train rides for kids near los angeles, ca

I really appreciate doing business with "good businesses". The train ride at this Griffith Park spot is aboard a 7" gauge model train, which makes it about an eighth the size of a standard train. There are regular and temporary exhibitions here from time to time. The 1/3-scale train is located in the foothills of Orange and is open daily (weather permitting, excluding certain holidays). The biggest draw of Griffith Park is that theres a little something for people of all ages. There are seats available (so far!) Paso Robles is a fantastic option for a wine vacation. Santa Barbara is about 3 hours away from Los Angeles on the train, making the beautiful city an easy one-night getaway, or stay longer to really experience the area. RELATED: Metrolink's stop-worthy spots from DTLA to Oceanside, Themed Restaurants Totally Worth the Trip, 10 Cool Spots To Throw Your Kids Birthday Party, By signing up to Tinybeans newsletters you agree to our Terms and Our schedule fills up quickly, so please give us a call today at (310) 532-6223 or email us at info@trainsonthemove.com to request a date for your next special event. Theres plenty of parking, plus a concession stand, snack bar and a gift shop, as well as a small space-flight simulator and the nearby Griffith Park pony and wagon rides. Originally opened in 1901, Angels Flightthe worlds shortest railwayhas given more than 100 million rides on its hillside track.The top station is located at California Plaza (350 South Grand Ave., while the lower entrance is located at 351 South Hill St.which, handily is across from Grand Central Market (and one of our favorite spots for lunch!). OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Its actually visible for many parts of the city when the sky is clear. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Beach House at Hermosa. The morning arrival means you can start enjoying the nearby lakes, rivers and waterfalls early in the day. Each fare-paying adult can be accompanied by up to three children, 17 years old and younger, at no additional charge. Travel Time: 1 1/2hours each way, Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner heads down the coast. Things To Do In Joshua Tree: 12 Things Not To Miss with Kids in this Desert National Park . Narrated tours of the museum and their extensive collection Mon. The art scene there is fantastic and well-known throughout our region. , Your email address will not be published. 40 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Los Angeles: The Best Family-Friendly Attractions! Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Beverly Hills Hotel Dorchester Collection, 3720 Stephen M White DrSan Pedro, CA 90731. . coolest attractions in Southern California. Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Kids Ride Free Weekends provides families an affordable way to take a weekend day trip to explore Southern California destinations. Grab a coffee and stroll through the famous Pike Place Market, visit the Chihuly Gardens, Museum of Flight, or head to Kerry Park for stunning skyline views of the city. One intriguing hidden gem in Southern California to visit is The Lummis House, a hidden castle where you can go to take an interesting tour. Our Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Play area provides entertainment for up to 25 children at one time. The scenery from the train is one the main reasons to book this rail trip. Open: Sun. You dont need a reason to go here. 1418 Descanso DrLa Caada Flintridge, CA 91011. 317 S BroadwayLos Angeles, CA 90013(213) 359-6007. Angels Flight Railway goes from Hill Street and Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. Thanks for sharing! What are the best day trips in Southern California? It was never meant to be a permanent fixture but its funny how plans work out, isnt it? Kids from the ages two to seven will love the Helen and Peter Bing Childrens garden. And if you're planning to head out with family, there are a ton of fun things to do with kids in Los Angeles. It is one of the best kids activities in Los Angeles. Friends and family of all ages will enjoy a train ride in wine country. You'll cross bridges, pass through tunnels and alongside miniature towns. | Fun Factory Parties Trackless Train rentals for kid's birthday parties! Check out their explorer pagefor all the places you can go including Oceanside, San Juan Capistrano, Ventura County or even the Antelope Valley. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Click on the images below to read the latest issue or download a copy of your very own. Plan to stay at least two nights as the return train to L.A. departs around 7:15 a.m. San Luis Obispo is a great family getaway or a wine trip thats 5.5 hours away from L.A. Train Ride Tickets Tickets are available for purchase in-person at both locations Adults $4.00 Children (17 and under) $3.00 Seniors (over 60) $3.00 Value (20+ tickets) $3.00 T-6 Simulator Ride at Griffith Park & Southern RR $5.00 Hours Griffith Park & Southern Railroad Dates Open Daily Summer & Fall hours (March to November) 10am - 4:30pm /5pm . Theres also a fog grotto and a prism tunnel to climb through. With five Amtrak routes arriving and departing from Los Angeles Union Station, and more than 70 Amtrak stations just in California, there are a variety of options for a train trip. Confirm details with organizer. 