Sunset Cliffs is a great place to go for a beloved San Diego experience. Dont miss this DTLAlandmark (built in 1939!) 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. Best Polar Express Train Rides & Christmas Trains in Los Angeles Public train rides are a suggested donation of $4.00 per person. For your littledinolovers, a trip to theCabazon Dinosaur Museumwill surely make you their favorite parent for a while. Top photo credit: Image by Steven Cox from Pixabay (San Diego sunrise), Your email address will not be published. This tourist hotspot is an animal lovers dream. Theres an excavator tour where kids can check out what the scientists of the day are digging out of tar pits. Open 10 a.m. 3:30 p.m. on thefree public ride days(weather permitting); donations are welcome. If youre a shutterbug, now is the time to unleash your camera. Its circular. Open: Open daily (except Wed.); 10 a.m-4:45 p.m. There are 18 observation decks here which give you a stunning view of the city. The destinations listed below all have good departure and arrival times from L.A. along with stunning scenery and fun things to do. 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. Theres a computer zone for kids who arent old school. El Dorado Frontier is currently only open on weekends. Griffith Park Train Rides - Griffith Park & Southern Railroad - Los It is a family-friendly tourist hotspot featuring a nearby boardwalk, playground, skate park, sports courts, fishing pier, and outdoor stage. The museum also operates a railway where visitors can ride on the historic trains and trolleys that helped shape Southern California. But what are the options if youre looking to leave cars out of the equation and travel by train to your favorite SoCal destination? Do you want to hear a bit of history? SoCal Stops for Kids Who Love Trains! - Kidsguide : Kidsguide It opened in 2014 and has a ton of exhibits that will delight the little ones. Also inside Griffith Park, Griffith Park & Southern Railroad often runs two locomotives around a scenic track that includes a tunnel, a trestle bridge, a Wild West street scene and a corral full of real horses. 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. Ocean Front WalkLos Angeles, CA 90291(310) 396-6794. most daysCost per ride: Free with admission (tickets start at $53, but you can find discounted tickets here). This museum is an undiscovered gem for Southern California families. 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). In Chicago, there are many museums, live music venues and attractions to explore, including the Willis Tower Skydeck, Navy Pier and Wrigley Field. For the return trip to L.A., you choose a Pacific Surfliner or Coast Starlight train. In the summer, the kids can have fun at the splash pad and theres a playground for those who want to stay dry. Theres tons of room for your children to put their imagination to work. Amtrak Tickets, Schedules and Train Routes Insider Tip: If you are there on the 3rd Sun. Attend during a special event and you may be treated to a train ride on the Orange Empire Railway that takes you all the way to the historic 1892 Perris train depot which is a treat to experience. 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. Open daily, 6:45 a.m. to 10 p.m., including weekends and holidays. 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. The Lorikeet forest has beautiful birds and you can feed them. Spread over 120 acres, there are a few gardens to its credit. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Beverly Hills Hotel Dorchester Collection, 3720 Stephen M White DrSan Pedro, CA 90731. Be sure to book tickets to the Jack London Square station (there are multiple Oakland stations to choose from). There are many festivals, concerts and other events that you can plan a trip around. 888-501-4FUN (4386) All aboard the Kid's Party Express - whooo whoooo! If youre feeling a little adventurous, take the ferry over to Coronado Island, or just stay close to the train station and enjoy the Gaslamp Quarter. 35 hours Daily Departure. 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, . Travel Time: 45 minutes each way, Looking for a littlebeach life away from the crowds of LA beaches? There is a zoo, harbor, wharf, bike path, coastal park and historic mission to explore. Bond with your children while participating in educational tours, interacting with the wildlife, and shopping for souvenirs. Give them the greatest and most exciting bash where lots and lots of fun are stacked in sites of seeing them in a Dunk Tank or on our Trackless Trains, Game Trucks, Go-Karts, Carousel, or any other Carnival Rides and Inflatable Rentals. Check their website to confirm dates. 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. 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. 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. This is where the magic of movies takes place. There are kid-friendly tours, replete with informative exhibits on board. The view from the train as it travels through the charming beach in Del Mar is breathtaking. Visit website for upcoming events. A post shared by Angels Flight Railway (@angelsflightrailway). 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. 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. Originally opened in 1901, Angels Flight the world's shortest railway has given more than 100 million rides on its hillside track. Were taking your train-lovin family on an adventure across SoCal, chugging along to must-see train stops. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Casa Blanca Inn & Suites, Related: Best Things to Do in Los Angeles, 4730 Crystal Springs DrLos Angeles, CA 90027. $10 Weekends Ride Metrolink with the $10 Weekend Day Pass. Travel Town Transportation Museum 5200 Zoo Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027 Operations: (323) 662-5874 Email: Travel.Town@lacity.org . 