Monday, June 2, 2025

In a vibrant effort to make travel more engaging and affordable for families this summer, has partnered with to launch a nationwide initiative that blends color, creativity, and unforgettable adventures for children. The collaboration includes , exclusive entry to , and specially painted traversing the East Coast.

The promotion, running from , supports Amtrak’s mission—outlined in the 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 , and on Amtrak’s can book in both and . The promotion applies to trips scheduled through , with tickets bookable at least via the or .

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 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 to 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 , and families must present a at entry.

As emphasized by the , 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, have been wrapped in vibrant Crayola-themed designs. These trains are currently operating along the , connecting key cities like , and .

Each train showcases bold messages and nostalgic crayon elements:

Both locomotives display the slogan: , echoing Amtrak’s vision of turning every journey into a fun-filled, interactive experience for passengers of all ages.

, 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.”

, 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 , which stress the importance of that serve diverse communities—including children and families.

According to , ridership among families has grown steadily post-pandemic, with a noticeable shift toward . 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 .

Families interested in the promotion can follow these steps:

Full terms and eligibility details are available under Amtrak’s page.

This partnership represents more than a seasonal promotion—it is a shared commitment to . 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:

“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.