Terms & ConditionsListen to our podcast! This aquarium on the Santa Monica pier is run by a non-profit called Heal The Bay. The Echo Park Time Travel Mart is a retail store that lives to provide souvenirs to keep those memories alive for a long time to come. Things To Do In Joshua Tree: 12 Things Not To Miss with Kids in this Desert National Park . Visit the Kidspace Childrens Museum which is a favorite among the young ones. With about 35 million objects in store, this is a stunning collection of exhibits. Be sure to book tickets to the Jack London Square station (there are multiple Oakland stations to choose from). This200-year-old Spanish monument gives the family a chance to learn about their home state in the most hands-onway possible. 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. Full of lily ponds, roses, and leafy trees, Descanso Gardens lets kids roam free and explore the natural world. Visit Thomas at the Southern California Railway Museum (formerly Orange Empire Railway Museum) 2201 South A Street Perris, CA 92570 . There are many festivals, concerts and other events that you can plan a trip around. From the 2019 smash hit Joker to the Harry Potter franchise, this studio has a lot of phenomenal cinema to its credit. It features food stalls selling local and foreign delicacies and various engaging events throughout the year. We believe the best memories are created when families do fun things together. Free train rides for children 17 years old and younger on Saturdays and Sundays when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. The train was the first of one of the many surprises that we had in our Christmas Eve program, but it was by far the crowd favorite. 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 The railcar collection has three historically significant cabooses and two Union Pacific Lounge cars available to the public. Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Recommended Hotel Nearby: 1 Hotel West Hollywood, Related: Best Hotels in Los Angeles for Families. Cool Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near Los Angeles, Say hi to the conductor before meeting Santa on the Southern California Polar Express Train Ride. The locomotive is an authentic Denver and Rio Grande Narrow Gauge train that was used in the early 1900s. Top attractions includeSandia Peak Tramwayfor panoramic views of the area,Indian Pueblo Cultural Center,National Museum of Nuclear Scienceand thePetroglyph National Monument. Fee for miniature train rides. most daysCost per ride: Free with admission (tickets start at $53, but you can find discounted tickets here). If youre looking for something different, book a sustainable wine tour, or even charter your own yacht. 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. Located at Westchester Park on Lincoln Boulevard/PCH and La Tiera Boulevard (across the street from Otis College of Arts - 9045 Lincoln Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045). But what are the options if youre looking to leave cars out of the equation and travel by train to your favorite SoCal destination? Save the date for November 25, 2022! Warning: The train has the highest crime rate in all of Orange County (wink, wink), as notorious bandits stage hold-ups on every ride. Our trains are both gas- and electric-powered, and we support green energy and keeping our environment clean for our children. Hill St. Los Angeles, California 90071. Angela is the staff writer for Only in Your State - Southern California. Trains arrive in the evening and return to L.A. in the morning, so booking accommodations in the city for two nights is best in order to have a full day in Oakland (or San Francisco). Learn about the heritage of American railroading through educational programs, displays, toy trains, and scale models of California railroads and communities. San Diego has something for everyone. It's located in a grassy, relaxed area of Griffith Park and happens to also be a great place to spread out a picnic. The museum is open the first and third Saturdays of each month. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Beach House at Hermosa. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Hidden in a residential neighborhood in the South Bay city of Lomita, it's full of train history, educational dioramas and hundreds of models depicting train cars from the 1830s to the present. *Train is wheelchair accessible. Box 21039 Glendale, CA 91221. Its the worlds shortest railway but gives a peek into the rich history. Admission is free. Approaching San Clemente on a SoCal train ride is a magical experience as you roll through town on the train tracks on, 1050 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA, The ride on this vintage trolley will take you on a scenic 1.5 mile route along the waterfront from San Pedro's World Cruise Center. 