Kid friendly restaurants (playground?) near the Lorton AutoTrain?

[slappy magoo]

Hey there Hi there Ho there WDW Magic-keteers...

I'm trying to convince my wife that it would be worthwhile to t least take the AutoTrain down to Florida, then drive back. For lots of reasons, flying is not feasible. We took the AutoTrain once and I enjoyed it enough, my wife did not. But with two kids in the car, one of them a baby, I'm concerned that driving may take a lot(!) of time. On the way back, no problemo no matter how long it takes, but on the way down, it would be more convenient to be able to keep going, so if our kids need undivided attention, they can have it.

To that end, I want to have my oldest (not yet 4) burn off some energy before getting on the train, so I wanted to find either a: a kid friendly restaurant where she can run around and play (usually fast-food type places are the only ones with that option) or a park/playground area near the train station where we can have a picnic lunch and play.

Her favorite fast-food (about the only fast food we eat) is Chik-Fil-A, and apparently there is a restaurant about 5 miles south of the station, with a playground. Only potential problem - the kids meal on the train is chicken nuggets anywhere, so I worry she won't eat dinner and then be a cranky baby all night.

So any other suggestions would be great. Thanks for reading this far.

 

[mickeysshoes]

Chik-Fil-A is the only place I can think of that is with in 5 miles or so of the auto train. And depending on what day of the week you will be traveling you will have to be very careful of traffic around this area. I will in Woodbridge which is about 15 mintues fromt the Chik-Fil-A so i know the are. I will work i this for you and let you know what idea i can come up with. I sued to live within walking distance from the train...if I still did I would invite you all over!! OH wait...there is a Chuck E Cheese about 1 mile past the Chik-Fil-A.

 

[mickeysshoes]

Just got home and as I was driving down 95 I was thinking about where you could go at each exit. 2 exits past the train (1 before the Chik-Fil-A) there is a McDonalds with a play ground. Its about 3 miles off the highway. (note: there is a McDonalds less than a mile from the highway but this is not the one...there is another one on the same road a little further up) Other than that I have not come up with Kid play places. At the exit with the Chik-Fil-A there are all kinds of regular places to eat also. Feel free to PM if you would like to pick my brain in your planning process. I am more than willing to help you!! :wave:

 

[slappy magoo]

Thanks for the info. Once I know whether or not we'll do Auto train, I may take you up on your offer for more brain-picking.

 

[The Mom]

I looked at a map of the area on their website, and there are a couple of State Parks less than 5 miles from the station- but that might be further than you want to travel. There is also a cemetery the same distance in the other direction. Sounds strange, but they were sometimes a lifesaver when traveling with little ones who were getting road weary.

There are some elementary schools, and in the past they would have been a great option, but now you would get in trouble.

 

[mickeysshoes]

Thanks for the info. Once I know whether or not we'll do Auto train, I may take you up on your offer for more brain-picking.

Sounds good!!! Good luck!