Kid's Activity List: Getting Ready for Christmas

Today, the kids got to go to the North Pole and visit Santa. There are so many Christmas activities for kids, but the Santa train at Lodi Station Outlet is economical and fun. A few years ago, we took the girls on the Polar Express. This is something everyone should do with their kids, as they have a great time. However, it is not something I would suggest doing every year. It is quite expensive...when we went it was $35 per person, so it was $140 for our family of 4. There is really no such thing as a discounted ticket for younger children, unless they are under 1, I believe. The going rate is now $42 per person, and many of the dates are weekdays, which is hard now that the girls are both in school. We took the train that went from Akron, and it lasted a few hours. They have people dressed like elves who entertain the kids, they read stories and there is a car that sells snacks. They read the Polar Express to the kids, sing songs, give them hot chocolate and cookies, and, when they get to the North Pole, they turn off the lights so you can see the lit up village. Santa boards the train, gives the kids a jingle bell (like in the book) and, if you are quick, you can snap a picture of your kid with Santa. Maybe we will go again next year...but from an economic standpoint, you wouldn't want to do it every year.
So, the next best thing is the Santa train at Lodi Station outlet. At $3.50 per adult and $5 per kid, it is quite a bargain. Please note, if you choose to do this, take cash! So, it runs on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-5. You can't buy tickets until 11:00. The train runs every 1/2 hour and you have to pick the time you want when you buy the tickets. The train boards 15 minutes before it departs. You wait in line, sit on the train (it is somewhat cold) and ride the normal train route, but after returning to where you would depart, you pass it and it stops in front of a store that has been transformed into the North Pole. There are a bunch of trees that are lit, decorations and Santa and Mrs. Claus. They read the kids a story and then have them line up so they can get pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Best part---pictures are taken by you and are obviously free. They take lots of time with every child and are more than accommodating to younger children who are scared, etc. At the end, they get a candy cane.