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. Southern California Railway Museum covers 100 acres and is home to a vast collection of historical locomotives, railcars, trolleys, 3-foot gauge, model trains and much more. Take a stroll through the picturesque Harbor Village,take in the California Surf Museum, rent a bike right on the beach, or do a little whale watching. Metrolink's Kids Ride Free on Weekends deal means every weekend, up to three children ages 17 and under can travel anywhere on the Metrolink system with a paying adult. Train Rides; School Trips & Group Tours; History & Learning. Thats where we come in! Once on board, your car hosts will work their way through the coach and punch your golden ticket before hot chocolate and a delicious cookie are served by dancing chefs. Popcorn Machine When you're in the mood for a getaway, there's nothing like a day trip in Southern California. 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. ; railway opens from 11a.m.-5p.m. Dates for the 2022 ride have been set! Please call for details on setup, delivery, pricing, etc. The morning arrival means you can start enjoying the nearby lakes, rivers and waterfalls early in the day. Take an adventure to any of our over 200 EXPLORE destinations across Southern California, and the kids ride completely free - no ticket needed! Heres a list of activities thatll help you plan. Learn how your comment data is processed. The exhibits are never the same so you can actually visit any number of times. Take the kids on a pony ride where they get to choose the pace. 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. Of course if your little trainspotter is still obsessed with all things choo-choo come birthday-time, you can have a train-themed birthday party in one of their train cars. The Grand Central Market is a magnificent 30,000-square-foot food court and downtown landmark that dates back to 1917. 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. Dozens of Amtrak and MetroLink trains use Union Station daily, and your kids are sure to get an eye-full and ear-full of real train experience. Do you want to hear a bit of history? Its a 20-hour, overnight Amtrak trip, and youll arrive in the walkable downtown area in the afternoon. Six Flags delivers adrenaline-pumping thrills for strong-stomached visitors. Theres also a non-profit tutoring center that will warm your heart. For cheaper hotel rates, consider an early fall trip. There are pedestrian walkways for a stroll and there are picnic areas for when you want to rest for a bit. 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. The interiors of this hotel give you the look and feel of a space station. For train-crazy toddlers, make sure to catch appearances by Thomas and Percy, and a special Christmas-timePolar Express Train Ride. 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. The center of the exhibit has a restored steam locomotive as well as its tender, a refrigerated boxcar, and caboose. Departures start as early as 6 a.m. and as late as 9 p.m. Great for the whole family, Grover Beach is a small community with a great beach, dunes nature preserve, winery, escape room, ATV rentals and more. Theres plenty of activities that make it quite happening. Maybe have a cone atCoastal Cone of ice cream as you stroll.Then its time to get wet, whether you want to pilot a duffy boat, rent a paddle boat, take agondola ride or enjoy a bit of maritime historywith the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, which will widen the eyes of any miniature shop lovers out there. Here, you can go on guided educational tours, read books at a library, shop for toys for your youngsters, buy souvenirs at the museum store, go on train rides, and do other enjoyable activities. Open 10 a.m. 3:30 p.m. on thefree public ride days(weather permitting); donations are welcome. Prepare to be amazed as you and your little ones watch puppet shows, musicals, plays, kid-friendly concerts, and other entertaining shows. There are bright pink benches that will lift your spirits and theres drought-tolerant landscaping that will grab your attention. Check their website to confirm dates. 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?) The Amtrak Surflinercan make a nice day trip of it, andDowntown Disney is still a good destination. They also have many historic exhibits, including full-size vintage train cars, a stationary steam plant, and Walt Disneys Carolwood Barn. The Travel Town Museum is a railway established in 1952 and owned by the Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks. Have a blast with your kids as you build towering sandcastles, play sandy volleyball, shoot hoops at a basketball court, teach your little ones how to fish, go for a leisurely swim, or enjoy a fun round of frisbee. Explore the West's largest collection of railway locomotives, passenger and freight cars, streetcars, interurban electric cars, buildings and other artifacts dating from the 1870's. Ride streetcars, interurban electric cars, and trains on the Museum railway. Mitchell Museum of Western Art. Right across the street is Union Station with a ton of kid-friendly stuff. for an up-close look at real trains in Los Angles moving people in and out of our city. Rental