Akron Children's Museum to Host Akron Express Rails & Runways Event

The two-day event will feature a flight simulator, model train exhibits, and other transportation-themed activities.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:34pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a model train engine repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the playful and iconic nature of transportation-themed exhibits at the Akron Children's Museum event.The Akron Express Rails & Runways event will bring the joy of model trains to life for young visitors at the Akron Children's Museum.Akron Today

Akron Children's Museum is hosting its annual Akron Express Rails & Runways event on April 25-26, 2026. The event will feature a flight simulator from the MAPS Air Museum, model train exhibits from the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and Burning River N Society, as well as other transportation-themed activities and exhibits.

Why it matters

The Akron Express Rails & Runways event is a popular annual attraction that draws families to the Akron Children's Museum, helping to drive traffic and engagement for the 10-year-old institution. The event's focus on trains and planes aligns with many children's natural interests, making it an educational and entertaining experience.

The details

In addition to the flight simulator and model train exhibits, the Akron Express Rails & Runways event will include runways and rails play time, a train and plane adventure, hands-on STEM activities, and a craft station. Attendees can also explore the museum's 25 other exhibits throughout the day. Tickets are $12 for children and $10 for adults, with discounts available for museum members.

  • The Akron Express Rails & Runways event will take place on April 25-26, 2026.
  • The event hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days.

The players

Akron Children's Museum

A children's museum in Akron, Ohio that was established in 2016 as a gathering place for children and families, using play to inspire exploration, discovery, and problem-solving.

MAPS Air Museum

An aviation museum located near Akron that is providing the flight simulator exhibit for the Akron Express Rails & Runways event.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

A heritage railroad that operates in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, providing model train exhibits for the Akron Express Rails & Runways event.

Burning River N Society

A model railroad club that is providing additional model train exhibits for the Akron Express Rails & Runways event.

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What they’re saying

“The Akron Express Rails & Runways event is a great way for kids to explore their interests in trains and planes in a fun, hands-on environment.”

— Megan Becka, Event Organizer

What’s next

Attendees can also take a train ride through nearby Lock 3 via the Little Roaming Railroad on April 25-26. Train ride tickets are an additional $5 per person and can be purchased online or at the event.

The takeaway

The Akron Express Rails & Runways event provides a unique opportunity for children and families to engage with transportation-themed exhibits and activities, supporting the Akron Children's Museum's mission of inspiring exploration and discovery through play.