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Attend during a special event and you may be treated to a train ride on the, Southern California Railway Museum, 2201 S A St, Perris, CA 92570, USA, Take a day trip along the Pacific Coast on a restored vintage train ride in SoCal. During the trip, characters on each car immerse passengers in theatrical onboard entertainment just like in the film! Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS for a . If you really want to experience the great outdoors, rent a car and drive about one hour to reach the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. There is also a ferry to Coronado Island, trolleys and Coaster commuter trains if you want to see more of the area without a car. Guests are served hot chocolate and shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book, and get a gift from Santa. Just Enter your Date and Time and See Everything That is available. For the more adventurous, check out Stearns Wharffor some epic seaside views, and stop by the Santa Barbara Shellfish Company for takeout for the freshest seafood above the water. So pull on those matching family PJs and get ready to sing some carols, hear a story, chow down on Christmas cookies, and even chanceto hand over those wish lists toSanta Claus in person. Visit website for upcoming events. Located in Los Angeles County, California, A PLUS Promotions gives your party or get-together a whole new level of fun! Hours: 9 a.m.-5p.m. It features food stalls selling local and foreign delicacies and various engaging events throughout the year. Located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum, educates the public in railroad history and show live steam, gas-mechanical and electric railroad technology in actual operation. Thats just one of the things that attracts locals and tourists to this place. Irvine Park Railroad takes children and adults through historic Irvine Regional Park. Take a little day trip to experience these charming train stations and enjoy a pleasant ride. Its a quirky space where used books are arranged according to color. Take an overnight trip to Eugene, Oregon, which is 28 hours away from Los Angeles on Amtrak. Youll need to stay in Chicago at least one night, with the option to fly back to California or ride the Southwest Chief or Texas Eagle Amtrak train back to Los Angeles. Then, one of the most fun things to do with kids in Los Angeles is taking them to this museum. The locomotive is an authentic Denver and Rio Grande Narrow Gauge train that was used in the early 1900s. We recommend booking ASAP because the Polar Express trains are a hot ticket, and tend to book up fast. Celebrate a special occasion with your loved ones and extended family by going on a Picnic Safari. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Embassy Suites Los Angeles Glendale, 12601 Mulholland DrBeverly Hills, CA 90210. Train: Amtrak Learn about the heritage of American railroading through educational programs, displays, toy trains, and scale models of California railroads and communities. If that doesnt sound too enticing, take them to the Enchanted Railroad or check out the daily storytimes and if you visit in the summer, be sure to check the concert calendar. While 2020 may not be the yearto visit Disneyland,Anaheim is still worth an outing. If you stay in Oakland, check out the Oakland Museum of California, Oakland Zoo, Chabot Space & Science Center, Childrens Fairyland theme park and the local food scene. With an unending supply of beaches, mountains, deserts, and historic highways just a short distance away from the city, theres always an excuse for a day trip. Once you hop off, youll be mere steps away from Paseo Nuevo, the citys historic downtown. Next, you can check out the sculpture garden and of course, the Boone Childrens Gallery for painting and storytime. Do your kids love party highlights in which everything is set to bring wonder to their eyes, smile on their faces? Public train rides are a suggested donation of $4.00 per person. The Railroad Exhibit at Heritage Park tells the story of the citys railroad history through the restoration of the Santa Fe Railway depot, tracks, and signals. They are committed to protecting the over 100 species of marine creatures that are placed here. You can find our trains here: 4400 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027, image from https://www.tripsavvy.com/griffith-park-los-angeles-4123401. First of all, its not just for bookworms. It was a real sight to see. Train Rides; School Trips & Group Tours; History & Learning. Tom was very helpful and a joy to work with in our production., ~ Kasey from Abundant Living Family Church(12/28/11), "I wanted to email and say that we were very pleased with the train and conductor that attended our party yesterday. The Travel Town Museum is a railway established in 1952 