In a vibrant effort to make travel more engaging and affordable for families this summer, Amtrak has partnered with Crayola to launch a nationwide initiative that blends color, creativity, and unforgettable adventures for children. The collaboration includes free summer train rides for kids, exclusive entry to Crayola Experience attractions, and specially painted crayon-themed locomotives traversing the East Coast.
The promotion, running from May 8 through August 31, 2025, supports Amtrak’s mission—outlined in the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) goals for intercity rail—to promote accessible, family-friendly, and environmentally conscious travel across the United States.
Free Summer Train Travel for Kids on Amtrak’s Auto Train
As part of the partnership, families traveling between Lorton, Virginia, and Sanford, Florida on Amtrak’s Auto Train can book free tickets for children in both Coach and First Class. The promotion applies to trips scheduled through August 31, with tickets bookable at least three days in advance via the Amtrak mobile app or Amtrak.com.
This limited-time offer is part of Amtrak’s broader strategy to make rail travel more inclusive and cost-effective for American families, aligning with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) efforts to reduce road congestion and lower transportation-related emissions by shifting travel to rail.
To qualify, standard Amtrak policies apply, including:
- Children must be accompanied by an adult (age 18+)
- Up to two free child fares per adult ticket
- Travel must occur on the Auto Train route (Lorton–Sanford)
The Auto Train, one of Amtrak’s most unique services, allows passengers to bring their personal vehicles aboard, offering comfort, convenience, and the joy of a scenic overnight journey.
Crayola Experience Access: Creativity Meets Travel
The partnership extends beyond transportation into the world of imagination. With each valid child train ticket, families receive complimentary entry to Crayola Experience attractions across four U.S. cities:
- Easton, Pennsylvania
- Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota
- Orlando, Florida
- Plano, Texas
Children can enjoy these immersive, hands-on creativity centers, which feature activities such as:
- DIY art stations
- Live manufacturing shows
- Interactive coloring experiences
- Exclusive Crayola merchandise
The offer is valid through September 30, 2025, and families must present a valid Amtrak child ticket at entry.
As emphasized by the U.S. Travel Association, combining leisure travel with educational and creative experiences is increasingly important for modern families seeking value and enrichment in their journeys.
Crayon-Themed Locomotives: Color on the Move
Adding a playful visual dimension to the summer travel season, two Amtrak ACS-64 Sprinter locomotives have been wrapped in vibrant Crayola-themed designs. These trains are currently operating along the Northeast Corridor, connecting key cities like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York, and Boston.
Each train showcases bold messages and nostalgic crayon elements:
- Violet Blue Engine: Features eight “unretired” Crayola crayon shades from the brand’s archives, celebrating creative diversity and childhood nostalgia.
- Dandelion Yellow Engine: Introduces “Dan D,” a cheerful crayon character who represents joy and limitless imagination.
Both locomotives display the slogan: “Creativity on the Go!”, echoing Amtrak’s vision of turning every journey into a fun-filled, interactive experience for passengers of all ages.
Corporate Voices: Amtrak and Crayola Celebrate Shared Values
Jessica Davidson, Amtrak’s Vice President of Digital and Brand Marketing, expressed pride in the partnership:
“This collaboration brings together two legendary brands to create extraordinary summer memories for kids and families. We’re thrilled to offer families not just a way to travel, but an opportunity to create together.”
Anna Roca, Head of Global Partnerships at Crayola, added:
“We’re bringing color and creativity into unexpected places, helping children experience joyful, meaningful adventures on the move.”
This sentiment mirrors the USDOT’s Accessibility and Equity Strategic Goals, which stress the importance of inclusive, engaging, and equitable travel experiences that serve diverse communities—including children and families.
Family Travel in Focus: Aligning with National Policy and Sustainability
According to Amtrak’s FY2024 Performance Report, ridership among families has grown steadily post-pandemic, with a noticeable shift toward leisure and experiential travel. The Crayola partnership aims to encourage more families to embrace rail over car or air travel for its safety, comfort, and reduced environmental impact.
This aligns with priorities from:
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Promoting low-emission transport
- FRA’s Rail Safety Improvement Act – Encouraging intermodal travel alternatives
- Biden Administration’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) – Funding upgrades to U.S. passenger rail infrastructure
The family-focused offer contributes to reducing vehicle congestion along the I-95 corridor, one of the most heavily trafficked routes in the country, supporting emissions reduction targets set by the U.S. Climate Resilience Framework.
How to Access the Offer
Families interested in the promotion can follow these steps:
- Visit Amtrak.com or use the Amtrak mobile app
- Select travel dates and destinations on the Auto Train route
- Book at least three days in advance
- Use the promotional code (listed on Amtrak’s website) to activate the child fare discount
- Upon arrival at any Crayola Experience location, present the child’s train ticket for free admission
Full terms and eligibility details are available under Amtrak’s “Deals & Promotions” page.
Lasting Impact: Crayola and Amtrak’s Cultural Commitment
This partnership represents more than a seasonal promotion—it is a shared commitment to bringing joy, learning, and creativity into the lives of young travelers. By engaging children in both travel and artistic exploration, Amtrak and Crayola hope to:
- Strengthen early associations with sustainable travel
- Encourage creative expression across geographic boundaries
- Support family bonding through unique shared experiences
Such collaborations also reinforce corporate responsibility toward the social determinants of childhood development, a core focus in federal programs such as the Administration for Children and Families’ Early Childhood Development Framework.
Conclusion: Summer on the Rails, Reimagined
With vibrant crayon-covered trains, exclusive creative venues, and free child travel, Amtrak and Crayola are redefining what summer vacation means for families. Through this partnership, every journey becomes a canvas for imagination—connecting destinations, ideas, and people in joyful, meaningful ways.
As Jessica Davidson aptly put it:
“At Amtrak, we believe in journeys that inspire. With Crayola, we’re adding a splash of color to every mile.”
Families have until August 31, 2025, to board this one-of-a-kind adventure and make the most of a summer filled with creativity, connection, and discovery.
The post Amtrak and Crayola Launch Colorful Summer Travel Experience for Kids with Free Rides, Creative Destinations appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
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