cars are also an option with Enterprise. Located in Los Angeles County, California, A PLUS Promotions gives your party or get-together a whole new level of fun! If youve been to LA previously and loved the Childrens Museum of Los Angeles (which is now gone), this will do a little more than lift your spirits. You can also attend a University of Oregon football game, visit the Cascades Raptor Center or go to a show at the Hult Center of Performing Arts. Most attractions are a short walk or Lyft/Uber ride away from the Santa Fe Depot. Another one-of-a-kind spot to visit in SoCal is Victoria Tower in Laguna Beach. If you want to feed the likes of a sea lion, you might want to make some bookings in advance with the Animal Encounters. The Balboa Park Miniature Train is operated by the San Diego Zoo. For the more adventurous crowd, theres whitewater rafting on the Klamath River or choose from several mountain bike trails. Upper Klamath Lake has a canoe trail, or head to Moore Park and the Link River Trail for waterfront hiking and bird-watching. Each fare-paying adult can be accompanied by up to three children, 17 years old and younger, at no additional charge. Explore beautiful SoCal from San Luis Obispo to San Diego on The Pacific Surfliner. And by the way, if youre a Potterhead, this place is a must visit. One of the best parts about living in Los Angelesis getting out of Los Angeles. The SAP Center (concerts and NHL hockey games) is in walking distance of the Amtrak station along with Arena Green West park. Weekdays and until 5 p.m. On weekends and holidays. Its a historic landmark that opened in September 1909. We also rent trackless trains, which allow all of the guests to enjoy the thrill of a train ride at your event without being confined to a single track. Is your little one loco for locomotives? If you're a fan of wineries, check out Briar Rose Winery for a sweet fairytale experience in Temecula. Their newest exhibit, Out of the Vault: Items from Our Collectionincludes decades-old locomotives made of pewter and brass. Train Party Express is a wonderful addition to birthdays, festivals and all events. Train Party is the largest trackless train provider in Southern California. Theres tons of room for your children to put their imagination to work. Train Tickets 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. It is on 12 acres of land and has fountains and green space that promises a pleasant evening. 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. Also includes a hand car on display from 1881 called Velocipede. SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills, Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, Santa Monica Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels, Hotel Maya a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, The Beverly Hills Hotel Dorchester Collection, Southern California with Kids Fun Things to Do, Hotel Figueroa, Unbound Collection by Hyatt, La Quinta by Wyndham Santa Clarita Valencia, 35 Best Places to Visit in August in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in July in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in June in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in May in the USA, Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, Los Angeles, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles County Arboretum And Botanic Garden, The Huntington Library, Art Collections, And Botanical Gardens, Natural History Museum Of Los Angeles County, El Pueblo De Los Angeles Historical Monument. Once you hop off, youll be mere steps away from Paseo Nuevo, the citys historic downtown. Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 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!). Every day is an opportunity to create new stories. For adults, there are many wineries in the area (the Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards has peacocks). Middle schoolers can check out the exhibits on botany. A post shared by Angels Flight Railway (@angelsflightrailway). The train at Griffith Park & Southern Railroad travels over one mile of track, across a bridge, through a forest and the Old Western Town. A light rail station is across the street, or take Uber, Lyft or ferry to get around. 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. The collection of books here is across cultures and has the best treasure trove of items youve seen in a while. It was a real sight to see. There are regular and temporary exhibitions here from time to time. Or if you are really going to make a train day of it, take the metro to the Civic Ctr/Grand Park stationAngel's Flight is 5 minute walk. Its circular. For a little urban adventure, hop off at the Sante Fe stopnearDowntown and enjoy everything from Balboa Park to the USS Midway Museumto the San Diego Zoo. Just visit AmtrakVacations.com or call 1-800-268-7252 to learn more about our unforgettable rail journeys. Create long-lasting memories with your family by spending the day under the sun, on the soft sand, or in the cool water at Venice Beach.