For your departure and return Amtrak trips, there are multiple Pacific Surfliner trains that travel between L.A. and San Diego each day to choose from. Andbecause Anaheim's so close, you can still be home in time to watch a little Disney Channel before bed. Every day is an opportunity to create new stories. Choose from the many wine tours, including with SLO Safe Ride, so you dont have to drink and drive. Also don't miss the well-stocked gift shopa great resource for train-related toys. Rental cars are also an option with Enterprise. It is located between the Music Center and City Hall. 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. The Shark Lagoon has over 150 sharks and a few penguins that you can get close to and even touch. Its called the Blue Angels 4D Experience and its been a landmark since 1901. Originally opened in 1901, Angels Flight the world's shortest railway has given more than 100 million rides on its hillside track. Its the one that traveled to space 25 times from the 1990s to 2011. This tourist hotspot is an animal lovers dream. Check out Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego for a unique beach experience. Downtown there is a childrens museum, railroad museum, historic mission, and a charming trail along a creek. You may recognize this railway, as this train ride in SoCal has been featured in over 400 movies and TV shows. 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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!) Middle schoolers can check out the exhibits on botany. It's definitely an excellent spot for walking, as the ocean views are truly beautiful. 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. You can easily walk to a light rail stop or to downtown, plus Lyft and Uber are options. 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. 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. Don't miss the Enchanted Railroad, daily story times, and the . Mail the Foundation: P.O. This is for the whole family to have a chill day out in San Pedro. I didnt think this day would come. For cheaper hotel rates, consider an early fall trip. 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. Amtrak trains arrive and depart from Portland in the afternoon via Portland Union Station. Theres an excavator tour where kids can check out what the scientists of the day are digging out of tar pits. While there are some gentle rides here, the park is most famous for the ones that'll . There are indoor and outdoor spaces to entertain people of all ages. Bond with your children while participating in educational tours, interacting with the wildlife, and shopping for souvenirs. The little ones can also check out the splash pad in the summers and a playground that will remind you of Dr. Seuss books. Its a quirky space where used books are arranged according to color. Upper Klamath Lake has a canoe trail, or head to Moore Park and the Link River Trail for waterfront hiking and bird-watching. Whatever you choose,youll feel like you'vegoneto beach bum heaven. The museum is open the first and third Saturdays of each month. The specialty of this place, of course, is in the tours. The ride features a narrated story, while an original music score sets the tone, telling and educational story about the history of the Gold Rush In California. If youre in town at the time, do not miss it. 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. This is no ordinary aquarium, dear friends. Its actually visible for many parts of the city when the sky is clear. But what are the options if youre looking to leave cars out of the equation and travel by train to your favorite SoCal destination? We recommend booking ASAP because the Polar Express trains are a hot ticket, and tend to book up fast. 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. Six Flags Magic Mountain. Visiting wineries is the top thing to do, and there are more than 200 to choose from. 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. 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. Simply because you dont want to miss the experience of watching over 11,000 animals and more than 50 exhibits. 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 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 Train: Amtrak Spread over 120 acres, there are a few gardens to its credit. 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. 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. Now, the USS Iowa Museum is also a great place to catch a glimpse of US maritime history through interactive exhibits. Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner You dont need a reason to go here. You'll cross bridges, pass through tunnels and alongside miniature towns. Los Angeles Live Steamers & Railroad Museum. You can also plan a picnic in the Hansen Dam Recreation Area. 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. Celebrate a special occasion with your loved ones and extended family by going on a Picnic Safari. Which hidden gems should I visit in Southern California? 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. Details subject to change. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Beverly Hills Hotel Dorchester Collection, 3720 Stephen M White DrSan Pedro, CA 90731. 800 N Alameda StLos Angeles, CA 90012(800) 698-4833. 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. Have a fun family outing as you enjoy a plethora of activities at the Santa Monica Pier. Hope your business is prosperous this year so you get to put BIG smiles on small people more often. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Amarano Burbank-Hollywood. for an up-close look at real trains in Los Angles moving people in and out of our city. There are many festivals, concerts and other events that you can plan a trip around. 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. Hop aboard and take a little journey on the railway for a scenic train ride in SoCal, as these are the types of experiences that are wonderful to savor. The art scene there is fantastic and well-known throughout our region. Since 2001, we have been providing trackless train rentals and rides to customers throughout the Southern California area, giving you and your event an exciting new way to keep children entertained. Other historical park buildingsinclude a carriage barn, a windmill, adobe foundation, bird aviary, and theTongva Exhibit. The morning arrival means you can start enjoying the nearby lakes, rivers and waterfalls early in the day. The Pacific Surfliner arrives around 8 p.m. in walking distance of downtown and an Enterprise car rental office (closes at 6 p.m., so plan to get a car on the next day). Its a great location for getting out in nature with the Williamette River bike trail, Mount Pisgah natural area, McKenzie River National Recreation Trail and Skinner Butte Park. Visit the Kidspace Childrens Museum which is a favorite among the young ones. The Los Angeles State Historic Park is back in business after being closed for three years. People already asked me for your number and I will keep referring you, too. 