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.
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:
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.
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:
Children can enjoy these immersive, hands-on creativity centers, which feature activities such as:
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.
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:
Jessica Davidson, Amtrak’s Vice President of Digital and Brand Marketing, expressed pride in the partnership:
Anna Roca, Head of Global Partnerships at Crayola, added:
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.
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:
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.
Families interested in the promotion can follow these steps:
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:
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.
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:
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.
