option to buy very reasonable tickets to ride either the approx 15min mini-train or carousel. Tickets sold separately or by book of 15.The very modern playground has great equipment for all ages. Infants and toddlers area has a sandbox area! An XL rubberized hill to climb up (sneakers recommended) for all ages. Multiple areas to cookout. There is also an indoor area to rent for parties which includes a VIP to the train I believe. Lots of fun. Free parking.