Experience · Phoenix
Railroad Adventures & Ice Cream Treats
Embark on a miniature railroad adventure at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, complete with train rides and a large model railroad display. Afterward, satisfy your sweet tooth with a nostalgic visit to MacAlpine's Diner & Soda Fountain for classic soda fountain treats.
A 3.5-hour Phoenix afternoon plan for families — McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, MacAlpine's Diner & Soda Fountain.
- Duration
- 3h 20m
- Cost
- $15–$30
- Stops
- 2 stops
- Area
- South Scottsdale + 1 more
- Walking
- Light walking · Total 9.3-mile driving route
- Best time
- 12:00 – 5:00 PM
- Ideal for
- Families · Kids · Solo
The plan
The plan
- 1McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park(2 hr 20 min)→
- 2MacAlpine's Diner & Soda Fountain(1 hr)
Why this plan works
The stops span roughly 9.3 miles across Phoenix, so plan on driving — the order below keeps that driving in one direction. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. Best suited to families, families with kids, and solo who want a planned Phoenix outing without improvising between stops.
The story
Overview
Embark on a miniature railroad adventure at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, complete with train rides and a large model railroad display. Afterward, satisfy your sweet tooth with a nostalgic visit to MacAlpine's Diner & Soda Fountain for classic soda fountain treats.
The itinerary
2 stops, one great day
12h 20mMcCormick-Stillman Railroad ParkOutdoors · South Scottsdale
Complex with miniature train rides, jungle gyms & a 10,000-sq.-ft. model railroad display.
What to do — Enjoy miniature train and carousel rides, explore the model railroad building, and play on the playgrounds at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.
Scout Side QuestScan the model railroad layout and find the tiniest, funniest detail hiding in the miniature world.
9.3 mi · 23 min drive
Then Head towards downtown Phoenix for a retro ice cream experience.
- 21 hrMacAlpine's Diner & Soda Fountain
Food & Drink · Coronado
Circa-1928 soda fountain with wooden booths, vintage decor & retro food & drinks such as egg creams.
What to do — Step back in time at MacAlpine's Diner & Soda Fountain for egg creams, milkshakes, and classic diner food in a wonderfully retro setting.
Scout Side QuestFind the most retro-looking thing around you and invent a ridiculous story about what it does.
The route
On the map
Common questions
Planning this outing
- Is this a good Phoenix itinerary for families?
- Yes. It's built for families, families with kids, and solo and runs about 3 hr 20 min across 2 stops, starting at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.
- How long does this outing take?
- Plan on 3 hr 20 min door to door, including time between stops.
- How much does this Phoenix itinerary cost?
- Roughly $15–$30 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
- Is this itinerary walkable?
- Not entirely. The stops cover about 9.3 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
- Do I need reservations?
- No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.
Scout Stories
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