Tykes & Trains is TrainTastic’s early childhood program for children ages 4 and under, offering age-appropriate sensory play, movement, and hands-on learning in a safe, welcoming museum setting. Held on the second Tuesday of each month from August through May, it gives the museum’s youngest visitors a program built just for them, rather than a scaled-down version of activities meant for older kids.
Why Early Childhood Programming Matters
Parents of toddlers and preschoolers often struggle to find activities that hold their child’s attention while still being genuinely educational. Tykes & Trains was created to fill that gap in Gulfport, giving little ones a structured but playful way to explore movement, colors, shapes, and cause-and-effect – all built around the same train theme that makes TrainTastic special for older kids.
What Happens During Tykes & Trains
While specific activities rotate, Tykes & Trains sessions are generally built around:
- Sensory and tactile play stations sized for small hands
- Simple movement and music activities
- Guided exploration of TrainTastic’s more toddler-friendly exhibits
- A relaxed, low-stimulation environment appropriate for shorter attention spans
Who Should Attend
Tykes & Trains is designed for:
- Parents and caregivers of toddlers and preschool-age children
- Homeschool families looking for early learning enrichment
- Local daycare and mother’s-day-out groups
- Grandparents looking for a low-key outing with young grandchildren
Why Gulfport Families Choose TrainTastic for This Age Group
Because TrainTastic already offers battery-powered train rides, a dedicated activity area, and a green-screen photo experience, Tykes & Trains fits naturally into a museum that’s already built with young families in mind. It gives parents of our Mississippi Gulf Coast museum‘s youngest visitors a reason to come back again and again as their child grows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age group is Tykes & Trains designed for?
Tykes & Trains is designed for children ages 4 and under, with activities scaled to their attention span and motor skills.
How much does Tykes & Trains cost?
Admission is $10 per child, which includes one caregiver, plus $5 for each additional sibling or guest.
How often does Tykes & Trains take place?
Tykes & Trains is held on the second Tuesday of each month, August through May.
Do parents or caregivers need to stay with their child during Tykes & Trains?
Yes, Tykes & Trains is designed for parents and caregivers to participate alongside their toddler or preschooler.
