EVENT FAQ PHOTO GALLERY REVIEW & TIPS. 317 S BroadwayLos Angeles, CA 90013(213) 359-6007. In the warmer months, you can also visit one of the citys beaches or take a bike ride along the Lakefront Trail. Travel Town Museum Foundation 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. This is a perfect addition to your Thomas the Train theme party. Rent Kids Trackless Trains OC, Los Angeles, Inland Empire Angels Flight Railway goes from Hill Street and Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill. The center of the exhibit has a restored steam locomotive as well as its tender, a refrigerated boxcar, and caboose. There are 18 observation decks here which give you a stunning view of the city. Yes, Im talking about Los Angeles, the second-largest urban region in the United States. This is a theater operated by Disney and is designed purely for family fun. 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. There are three art galleries and a huge botanical garden. There are huge modern art galleries in the Ahmanson building. Six Flags Magic Mountain. Irvine Park Railroad takes children and adults through historic Irvine Regional Park. Idyllwild is another fun spot to drive to for a day or a weekend. Open: Daily, 10a.m.10p.m. You can rent pedal boats or stay on the shore and organize a picnic for the family. There is a zoo, harbor, wharf, bike path, coastal park and historic mission to explore. The fare is $1.00 each way, and you can purchase a souvenir round-trip ticket for $2.00 to take a piece of history home with you. Love SoCal? It's located in a grassy, relaxed area of Griffith Park and happens to also be a great place to spread out a picnic. Call the Foundation: (323) 668-0104. Admission is $11 for kids under 15 (and seniors) and $13 for those over 15. There are a few motels in walking distance from the Amtrak station, or explore Airbnb options. I didnt think this day would come. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sunset Tower Hotel, Related: Free Things to Do in Los Angeles, CA. 40 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Los Angeles: The Best Family-Friendly Attractions! Photo courtesy of the train. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. Youll arrive Jack London Square (pictured above), and you can walk to the ferry that will take you to San Francisco. Dont miss this DTLAlandmark (built in 1939!) It is one of the few remaining Harvey Houses that were built along railroads at the turn of the century. 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. Friends and family of all ages will enjoy a train ride in wine country. The Train Ride phone number is (323) 662-9678. . Is your little one loco for locomotives? Get a shuttle from the Gold Line to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Narrated tours of the museum and their extensive collection Mon. But in all seriousness, it is a work of art, this book store. Kids Ride Free on Weekends | Metrolink Los Angeles, CA 90027. 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. It is also a designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. Sunset Cliffs is a great place to go for a beloved San Diego experience. Train rides on select vintage trains and trolleys are available to guests during their visit. Dates for the 2022 ride have been set! Its a great way to see Southern California with a fresh set of eyes. If you love space and astronomy, this is a fantastic choice. 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. Plan to stay at least two nights, as the return train to Los Angeles departs in the morning. 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. Los Angeles ranked as the second major U.S. metro area people are leaving, according to data. Rental cars are also an option with Enterprise. Aseaside townfull of SoCal charm, Oceanside makes it easyto make a day of it, whetheryou want to hit the beach or not. Celebrate a special occasion with your loved ones and extended family by going on a Picnic Safari. In the summer, the kids can have fun at the splash pad and theres a playground for those who want to stay dry. (Los Angeles): Take I-10 east or Route 60 east or Route 91 east to I-215 . Open: Sun. But what are the options if youre looking to leave cars out of the equation and travel by train to your favorite SoCal destination? Child and infant discounts are automatically applied when adding travelers to your booking No Promo Code needed. Open: Fri. through Sun., 10a.m.5p.m.,Cost: $4 for adults, $2 for children, free for children under 2, 2137 W. 250th St.LomitaOnline:lomita-rr.org. 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. My boys love trains & we have experienced quite a few of these on your list but will do more now that we know about them! 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!) Travel Town Transportation Museum 5200 Zoo Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027 Operations: (323) 662-5874 Email: Travel.Town@lacity.org . It also has music, audiobooks, DVDs and craft and science kits. Description: The miniature train ride has served the public in Griffith Park since 1948. If you ever end up in a situation like that, theres no place better than The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites in downtown Los Angeles. Explore beautiful SoCal from San Luis Obispo to San Diego on The Pacific Surfliner. Tots under 2 are admitted free. 