Jemma Barningham, 2, of Ishpeming holds a candy cane while showing an interest in one of the turtles at a live-animal display at the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum. She and other youngsters attended the recent Second Thursday Creativity Series, whose theme was “All Aboard the Polar Express!” (Journal photo by Christie Bleck)

MARQUETTE — Kids had the chance to take a ride on the Polar Express on Thursday, even if wasn’t the actual train — which is fictional anyway.

The popular tale was the focus on the Second Thursday Creativity Series at the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum in Marquette, the title being “All Aboard the Polar Express!”

“It’s really fun,” said Nheena Weyer Ittner, UPCM director. “It’s really cute. They’re making trains in the kitchen.”

Those trains weren’t real locomotives, of course, but instead were crafted from edible sweets.

The event did feature a play train set, though, which caught the interest of Aksel Perry, 3, of Gwinn, and other youngsters.

“He loves trains,” said Aksel’s mother, Amanda.

Other activities on Thursday included Christmas crafts from old piano hammers, a science table and a visit from Santa Claus.

Up next at the museum is the New Year’s Eve “Elementary Ball” set to start at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 31, with the ball drop at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5 per child, with parents and adults admitted for free.

Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.