THE POLAR EXPRESS
STORYTIME TRAIN

ALL ABOARD!

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This past weekend we took Sonny and Remi for a ride on the Polar Express Storytime Train through the Addison Park District.  The event is based off the classic holiday book written by Chris Van Allsburg.  The train departs from the Itasca Metra Station, heads to Elgin and returns to Itasca. We purchased tickets back in September and WOW do they sell out quickly! Be sure to mark your calendars and keep an eye out for next year’s event!

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We arrived at the Metra station in Itasca at 10:45 a.m. to pick up our tickets. The park district divides guest up into a RED or GREEN car, luckily our group had the same designated color. You are welcome to go back to your cars until boarding which took place at 11:05 a.m. Boarding was easy and organized, two elves held flags of the color group you were assigned.

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Upon boarding the kids were given chocolate chip cookies and milk. Once we departed the station, a recording of Liam Neeson narrating the Polar Express played over the loud speaker. Each child was given a jingle bell (just as it was a main focal point in the story). When the jingle bell rang loudly, Santa entered the car and was there to take pictures with the kids and families. Our kids were also given a Santa bag filled with crayons and a coloring book. After Santa headed back to the North Pole, we played a game of trivia from the book where kids were given candy and a handful of cotton balls for a “snow ball” fight. 

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Each character portrayed themselves as though they were straight out of the book and did not loose character once! There was consistent activities and things to do during stops and down time which made the ride quick and the kept the kids busy. We would highly recommend the Addison Park District Polar Express ride. Our 2.5 year old’s did AMAZING and loved it! Pajamas and comfy clothes are encouraged and recommended! This was the perfect way to end our 2022 holiday activities! ​

 

X0 - Katie and Amanda 

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