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. The SAP Center (concerts and NHL hockey games) is in walking distance of the Amtrak station along with Arena Green West park. You can easily walk to a light rail stop or to downtown, plus Lyft and Uber are options. If you are looking for party services for your kids, we have everything you're looking for. To begin with, theres an indoor imagination workshop. 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. So its pretty easy to note all the family activities happening around here. Theres also a fog grotto and a prism tunnel to climb through. Angels Flight Railway | Los Angeles Landmark since 1901 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Terranea L.A.s Oceanfront Resort. Take your train-loving kids to Union Station and get the opportunity to watch several state-of-the-art passenger trains passing by. They'll have the chance to learn about marine life in the middle of the adventure. 20264 Broadway, Sonoma, CA | 707.938.3912. Get more stories delivered right to your email. The museum is open the first and third Saturdays of each month. Photo by @lizpalkamedia Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association, Inc. Perris - Runs daily November 20 - December 28, 2022, Orange - Runs daily November 25 December 23, 2022, Griffith Park - Runs daily November 25, 2022 - January 6, 2023, Torrance - Friday & Saturday, December 16 & 17, 2022, Long Beach - Saturdays & Sundays in December 2022, Campo - Fridays & Saturdays, November 25 - December 18, 2022, Young Gates - Kids Online Personalized Classes. Check theirevents pagefor special train rides throughout the year. 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. In addition to being a movie star, the, Fillmore & Western Railway Co., 351 Santa Clara St, Fillmore, CA 93015, USA, Poway Midland Railroad Depot, Midland Rd, Poway, CA 92064, USA. They also have many historic exhibits, including full-size vintage train cars, a stationary steam plant, and Walt Disneys Carolwood Barn. Almost 34 hours away from L.A. on the Coast Starlight train, Seattle is a cultural urban getaway with many attractions and activities to explore. Southern California. Its a quirky space where used books are arranged according to color. Make your next event a memorable one with a Trains on the Move interactive train party! Theres also a non-profit tutoring center that will warm your heart. Recommended Hotel Nearby: JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE. The 118-year-old funicular takes passengers on a short ride between Hill Street and Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill. In the spring you will see blooms in every direction, in the winter theres camellias and theres majestic oaks all through the year. Admission is free. Insider Tip: If you are there on the 3rd Sun. 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. Travel Time: 2 1/2hours each way, The name of the game here is water, so youre going to want to head down to Ventura Harbor Village as soon as you get there. Depending on what they have planned, you can also get the chance to interact with puppets. Travel through the New Mexico desert and mountains to reach Trindad, Colorado. Its actually visible for many parts of the city when the sky is clear. If youre looking for something different, book a sustainable wine tour, or even charter your own yacht. We believe the best memories are created when families do fun things together. Pick up some churros at Olvera Street and head towards Avila Adobe, the oldest home in LA. coolest attractions in Southern California. Related: Fun Things to Do in Los Angeles at Night. 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. Explore | Metrolink One of the most therapeutic things one can do is to plan a holiday. One of the best parts about living in Los Angelesis getting out of Los Angeles. Its circular. 320 Golden Shore #100Long Beach, CA 90802. If you're near the Inland Empire, head to the University of California in Riverside and head to the Botanic Garden. Select dates November 20th-December 28th, 2022. Plus, wine is top attraction that adults can enjoy locally or on a day trip. The mini theme park also has carnival games, panning for gold, hand-cranked mining buggy, and carousel. Photo courtesy of Visit Oceanside, Our celebrated neighbor to the southSan Diego is an ideal quick trip by train. A large number of hotels are also short drive away at Pismo Beach, where youll find outlet stores. Thank you! The Los Angeles State Historic Park is back in business after being closed for three years. Take an overnight trip to Eugene, Oregon, which is 28 hours away from Los Angeles on Amtrak. Theres an excavator tour where kids can check out what the scientists of the day are digging out of tar pits. Hill St. Los Angeles, California 90071. Southern California Railway Museum - Bringing Railway History to Life The Coast Starlight offers the best departure time back to L.A., but book your trip early as seats can sell out on this train. It is located between the Music Center and City Hall. Railway trains and trolleys operate every weekend. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Peninsula Beverly Hills. This is where the magic of movies takes place. The train back to L.A. departs late afternoon. It is also a highly acclaimed entertainment center featuring an aquarium, a small amusement park, several shops, a video arcade, a trapeze school, and concession stands. The Santa Monica Pier is a double-jointed pier nestled on the banks of the Pacific Ocean. Open: Open daily (except Wed.); 10 a.m-4:45 p.m. The destinations listed below all have good departure and arrival times from L.A. along with stunning scenery and fun things to do. Because of this, we DO NOT cancel and provide you with a $25 guarantee that we will be at your event. For your littledinolovers, a trip to theCabazon Dinosaur Museumwill surely make you their favorite parent for a while. Visit website for upcoming events. Take the kids to bring them into a real-life fairytale. This is for the whole family to have a chill day out in San Pedro. The Orange County Model Engineers (OCME) welcomes the public for free rides every third Saturday and following Sunday of each month. The little ones will love walking around in the desert, Japanese, Chinese and rose gardens. 4400 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles , CA 90027, 2100 Washington Avenue, Wilson Park, Torrance, CA 90510, 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?) 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. For train enthusiasts and those kids with a growing obsession, Travel Town is a perfect spot thanks to the collection of historic rail cars and the ride-a-long train that goes around the perimeter. Every day is an opportunity to create new stories. 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/. 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. You will see popular Disney characters in all their glory. Hours: Daily, 6:45 a.m. to 10 p.m.Cost: $1 each way or if you use your Metro TAP card, it costs just .50! 7 Memorable And Scenic Train Rides In Southern California - OnlyInYourState 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. 3. The sea cave here is legendary, and you'll love exploring the tidepools with the kids. Warning: The train has the highest crime rate in all of Orange County (wink, wink), as notorious bandits stage hold-ups on every ride. The museums, along with restaurants and hotels, are about a 10-minute walk from the Amtrak station. When your kid is crazy about all things trains, its full steam ahead! You can also go on Family Adventure Night Hikes or bird walks. 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. 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 ; railway opens from 11a.m.-5p.m. It is a family-friendly tourist hotspot featuring a nearby boardwalk, playground, skate park, sports courts, fishing pier, and outdoor stage. 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. 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, . Halloween Trains near Los Angeles: Trainspookulars and - MommyPoppins While 2020 may not be the yearto visit Disneyland,Anaheim is still worth an outing. LOS ANGELES - A high-speed bullet train connecting Southern California to Las . Please visit https://socalthepolarexpressride.com/faqs/, or contact Rail Events at https://socalthepolarexpressride.com/contact/ or (702) 357-3526 for additional information and tickets about this event. Contact us today or make a reservation online for your next event! For cheaper hotel rates, consider an early fall trip. The Overland Trail Car is one of the featured vintage trains at the, South Coast Railroad Museum, 300 N Los Carneros Rd, Goleta, CA 93117, USA. There is also a garden where you can eat the lunch you brought or organize a picnic for the family. CTA city trains, Metra commuter trains, water taxis and Lyft/Uber are easy ways to see the sights, so you dont need to rent a car. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Los Angeles Athletic Club, Also See:Things to Do in Morro Bay, CA with KidsVentura Attractions for Kids, 125 Paseo De La PlazaLos Angeles, CA 90012. Travel time on the train is 23.5 hours each way. Docent-led tours, monthly events, party rentals (includes a Thomas the Tank Engine Playday! 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. Descanso Gardens. Prepare to be amazed as you and your little ones watch puppet shows, musicals, plays, kid-friendly concerts, and other entertaining shows. And if youre planning to head out with family, there are a ton of fun things to do with kids in Los Angeles. You will see little ponds filled with roses, lilies and trees in every direction. Whether you want to see Central Perk from Friends or backlots and soundstages, this is where its all at. 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. There are indoor and outdoor spaces to entertain people of all ages. File this destination under "Worth the Drive" (it's 77 miles from DTLA). 15 great train trips from Los Angeles | Amtrak Guide Its the worlds shortest railway but gives a peek into the rich history. Full of restaurants, bars, shops, and shows, this part of the city makes it easy to amble away the day wandering its sunny streets. 