The train is a model G16 now a rare antique with as few as fifty currently remaining. 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. 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?) People already asked me for your number and I will keep referring you, too. One child ages 2-12 is eligible to receive a 50% discount on the lowest available adult rail fare on most Amtrak trains with each fare-paying adult (age 18+). Photo courtesy of VisitPalmSprings.com, Slip back in time with a visit to this historic town andits legendary Mission San Juan Capistrano. The museum also operates a railway where visitors can ride on the historic trains and trolleys that helped shape Southern California. Kids can also try their T-6 simulator ride! 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. If youre a shutterbug, now is the time to unleash your camera. Just visit AmtrakVacations.com or call 1-800-268-7252 to learn more about our unforgettable rail journeys. Whatever you choose,youll feel like you'vegoneto beach bum heaven. 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. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Over a century old, this funicular (a train that goes up and down a mountain) shuttles passengers between Hill St. and Grand Ave. on Bunker Hill. Take a memorable ride on, Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA, You can view over 200 historic railway cars and locomotives on display at this museum. It showcases rich marine life and has many exhibits to teach you a thing or two about underwater creatures on this coast. In Chicago, there are many museums, live music venues and attractions to explore, including the Willis Tower Skydeck, Navy Pier and Wrigley Field. With a rental car, you can visit Morro Bay State Park, Dinosaur Caves Park, and hike at Valencia Peak and Bishop Peak (both have amazing views). It is a family-friendly tourist hotspot featuring a nearby boardwalk, playground, skate park, sports courts, fishing pier, and outdoor stage. 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. Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Travel Time: 1 1/2 hours each way Fall Activities Trains, Dinos & Heroes Weekend Trips Preschoolers Kids Tweens & teens Anaheim Orange County San Juan Capistrano Los Angeles United States California Southwest and Rockies Required fields are marked *. Paso Robles is a fantastic option for a wine vacation. Doesnt taking a train ride in SoCal look like a fun way to spend the afternoon? You could hike up or get hitch a horseback ride through Hollywood Hills to get here. Los Angeles, CA 90027 Mail Stop #: 663 Download files: Travel Town Map - Griffith Park Map. 20264 Broadway, Sonoma, CA | 707.938.3912. The evening ride is gentle and timeless, and just the right size for kids and their parents to take in the festively decorated mile of track. If you're looking forcoastal fun, walk down to Dana Point Harbor, known as the "Whale Capital of the West," and keep your eyes peeled. 8039 Beach Blvd.Buena ParkOnline: knotts.com, RELATED: How to Spend a Fun 36-Hours in Buena Park, A post shared by Official Union Station LA (@unionstationla). 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. Located in Griffith Park, Travel Town is an outdoor museum with a large collection of locomotives and rolling stock from Southern California. Popcorn Machine 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. Train: Amtrak The train ride is a four-minute, half-mile loop through four acres of Balboa Park, located outside the Zoos exit. Just Enter your Date and Time and See Everything That is available. Passengers then read along with the classic childrens book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. **In February: California Baby & Kids Expoin the OC Fair Grounds & Event Center. 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. Take your train-loving kids to Union Station and get the opportunity to watch several state-of-the-art passenger trains passing by. 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. 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. But the best part is the space shuttle Endeavour in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion. For your littledinolovers, a trip to theCabazon Dinosaur Museumwill surely make you their favorite parent for a while. The interiors of this hotel give you the look and feel of a space station. Travel Time: 2 plus hourseach way, Breakwater Way Beach in Oceanside. The Shark Lagoon has over 150 sharks and a few penguins that you can get close to and even touch. TreePeople is not just dog friendly but it also organizes group dog walks. There are a few rotating exhibits that will keep you busy. You wont be spoiled for choice here but theres more than enough to keep everyone busy. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! There are pedestrian walkways for a stroll and there are picnic areas for when you want to rest for a bit. ; railway opens from 11a.m.-5p.m. Train Party is the largest trackless train provider in Southern California. Here, you can also enjoy activities like taking many pictures of its eye-catching art murals, biking on designated trails, dining at a fantastic restaurant, and snapping several photos together backed by jaw-dropping architecture. The Klamath Fall Amtrak station is in walking distance of downtown restaurants, a few hotels and an Enterprise Rent-A-Car office. Do your children love all things train-related? You could get a studio tour, classics tour or a deluxe tour. Recommended Hotel Nearby: InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown. Insider Tip: If you are there on the 3rd Sun. Take short day-trips to Los Angeles, San Diego, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Barbara or other cities from local stations in Anaheim, Fullerton, Irvine and Santa Ana. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Maya a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. A variety of special events are held throughout the year, such as Railroadiana Swap Meets, Dino Train and Steam Festival, Day Out with Thomas, The Polar Express and more. Have a Great Year!, ~ Kasey from Abundant Living Family Church, Learning Curve International Brand Legal Copy. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor! The North Pole Limited stops at Santas Workshop to pick up Santa and Mrs. Claus, who visit with all passengers on the train on the way back to the Campo Depot. This is an event where the streets are temporarily open for everyone to bike or walk or skate or dance. HOME | traintown You will also find a host of rotating exhibits and Nature Lab, a hand-on science lab that includes animals and other specimens. 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. 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. Trains depart Los Angeles and San Jose mid-morning, so one overnight stay in San Jose is doable if that works best with your schedule. Details subject to change. 800 N Alameda StLos Angeles, CA 90012(800) 698-4833. 