Medford Railroad Park — Attraction in Medford

I really struggled with what rating to give here.

I came here for a friend's child's birthday party.

The concept is great. Being able to rent the place out, and ride a locomotive (pushing a blazing top speed of about 6 mph) at a very affordable price is a very nice as well. But it's hard to look past a few things that can ruin, or at least damper the experience for the reason we go -- the children.

Small annoyances would involve the rules of having to not have the freedom to explore the surroundings. There is apparent other clubs that share the premises, and without barriers, you have to stay within the confines of the sidewalk that goes directly to the.. I'm not sure what you'd call it, covering?

The event is hosted under this what appears to be a very old train pickup. There's 4 or 5 long wood benches next to the train tracks, and room for 2 portable plastic tables against what I would assume to be a tiny conductors office. The bathrooms are a small walk back down toward where you park.

But I think what stood out, and unfortunately ultimately resulted in the 3/5 is the staff (at least when I was there). The couple that was having the party here for their 3 year old also recently had a baby they brought. The father boarded, followed by the mother. The mother attempted to sit backward to watch her child and share that experience (assuming it would be fine since it was a very slow ride). She was met with a very sharp, and parenting tone from an elderly lady at the back of the train. There was no rule or expression of this not being allowed, so that reaction was quite excessive.

Later in the day as more children showed up, more rides were executed which was fun and great. At some point, a child, being a child, attempted to pick a flower. The entire train ride was stopped, and the child was close to scolded for doing this. While again, without rules being expressed, this was excessive, but I would understand if they were originally told not to. But the reason this was set apart, is that after the ride was over, the child attempted to apologize to the same elderly woman from before, and was met with "you should have apologized when it was happening" instead of accepting the apology, or thinking about how that child might have been affected (embarrassed) and it wasn't at the forefront of priority for them.

When paying for an event, it's important to recognize how being patient and understanding of the crowd (children) can completely change the mood and dynamic of the hosting.

I'd like to come here again in hopes of different staff, as it has very cool and unique experience...

To the reviewers that say this is a terrible place to bring your children, shame on you! First off, don't just say terrible without any explanation of your experience. To the 2nd one that said only open random Sundays and the parking lot full of junkies and stray dogs....The park sign and website clearly state the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month April through October. THAT IS NOT RANDOM! Unfortunately all parks have issues with vagrancy and stray animals, but I have been to this train park too many times to count and there is never that issue during train park hours. There is ample staff in the parking lot directing traffic and keeping an eye on things. It is very safe and a wonderful experience for the whole family. This is one of the few free things to do as a family in the Medford area, and these wonderful people that donate their time and money are awesome. Please take your family and donate...

this place is great, my now 7 year old has loved this park for years. now I have a 5 month old and cant wait to take them both this season. for the people who rate this place badly, shame on you. the park runs off of donations and the people that work there are all volunteers. its not perfect, but how many places can you take your kids for entertainment that is free? and they also offer food at an extremely affordable price. parking can be hard, but the lot is packed because the park is so popular! the hours are not irregular, they have been open April-October 2nd and 4th Sundays from 11-3 for years. the people that are upset about this obviously don't plan ahead. take a look inward before blaming others or the establishment. this is a fun safe and affordable place to take your kids. Thank you MEDFORD RAILROAD PARK...