My dad’s uncle had an enormous model railroad in his basement. He used to let us go down there and he’d turn them all on for us. We’d spend the entire family gathering just staring at the set.

If you’re in the Bay Area, Los Altos has a yearly model railroad event by the history museum. Don’t know if they’ll do it this year, but it’s indoor/outdoor and a fun thing to go (and for kids as well).