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. Train: Amtrak It's definitely an excellent spot for walking, as the ocean views are truly beautiful. The second floor is called the Labyrinth. 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. We recommend booking ASAP because the Polar Express trains are a hot ticket, and tend to book up fast. 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. This post has been updated as of May 12, 2022. through Fri. between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. 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 . Theres tons of room for your children to put their imagination to work. Be sure to check out the wine tours and shuttles. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, 5200 Zoo Drive next to the 134 Freeway at the Forest Lawn Drive exitLos Angeles, CA 90027(323) 662-4253. Cost: Free to enter; train rides are $3 & up, 5200 Zoo Dr.Los AngelesOnline:traveltown.org. The train ride is a four-minute, half-mile loop through four acres of Balboa Park, located outside the Zoos exit. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a world-famous historic landmark and must-see attraction. Full of lily ponds, roses, and leafy trees, Descanso Gardens lets kids roam free and explore the natural world. You'll cross bridges, pass through tunnels and alongside miniature towns. 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. 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. The museum also operates a railway where visitors can ride on the historic trains and trolleys that helped shape Southern California. The 36 Most Epic Things To Do In Los Angeles With Kids Also don't miss the well-stocked gift shopa great resource for train-related toys. You will also find a host of rotating exhibits and Nature Lab, a hand-on science lab that includes animals and other specimens. And theres no place like the City of Angels. Take the kids on a pony ride where they get to choose the pace. Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas. TreePeople is not just dog friendly but it also organizes group dog walks. 40 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Los Angeles (For 2023) OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. If youre a fan of Night in the Museum or Jurassic Park, this place will leave you spell bound. Lets go! When booking your tickets, you can choose between a Pacific Surfliner or Coast Starlight train (the Coast Starlight has roomettes and bedrooms if you want privacy). Note that the Texas Eagle trip from Chicago to L.A. takes about 66 hours, but youll see different scenery and cities on this route. Put those pajamas on and hop aboardThe North Pole Limited. 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. 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. Just visit AmtrakVacations.com or call 1-800-268-7252 to learn more about our unforgettable rail journeys. This 6.2-acre park opened in 2013 and is a favorite among locals and tourists. The holiday light festival operates from late November until early January each year. promotions and other partner offers EVERYDAY DISCOUNTS Savings for Kids, Seniors, . Please call for details on setup, delivery, pricing, etc. Bike and paddle boat rentals, OC Zoo and pony rides are also in the park. 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. Its a good place for the family to spend some quality time and bond with each other. Hours: 9 a.m.-5p.m. Restrictions apply,see websitefor full details. Required fields are marked *. T-6 Simulator Ride at Griffith Park & Southern RR, Click here more info on our separate locations. 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. Theres also storytime for children who dig that. 351 S. Hill St. Los AngelesOnline: angelsflight.org. San Diego has something for everyone, plusgood weather to guarantee you wont get rained out. The locomotive is an authentic Denver and Rio Grande Narrow Gauge train that was used in the early 1900s. Irvine Regional Park's annual Christmas Train offers both daytime and nighttimerides through the historic park to meet Santa at his Village. Dine at a reservable outdoor patio with exotic creatures, like macaws, owls, armadillos, and the like. 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. Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Doesnt taking a train ride in SoCal look like a fun way to spend the afternoon? It showcases rich marine life and has many exhibits to teach you a thing or two about underwater creatures on this coast. We firmly believe in honoring ALL of our commitments, no matter the size of the event. Enjoy the San Diego countryside on a leisurely 12-mile train trip on the historic San Diego & Arizona railway. The little ones can also check out the splash pad in the summers and a playground that will remind you of Dr. Seuss books. It is a dynamic place for families, students and teachers to inculcate a curiosity about space in the young ones. Confirm details with organizer. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Figueroa, Unbound Collection by Hyatt, 16027 Yarnell StSylmar, CA 91342(818) 362-8711. 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.