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. Admission is $11 for kids under 15 (and seniors) and $13 for those over 15. Come visit us every week and ride our trackless train: Tuesday's we are at Manhattan Beach Farmers Market! Theres also a family program with workshops on mixed media for kids of all ages, if you pick the right weekend. Book a trip to Las Vegas, New Mexico (not Nevada) for an old west experience. 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. Related: Fun Things to Do in Los Angeles at Night. WELCOME & all aboard! Recommended Hotel Nearby: Luxe City Center Hotel, 700 Exposition Park DrLos Angeles, CA 90037. Recommended Hotel Nearby: JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE. Paddle around the lake for an hour at a time while enjoying the view of downtown Los Angeles. Do you want to hear a bit of history? The exhibits are in a building that is located on southern Californias oceans, so thats already something to look forward to. Angels Flight Railway goes from Hill Street and Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill. A large number of hotels are also short drive away at Pismo Beach, where youll find outlet stores. 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. This place on Hollywood Boulevard gives you a peek into cinema from the 1920s. Few SoCal towns are better at turning the ocean into some serious family fun. 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). 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. on the Christmas train rides below that run from Thanksgiving weekend until Christmas. One of the most therapeutic things one can do is to plan a holiday. So its pretty easy to note all the family activities happening around here. 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. 888-501-4FUN (4386) All aboard the Kid's Party Express - whooo whoooo! This museum is an undiscovered gem for Southern California families. 40 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Los Angeles: The Best Family-Friendly Attractions! A typical train ride takes about 12 minutes and covers two loops of the park. Warning: The train has the highest crime rate in all of Orange County (wink, wink), as notorious bandits stage hold-ups on every ride. Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas. For train-crazy toddlers, make sure to catch appearances by Thomas and Percy, and a special Christmas-timePolar Express Train Ride. This is also a great place to induct your kids into art. Idyllwild is another fun spot to drive to for a day or a weekend. Ocean Front WalkLos Angeles, CA 90291(310) 396-6794. 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. You are also allowed to watch while the staff feed the sharks. The collection of books here is across cultures and has the best treasure trove of items youve seen in a while. 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. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramwayis temporarily closed, but considerstrolling around the cityshistoric downtown, which is full of cute shops and good food. And by the way, if youre a Potterhead, this place is a must visit. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! This is where the magic of movies takes place. 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. Paso Robles is a fantastic option for a wine vacation. " in 7 reviews " Parking is easy and there's a snack stand with popcorn, drinks, shaved ice and more. 3. Note that destinations on the Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited route were not included because the westbound trains arrive in Los Angeles bright and early at 5:30 a.m. Please remember to wear masks on the train and observe social distancing safety measures throughout the journey. 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. Photo courtesy of the train. Top photo credit: Image by Steven Cox from Pixabay (San Diego sunrise), Your email address will not be published. Get a shuttle from the Gold Line to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Theres also a non-profit tutoring center that will warm your heart. So its likely that it looks different every time you visit. 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. Luckily for us, it runs every day from 6:45 am to 10 pm on weekends and holidays too. Explore beautiful SoCal from San Luis Obispo to San Diego on The Pacific Surfliner. After riding our miniature train, explore dozens of old-time railroad locomotives and cars. 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. Dont miss the Griffith Observatory while youre here. 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. There are three art galleries and a huge botanical garden. It is not only full of fun activities but also teaches kids a thing or two about saving the planet we love and live on. Also See:Kid Friendly Things to Do in OjaiThings for Kids to Do in MalibuKids Activities: Pasadena. The museum educates and informs the public about railroads from the past and present and how they will impact transportation in the future. Depending on their schedule, you can get the chance to attend movie screenings, participate in game nights, and other events. If you are looking for party services for your kids, we have everything you're looking for. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. For your littledinolovers, a trip to theCabazon Dinosaur Museumwill surely make you their favorite parent for a while. 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. 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. In the summer, the kids can have fun at the splash pad and theres a playground for those who want to stay dry. This renowned attraction is a learning center and zoological park home to at least 100 exotic animals of more than fifty diverse species. Its a great way to see Southern California with a fresh set of eyes. Contact Us. " in 3 reviews Location & Hours 4400 Crystal Springs Dr Los Angeles, CA 90027 Griffith Park Get directions Edit business info Open for all ages, but most enjoyable for kids aged two and up. 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. But in all seriousness, it is a work of art, this book store. It offers several engaging events throughout the year, guided tours, a gift shop, and more. It features over 2,700 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded in sidewalks along roughly fifteen blocks at Hollywood Boulevard. through Fri. between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. 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. There is a zoo, harbor, wharf, bike path, coastal park and historic mission to explore. Doesnt taking a train ride in SoCal look like a fun way to spend the afternoon? Your email address will not be published. Venice Beach is a sandy coastline featuring a bohemian vibe. 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). The train ride is a four-minute, half-mile loop through four acres of Balboa Park, located outside the Zoos exit. Train rides are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am and 2:30 pm. Your email address will not be published. Because of this, we DO NOT cancel and provide you with a $25 guarantee that we will be at your event. 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. Theres Tiny Tot Tuesdays which adds a little zing to the experience.