and owned by the Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks. Trains arrive midday and return to L.A. around 5 p.m., so you could stay one night and have enough time to experience some of the city. Sunset Cliffs is a great place to go for a beloved San Diego experience. Everyone both young and old enjoyed seeing the train ride through the Sanctuary. It opened in 2014 and has a ton of exhibits that will delight the little ones. You are also allowed to watch while the staff feed the sharks. This is where the magic of movies takes place. Youll spend two nights on the train and arrive in Chicago in the late afternoon, with views of deserts, mountains and the Great Plains along the way. Theres an excavator tour where kids can check out what the scientists of the day are digging out of tar pits. 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The morning arrival means you can start enjoying the nearby lakes, rivers and waterfalls early in the day. to request a date for your next special event. Learn how your comment data is processed. Plus, these elevators have glass walls and come with a stunning view. Lets go! Photo courtesy of Amtrak, Young Gates - Kids Online Personalized Classes, 5 Family Festivals and More Top Things To Do in Los Angeles This Weekend with Kids, The Butterfly Pavilion Ushers in Spring at the Natural History Museum, Free in March: 20 Best Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids, Indoor Fun and Playspaces Guide for LA & OC Kids, 26 Best Things To Do in Los Angeles in March 2023 with Kids, Free and Cheap Summer Camps in Los Angeles, 23 Best Breakfasts in Los Angeles at Kid-Friendly Restaurants, 30 Best Indoor Playgrounds in Los Angeles: Indoor Play Spaces for Hot (or Rainy?) 4. Southern California Live Steamers offer this special night train ride for the holiday season, which also serves as a fundraiser to support the free rides throughout the year. The museum is housed in a 19th-century New England small-town train depot replica, and after you purchase your tickets at the old-fashioned train-ticket counter, the well-informed staff will welcome your little ones with some background on the museum, while demonstrating the facilitys genuine train lights and whistles. Each guest will take home a keepsake sleigh bell in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip. Located inside Balboa Park, inside the Casa de Balboa Building. 1418 Descanso Dr. La Caada Flintridge, CA 91011. There are bright pink benches that will lift your spirits and theres drought-tolerant landscaping that will grab your attention. Our trains are perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to family reunions, company picnics to farmers markets, and even fairs and parades, Trains on the Move are a great option for any special event. Do your children love all things train-related? Watch on. It's a fun way to see the area and it's something the kiddos will surely enjoy. Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas. (Los Angeles): Take I-10 east or Route 60 east or Route 91 east to I-215 . If youre a shutterbug, now is the time to unleash your camera. It is a family-friendly tourist hotspot featuring a nearby boardwalk, playground, skate park, sports courts, fishing pier, and outdoor stage. For cheaper hotel rates, consider an early fall trip. And theres a scavenger hunt that you must absolutely take part in. Here, there are activities for 2 year olds and 60 year olds with the same spirit of entertainment. View stars of famous icons, such as Walt Disney, Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Jack Black, the Backstreet Boys, Orlando Bloom, Meryl Streep, Audrey Hepburn, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, and so much more. Were taking your train-lovin family on an adventure across SoCal, chugging along to must-see train stops. Few SoCal towns are better atturning the ocean into some serious family fun. When your kid is crazy about all things trains, its full steam ahead! Open: Daily, 10a.m.-5p.m.Cost per ride: $3 & up, 4400 Crystal Springs Dr.Los AngelesOnline:griffithparktrainrides.com/. There is a great variety of items here that will mark any time period of your choice. School Trips & Guided Tours; Holden's Corner for Kids; Exhibits; The Trains at Travel Town; Railroad Safety; Library & Archive; Whyte Locomotive Classification; . Explore the best options below. Its the worlds shortest railway but gives a peek into the rich history. Heres a list of activities thatll help you plan. Rental cars are also an option with Enterprise. And theres no place like the City of Angels. Dont miss this DTLAlandmark (built in 1939!) This Orange County museum also has the Wests largest collection of railway locomotives, passenger and freight cars, streetcars and other artifacts dating from the 1870s. Check out our must-visit list of train museums, train rides for kids in Los Angeles, must-visit stations, and a chance to ride real trains for free (at least for the kids). on weekends only and special eventsCost: All-day train ride pass, $12 for ages 12 & up; $8 for ages 5 through 11; free for ages 4 and under, 2201 South A St.Perris, CAOnline: socalrailway.org. If youre looking to extend your quick trip a day or two, there are countless hotels with cool pools the whole family will love. Train: Amtrak Descanso Gardens. Get the chance to view animals like bald eagles, prairie dogs, ring-tailed lemurs, squirrel monkeys, boa constrictors, ravens, North American porcupines, bobcats, sugar gliders, pythons, and so much more. Children of all ages will be thoroughly entertained here. Step inside a holiday classic! Come visit us every week and ride our trackless train: Tuesday's we are at Manhattan Beach Farmers Market! There are indoor and outdoor spaces to entertain people of all ages. Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Quinta by Wyndham Santa Clarita Valencia, 4949 York BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90042(213) 250-9995. You could hike up or get hitch a horseback ride through Hollywood Hills to get here. We now have new services: Face Painting, Concession and Foam Machine rental. Offerspublic rides on Sundays (weather permitting). And dont miss the rainbow room. Photo courtesy of VisitPalmSprings.com, Slip back in time with a visit to this historic town andits legendary Mission San Juan Capistrano. promotions and other partner offers EVERYDAY DISCOUNTS Savings for Kids, Seniors, Military, Groups and More VACATIONS & RAIL TOURS Train vacation packages throughout North America MULTI-RIDES & RAIL PASSES USA Rail passes, . Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS for a magical one-hour trip to meet Santa. Angela is the staff writer for Only in Your State - Southern California. Also See:Kids Activities: Santa MonicaThings to Do in Long Beach with KidsThings to Do with Kids in Orange County. Top attractions includeSandia Peak Tramwayfor panoramic views of the area,Indian Pueblo Cultural Center,National Museum of Nuclear Scienceand thePetroglyph National Monument. 1. Youngsters of all ages enjoy the experience of riding the FREEDOM TRAIN or the . There are a few hotels and Airbnbs you can walk to from the Amtrak station, and you can use Uber or Lyft to get around so a car rental isnt required. Railway trains and trolleys operate every weekend. If youre looking for something different, book a sustainable wine tour, or even charter your own yacht. on weekends only and special events Cost: All-day train ride pass, $12 for ages 12 & up; $8 for ages 5 through 11; free for ages 4 and under 2201 South A St. Perris, CA Online: socalrailway.org Advertisement Travel Town Museum & Railroad Nadia Q via Yelp Some Of The Best Things To Do In Los Angeles With Toddlers Are: Some Of The Best Things To Do In Los Angeles With Teens Are: Some Of The Best Things To Do In Los Angeles With A Baby Are: Some Of The Best Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Los Angeles At Night Are: Some Of The Best Free Things To Do With Kids In Los Angeles Are: Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. This is one of the most iconic sites in Hollywood. There are kid-friendly tours, replete with informative exhibits on board. One of the most historic things in town is the Castaneda Hotel next to the Amtrak station. Be sure to book tickets to the Jack London Square station (there are multiple Oakland stations to choose from). Hill St. Los Angeles, California 90071. Travel Town Transportation Museum 5200 Zoo Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027 Operations: (323) 662-5874 Email: Travel.Town@lacity.org . This is an event where the streets are temporarily open for everyone to bike or walk or skate or dance. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Peninsula Beverly Hills. El Dorado Frontier is currently only open on weekends. You may recognize this railway, as this train ride in SoCal has been featured in over 400 movies and TV shows. 2201 S. "A" Street, Perris, CA 92570 2023 Southern California Railway Museum. Learn about the Amtrak Los Angeles Union Station, California (CA) - station address, map, parking, hours for ticketing, . Take a ride on the worlds shortest railway! The children will love walking around and exploring this natural beauty. 3. If you are wondering where to take kids to educate them about the environment while keeping it entertaining, you cannot skip this. Hop aboard the North Pole Limited, where Santas elves sing favorite Christmas carols, read a Christmas storyto young ones, and pass out cookies and hot chocolate to all passengers. Child and infant discounts are automatically applied when adding travelers to your booking No Promo Code needed. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. In Chicago, there are many museums, live music venues and attractions to explore, including the Willis Tower Skydeck, Navy Pier and Wrigley Field. Prepare to be amazed as you and your little ones watch puppet shows, musicals, plays, kid-friendly concerts, and other entertaining shows. The train at Griffith Park & Southern Railroad travels over one mile of track, across a bridge, through a forest and the Old Western Town. Popcorn Machine Griffith Park and Southern Railroad brings back its popular Santa train ride this year. Theres also winding walkways, huge lawns and rolling hills for you to plan your day. Los Angeles ranked as the second major U.S. metro area people are leaving, according to data. Upper Klamath Lake has a canoe trail, or head to Moore Park and the Link River Trail for waterfront hiking and bird-watching. Plus you can party in the Gaslamp Quarter, cruise the harbor, visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo, explore Balboa Park, experience the USS Midway Museum and shop at Seaport Village. You can also rent a bike to pedal through its length and view occasional live entertainment from street performers, like musicians and jugglers. The railway has made several appearances in film and television, includingLa La Land (2016)andThe Muppets (2011). The Pacific Surfliner train stop in San Juan Capistrano is worthy of a little exploration as the train station here is a rare beauty. Top photo credit: Image by Steven Cox from Pixabay (San Diego sunrise), Your email address will not be published. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Supported Credit Cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, https://socalthepolarexpressride.com/faqs/, https://socalthepolarexpressride.com/contact/. Recommended Hotel Nearby: InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown. The museums, along with restaurants and hotels, are about a 10-minute walk from the Amtrak station. Words can't describe my happiness when my son saw the train and was yelling Choo Choo at the top of his lungs and jumping up and down. The return train to L.A. departs at night, so you could technically just spend a day here, then get back on the train to sleep. Widely regarded as one of the most spectacular of all train routes, the Coast Starlight links the greatest cities on the West . For the return trip to L.A., you choose a Pacific Surfliner or Coast Starlight train. Open: Daily, 10a.m.10p.m. of the month, swing by and check out the relocated Walt's Barnit's where Walt Disney worked on his own trains and brainstormed new ideas. Check out Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego for a unique beach experience. Experience the fun and history of railroading at Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum in Griffith Park. Visit to experience a day of family fun, exploring the large grounds, and riding the trains and trolleys that helped create the Southern California we know today. Because of this, we DO NOT cancel and provide you with a $25 guarantee that we will be at your event. Travel time on the train is 11 to 12 hours. Idyllwild is another fun spot to drive to for a day or a weekend. The holiday light festival operates from late November until early January each year. It continues to offer rides to guests today. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Mama Shelter Los Angeles, Related: Things to Do in Hollywood with Kids, Related: California with Kids Top Things to Do, 3400 Warner BlvdBurbank, CA 91522(818) 977-8687. This is for the whole family to have a chill day out in San Pedro. Required fields are marked *. Travel Time: An hour plus each way, Another classic Surfliner jaunt, the Santa Barbaratrain ride takes about 2 hours from Union Station, so youll want to get an early start. Related: Fun Things to Do in Los Angeles at Night. Families can ride the miniature train that circles the perimeter of the museum. Your kids will particularly like taking photos with the stars of animated characters Mickey Mouse, Godzilla, Big Bird, Donald Duck, Shrek, Tinkerbell, Winnie the Pooh, Snow White, Bugs Bunny, Kermit the Frog, and countless others. Here's a list of activities that'll help you plan. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Westin Pasadena. "We bring the thrill of a train ride to your event." We service all of Orange County and parts of San Diego, Riverside & Los Angeles. Contact us today or make a reservation online for your next event! It boasts hand-painted vignettes, state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, and more. Spread over 120 acres, there are a few gardens to its credit. Danny's Farm Danny's Farm was founded by former Los Angeles Dodger (and pitching coach for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheimno matter which LA team you root for, he's got you covered!) We firmly believe in honoring ALL of our commitments, no matter the size of the event. Full of restaurants, bars, shops, and shows, this part of the city makes it easy to amble away the day wandering its sunny streets. Tip: If you depart Los Angeles on Friday, youll arrive in time to hang out at the Eugene Saturday Market, which has live music, food and artisan vendors selling local goods. All Rights Reserved. ; railway opens from 11a.m.-5p.m. Tots under 2 are admitted free. The interiors of this hotel give you the look and feel of a space station. Open 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on the free public ride days (weather permitting); donations are welcome. The sea cave here is legendary, and you'll love exploring the tidepools with the kids. This is a hotspot for dignitaries, former Presidents and television and movie stars too.