Two new ideas for first layout

This is strictly a opinion. My first lay out 5X9.  I did the 3 trains at a time. Later I had no space for hardly anything to make the lay out more exciting than see 3 trains running around. Very little room for getting a little more in depth with the hobby. Example animated functions. The two levels is nice but 3 lines might be a little much IMO.

Good luck regardless, it's all about fun with your son.

Larry

I think you'd have fun with either one. I like the sample landscaping on the 1st a little better, especially the river and the more limited tunnels. On the 2nd, the inside tunnel hides too much of the inner oval on the right for my tastes. I'd try to take the tunnel out and put the river back in.

Anyway, I realize the 2nd is supposedly for 3 trains, but you added a crossover there on the bottom. So, I just want to point out that once you take a train inside, you'll have to back it out unless you add another crossover along the back like shown here. I tried it in RR-Track using Lionel O gauge O42 curves/O31 switches for the outer oval and O27 curves/switches for the inner and it works, assuming O gauge switches directly connect to O27 switches and assuming the outer tracks are flexible enough to close the .092" gaps on both ends.  RR-Track let me join them, but I don't know if that means the track will join in reality. Oh, and if you don't wan to fool with the 2nd crossover/cost, that's fine with me, just pointing it out.

Also IMO

The second might be too busy. Could you set up 1st to add on later if you want?

As your son grows up he might appreciate more space for landscape,structures bridges and the techniques you and he could do together. Younger he will want lots of action.

Sounds like you’re being a good Dad, Best Holidays

I like the first one.  It is very interesting without seeming too cluttered.

George