Few things bring out the child in a person like the sound of a train whistle or the clack clack of a train rolling down the railroad track.

Perhaps times spent playing &8220;choo choo&8221; as a small child or the game many parents play with children in hopes of enticing a spoon full of food into the child&8217;s mouth predetermines we all will love trains.

No matter the reason, a love of trains is pervasive in our culture and thankfully so. Certainly, that special group of volunteers at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera, Alabama had a double dose of whatever makes trains special to us.

Those volunteers have a busy schedule planned for the next few weeks; one that most will enjoy immensely.

Thomas the Tank Engine will visit the museum March 31-April 2 and April 7-9 offering rides, live music, a petting zoo and many other family events. Thomas the Tank Engine will depart every hour, rain or shine, Friday beginning at 11:00 a.m., Saturday beginning at 9:00 a.m. and Sunday at noon. Previous Thomas the Tank Engine visits to the museum have been sell-outs so you might need to get your tickets now by calling 866-468-7630 or by visiting www.ticketweb.com.

Tickets are $16.00 but children under 24 months of age ride free if they do not occupy a seat.

The Cottontail Express will travel on Saturday, April 15 at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. The train trip will include a special visit from the Easter bunny, an Easter egg hunt and several other fun events. Tickets for this trip are $12 and are available through the museum office or by calling (205) 668-3435 or 800-943-4490.

Both of these special events will help raise money to operate the non-profit museum and restore and operate the railroad.

Our 18-month-old, Caroline, is already making plans for these trips and, hopefully, she will let her parent&8217;s inner child ride along.

We hope to see you there