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. This is a perfect addition to your Thomas the Train theme party. Its a 20-hour, overnight Amtrak trip, and youll arrive in the walkable downtown area in the afternoon. Have a Great Year!, ~ Kasey from Abundant Living Family Church, Learning Curve International Brand Legal Copy. You can also go on Family Adventure Night Hikes or bird walks. It's known for looking like a pirate tower, and it's so different from all the California architecture around it. Don't miss the Enchanted Railroad, daily story times, and the . Theres plenty of activities that make it quite happening. Thanks for sharing! Please call for details on setup, delivery, pricing, etc. But the best part is the space shuttle Endeavour in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion. (Los Angeles): Take I-10 east or Route 60 east or Route 91 east to I-215 . Head to Albuquerque, New Mexico on the Southwest Chief for a trip full of outdoor and cultural activities. 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. Amtrak trains arrive and depart from Portland in the afternoon via Portland Union Station. We now have new services: Face Painting, Concession and Foam Machine rental. 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. The Southwest Chief arrives around dinnertime and returns to L.A. in the morning, so you can stay just one night, but if you want to explore the town (besides going out to dinner), plan to stay two. Learn about the heritage of American railroading through educational programs, displays, toy trains, and scale models of California railroads and communities. If you get lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a celebrity. 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. Free public run days are the first Sunday and the third Saturday of each month (weather permitting). Rental cars are also an option with Enterprise. A grand west coast train adventure, en route daily between Los Angeles and Seattle, the Coast Starlight train passes through Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and Portland. 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). I felt ecstatic. 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. There is an Enterprise Rent-A-Car office nearby in case you want to explore more of the area, or use rideshare services and bike rentals to get around. Six Flags Magic Mountain. Contact us today or make a reservation online for your next event! Los Angeles, CA 90027 Mail Stop #: 663 Download files: Travel Town Map - Griffith Park Map. Trackless train rental, Birthday party trains | SoCal With hundreds of unique rail travel packages to choose from, there's something for everyone. Pick up some churros at Olvera Street and head towards Avila Adobe, the oldest home in LA. And theres no place like the City of Angels. Several rental car companies have offices near the Amtrak station, so its easy to rent a car if desired. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor! 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 also a fog grotto and a prism tunnel to climb through. 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). Have a fun time with your family as you take plenty of pictures with the stars of your well-loved actors, directors, fictional characters, musicians, actors, and other famed celebrities. Photo courtesy of Visit Oceanside, Our celebrated neighbor to the southSan Diego is an ideal quick trip by train. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Maya a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Founded in 1956 by a group of train enthusiasts, we educate the public in railroad history and show live steam, gas-mechanical and electric railroad technology in actual operation. Yes, Im talking about Los Angeles, the second-largest urban region in the United States. Youll spend one night on the train, and we recommend staying one night in Albuquerque. Southern California Railway Museum - Bringing Railway History to Life 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. From the 2019 smash hit Joker to the Harry Potter franchise, this studio has a lot of phenomenal cinema to its credit. Docent-led tours, monthly events, party rentals (includes a Thomas the Tank Engine Playday! Check theirevents pagefor special train rides throughout the year. Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, 750 Depot St, Campo, CA 91906, USA. Additionally, on weekends, each adult pays just $10 for a Weekend Day Pass so families small and large can have an affordable experience. Right across the street is Union Station with a ton of kid-friendly stuff. This is an awesome car-free street festival. Its one of the busiest studios in all of Hollywood. You may recognize this railway, as this train ride in SoCal has been featured in over 400 movies and TV shows. Other historical park buildingsinclude a carriage barn, a windmill, adobe foundation, bird aviary, and theTongva Exhibit. Check outthe local zoo, or take a hike. 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. Youll need to stay at least one night; the return train to Los Angeles departs around noon each day. 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. I really appreciate doing business with "good businesses". 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. One of the most historic things in town is the Castaneda Hotel next to the Amtrak station. Traveling by train is one of the most peaceful and memorable ways to experience our lovely state. Its a good place for the family to spend some quality time and bond with each other. Select dates November 20th-December 28th, 2022. Train: Amtrak
