
The Choo Choo Restaurant, 600 Lee Street, Des Plaines IL 60016 847-391-9815
If you have little train enthusiasts at home, they are going to love this excursion. The Choo- Choo Restaurant is a landmark in Des Plaines. This diner serves hamburgers, hot dogs, and grilled cheese in baskets pulled by a model train. Milkshakes and sodas are also available. After lunch you may want to order a cupcake with a train topper, also delivered via the model train. There are a limited number of seats at the counter with train service, so be prepared to wait. The restaurant is located one block from the station, a distance even a young child will be able to walk. From the station go northwest on Miner Street, turn right on Lee Street and the Choo-Choo will be on the left. Just a note the Choo-Choo does not except credit or cash station cards.
Your next stop will be Dad’s Slot Cars. This unique venue offers slot cars, controllers and track time which can be rented by the half hour. Your family will have fun racing cars with each other on the eight lane tracks. Dad’s Slot Car also has a small old fashioned soda counter in the back of the store. This could also be a great destination for a birthday party. From the restaurant cross back over the tracks going southwest on Lee Street and you will see Dad’s Slot Car on the right. Afterwards, if you have time before your train, head over to the Des Plaines Library.
The Des Plaines Public Library is known for its excellent children’s section, which is located on the second floor. The room is magical with murals on the walls and a large tree in the corner. The tree in “Poet Tree Corner” has a nook to climb in. The muraled
wall has magnetic poetry words available to any child wishing to compose a poem. There is also a ship for you and your child to sit in and read a book, or put together a puzzle. To get to the library head southwest on Lee Street, then left on Elinwood Street. The library is conveniently located across the street from the Metra Station.
No comments yet.