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. You can also try our T-6 simulator ride, a fun adventure for all ages! Luckily for us, it runs every day from 6:45 am to 10 pm on weekends and holidays too. This renowned attraction is a learning center and zoological park home to at least 100 exotic animals of more than fifty diverse species. You sit on top of it, straddling the train car, as opposed to inside it. The quaint town also offers a popular petting zoothat feels a bit like time travel. This one is for the whole family and if you plan it well, it will take a whole day for you to really enjoy it. When your kid is crazy about all things trains, its full steam ahead! 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. Camping near Los Angeles: 17 Great Campgrounds for Tent Camping with Kids . But what are the options if youre looking to leave cars out of the equation and travel by train to your favorite SoCal destination? Located inside Balboa Park, inside the Casa de Balboa Building. Theres also storytime for children who dig that. Be sure to check out the wine tours and shuttles. Guests are served hot chocolate and shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book, and get a gift from Santa. Few SoCal towns are better atturning the ocean into some serious family fun. It's definitely an excellent spot for walking, as the ocean views are truly beautiful. A typical train ride takes about 12 minutes and covers two loops of the park. If you like to go around a water body in a boat, this is the place to be in LA. 'Tis the season for Polar Express train rides or Christmas trains for everyone in the family who likes to ride the rails, from an LA staple in Griffith Park to a book or movie-like adventure on the SoCal Polar Express. Mail the Foundation: P.O. You can easily walk to a light rail stop or to downtown, plus Lyft and Uber are options. Hooray! Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas. 15 great train trips from Los Angeles | Amtrak Guide 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. LALSRM - Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sunset Tower Hotel, Related: Free Things to Do in Los Angeles, CA. TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE! It is also a designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. 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. 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. Day Out With Thomas - Southern California Railway Museum Thats amazing, Carrie! Few SoCal towns are better at turning the ocean into some serious family fun. I felt ecstatic. Open: Daily, 10a.m.-5p.m.Cost per ride: $3 & up, 4400 Crystal Springs Dr.Los AngelesOnline:griffithparktrainrides.com/. If you get lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a celebrity. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Explore | Metrolink Pick up some churros at Olvera Street and head towards Avila Adobe, the oldest home in LA. The Amtrak station is conveniently in walking distance of Skinner Butte Park and downtown hotels and restaurants (including many local and Asian options), so you dont have to rent a car. You can choose to have a picnic in the park or near the tar pits. Trackless train rental, Birthday party trains | SoCal Our staff brings you Trains on the Move, our portable, exciting, kid-sized trains that will liven any party. Train rides on select vintage trains and trolleys are available to guests during their visit. Located at the Metlox Plaza Corner of Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Valley Boulevard. 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. The exhibits are never the same so you can actually visit any number of times. Also don't miss the well-stocked gift shopa great resource for train-related toys. Train rides are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am and 2:30 pm. Our trains are both gas- and electric-powered, and we support green energy and keeping our environment clean for our children. most daysCost per ride: Free with admission (tickets start at $53, but you can find discounted tickets here). There are also classes in identifying and understanding native plants. The Travel Town Museum is a railway established in 1952 and owned by the Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks. It opened in 1960 and welcomes about 10 million tourists annually, making it one of the most popular attractions in LA. This is also a great place to induct your kids into art. This is a complex over 116,000 square feet in the Arts District and is one of the few around the world that is exclusively about contemporary art. It features over 2,700 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded in sidewalks along roughly fifteen blocks at Hollywood Boulevard. It's such a sweet place that you'll want to stay all afternoon. The 1/3-scale train is located in the foothills of Orange and is open daily (weather permitting, excluding certain holidays). It was a real sight to see. Wednesday's we are in Westchester Farmers Market! Be sure to book tickets to the Jack London Square station (there are multiple Oakland stations to choose from). This is one of the most iconic sites in Hollywood. Griffith Park Train Rides - Griffith Park & Southern Railroad - Los Friends and family of all ages will enjoy a train ride in wine country. If you love space and astronomy, this is a fantastic choice. Theres tons of room for your children to put their imagination to work. It is one of the best kids activities in Los Angeles. Whether you want to see Central Perk from Friends or backlots and soundstages, this is where its all at. Its one of the busiest studios in all of Hollywood. For more Holiday adventures, like Christmas lights in Los Angeles and Santa visits, be sure to visit our Los Angeles Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Amarano Burbank-Hollywood. Just march right through the lobby and into the tunnel beneath the platforms, check out the schedule to see which tracks have trains leaving soon and walk up the ramp of your choice to see full-size trains in action. Theres also a climbing structure like the ant colony and an interactive greenhouse. Also See:Kids Activities: Santa MonicaThings to Do in Long Beach with KidsThings to Do with Kids in Orange County. Klamath Falls is a 22-hour train trip from Los Angeles. Try all sorts of mouth-watering dishes, like loaded tacos, Thai rice, decked sandwiches, Japanese bentos, freshly baked pastries, homemade pies, hand-made pastas, ramen, decadent donuts, and other yummy treats. Confirm details with organizer. 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!) 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. It offers several engaging events throughout the year, guided tours, a gift shop, and more. Parties are meant to be entertaining, enjoyable and exciting for everyone involved. You will see little ponds filled with roses, lilies and trees in every direction. Your email address will not be published. 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.