There are pedestrian walkways for a stroll and there are picnic areas for when you want to rest for a bit. 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 The Orange County Model Engineers (OCME) welcomes the public for free rides every third Saturday and following Sunday of each month. Dine at a reservable outdoor patio with exotic creatures, like macaws, owls, armadillos, and the like. Its a great way to see Southern California with a fresh set of eyes. The Polar Express Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic childrens story on board a real train. Do things like going on a Ferris wheel, riding a rollercoaster, winning prizes while playing fun games, discovering the richness of marine life at an aquarium, and tons more. Parents, theres a little something for you too. Theres also a climbing structure like the ant colony and an interactive greenhouse. 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. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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. 4400 Crystal Springs Drive (Near Los Feliz & Riverside) Los Angeles, CA 90027 (323) 664-6903 Hours 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Every art form has a bunch of underrated artists whose work we do not recognize in our lifetime. Which hidden gems should I visit in Southern California? This is a perfect addition to your Thomas the Train theme party. 320 Golden Shore #100Long Beach, CA 90802. Please remember to wear masks on the train and observe social distancing safety measures throughout the journey. You can also try our T-6 simulator ride, a fun adventure for all ages! The holiday light festival operates from late November until early January each year. Angela is the staff writer for Only in Your State - Southern California. You could hike up or get hitch a horseback ride through Hollywood Hills to get here. 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. 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. Travel time on the train is 11 to 12 hours. 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. 1418 Descanso Dr. La Caada Flintridge, CA 91011. Experience the fun and history of railroading at Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum in Griffith Park. 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. 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. Its the worlds shortest railway but gives a peek into the rich history. From there plan for a live music or dance event if you happen to be around during the annual Las Posadas festival. 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. Visit the Bay Area with an Amtrak trip to Oakland on the Coast Starlight. Rent Kids Trackless Trains OC, Los Angeles, Inland Empire Upper Klamath Lake has a canoe trail, or head to Moore Park and the Link River Trail for waterfront hiking and bird-watching. From dinosaurs to a science lab, you will find almost everything youve ever been curious about under one roof. Theres an indoor area for them to lose themselves in activities and also an outdoor one where they can educate themselves about the environment. The museum is open the first and third Saturdays of each month. Just Enter your Date and Time and See Everything That is available. Contact Us. For a cross-country journey, book tickets on the Southwest Chief for a 43-hour trip to Chicago. And dont miss the rainbow room. 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! 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. Full of lily ponds, roses, and leafy trees, Descanso Gardens lets kids roam free and explore the natural world. Take your train-loving kids to Union Station and get the opportunity to watch several state-of-the-art passenger trains passing by. Train Party is the largest trackless train provider in Southern California. Wednesday's we are in Westchester Farmers Market! The little ones will love walking around in the desert, Japanese, Chinese and rose gardens. The Santa Monica Pier is a double-jointed pier nestled on the banks of the Pacific Ocean. It is a historical landmark and features six island platforms, a stunning architectural design, onsite dining choices, and several public art murals. Los Angeles Live Steamers & Railroad Museum | Los Angeles The Ultimate Guide to Train Rides in Northern California for Kids Put those pajamas on and hop aboardThe North Pole Limited. Kids ride free! Consider planning your trip around theAlbuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which is a top event in the fall. 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. Open: Daily, 10a.m.10p.m. 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. So thank you very much. San Jose is an urban getaway that is 10 to 11 hours away on the Coast Starlight depending on the direction of travel. So everyone, bring an extra set of clothes. 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?) Admission is free, donations accepted. Table of Contents Things To Do 1 - Hollywood Sign 2 - Walk of Fame 3 - Venice Beach 4 - Santa Monica Pier 5 - Malibu 6 - Natural History Museum Of Los Angeles 7 - Kidspace Museum 8 - California Science Center 9 - LA Train Station 10 - The Farmers Market at the Grove 11 - Griffith Observatory and Park 12 - El Capitan Theater Andbecause Anaheim's so close, you can still be home in time to watch a little Disney Channel before bed. Travel through the New Mexico desert and mountains to reach Trindad, Colorado. Camping near Los Angeles: 17 Great Campgrounds for Tent Camping with Kids . Choo-Chooride into wonderland on our StoryBook Train rental and chug your way into family fun and adventures. Required fields are marked *. Book your Amtrak train and bus tickets today by choosing from over 30 U.S. train routes and 500 destinations in North America. Travel time on the train is 23.5 hours each way. One of the best parts about living in Los Angelesis getting out of Los Angeles. 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. While 2020 may not be the yearto visit Disneyland,Anaheim is still worth an outing. This one is for us to take a good, hard look at some of the under-represented artists of color. Some of them are guided in case you want to make the most of your time here. *Train is wheelchair accessible. 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. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a world-famous historic landmark and must-see attraction.