Update: Regular, twice monthly rides have started!
This has to be one of the Northwest’s most unique frugal family outings.
Kitsap Live Steamers is a group of train lovers who operate a miniature version of a steam locomotive. Twice a month through October they give free rides to the public at their location in the South Kitsap Regional Park in Port Orchard. As you can see, you sit right on top, and away you go!
The track does a pleasant loop through the forest at a gentle speed. It’s not a super long ride-maybe 15 minutes-but it’s loads of fun, especially if you have a train lover in your family.
On our visit, there were two trains running, so even though there was a line of folks we only waited about 10 minutes to board.
After your ride, there is a nice, new playground for the kids to explore, or bring along a picnic.
If you want to make a daytrip out of it, you might consider heading down to Bremerton to explore the excellent (and free) Naval Undersea Museum and the Bug Museum.
I know many of you have done the Kitsap Live Steamers (it’s one of those outings I get emails about), so feel free to chime in with your tips!
Do note that the Kitsap Live Steamers is an all volunteer group, dependent on donations, so it’s nice to leave one (ditto for the museums above). The Steamers also have a table with Thomas toys and other train gear for sale, so brace yourself for that.