Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites. Insider Tip: If you are there on the 3rd Sun. Bond with your children while participating in educational tours, interacting with the wildlife, and shopping for souvenirs. When you're in the mood for a getaway, there's nothing like a day trip in Southern California. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Westin Pasadena. Experience the fun and history of railroading at Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum in Griffith Park. Kids Ride Free Weekends provides families an affordable way to take a weekend day trip to explore Southern California destinations. The birthday boy was excited to take many rides on the train! Some of them are guided in case you want to make the most of your time here. 320 Golden Shore #100Long Beach, CA 90802. THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride - Rail Events Productions. 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. Los Angeles Live Steamers & Railroad Museum | Los Angeles Paso Robles is a fantastic option for a wine vacation. 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+). It opened in 1960 and welcomes about 10 million tourists annually, making it one of the most popular attractions in LA. Step inside a holiday classic! Not bad for a days work. 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?) Here are a few of the best spots Angelenos can get to easily by rail and still be home by bedtime. Dont miss this DTLAlandmark (built in 1939!) You'll cross bridges, pass through tunnels and alongside miniature towns. Passengers must be at least 31 tall to ride. We believe the best memories are created when families do fun things together. If you like to go around a water body in a boat, this is the place to be in LA. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Casa Blanca Inn & Suites, Related: Best Things to Do in Los Angeles, 4730 Crystal Springs DrLos Angeles, CA 90027. Theres also a fruit orchard the children will enjoy and a lookout point for a gorgeous view. promotions and other partner offers EVERYDAY DISCOUNTS Savings for Kids, Seniors, . 7 Best Train Ride Day Trips To Take from Los Angeles. Take the kids to bring them into a real-life fairytale. 7 Best Train Ride Day Trips To Take from Los Angeles Things To Do In Joshua Tree: 12 Things Not To Miss with Kids in this Desert National Park San Diego with Kids: 60 Family-Friendly Things To Do in San Diego, California GUIDE Museum Guide for Kids in Los Angeles and Orange County 10 Things Not To Miss in Hermosa Beach with the Kids Railway trains and trolleys operate every weekend. Travel time on the train is 11 to 12 hours. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. When your kid is crazy about all things trains, its full steam ahead! Plus, these elevators have glass walls and come with a stunning view. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Terranea L.A.s Oceanfront Resort. Mitchell Museum of Western Art. Visit website for upcoming events. 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! Families can ride the miniature train that circles the perimeter of the museum. 2201 S. "A" Street, Perris, CA 92570 2023 Southern California Railway Museum. Plan to stay at least two nights as the return train to L.A. departs around 7:15 a.m. San Luis Obispo is a great family getaway or a wine trip thats 5.5 hours away from L.A. Take your train-loving kids to Union Station and get the opportunity to watch several state-of-the-art passenger trains passing by. There is an Enterprise near the Amtrak station; call ahead and make sure they can pick you up from the train station with a car reservation. 1418 Descanso DrLa Caada Flintridge, CA 91011. Free train rides for children 17 years old and younger on Saturdays and Sundays when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. The center of the exhibit has a restored steam locomotive as well as its tender, a refrigerated boxcar, and caboose. The Grand Central Market is a magnificent 30,000-square-foot food court and downtown landmark that dates back to 1917. The major landmarks in Southern California are so well known that they'd probably be recognizable throughout the country, but there are lots of great things to do once you've seen the big things already. 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 Theres plenty of activities that make it quite happening. 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. Also See:Kid Friendly Things to Do in OjaiThings for Kids to Do in MalibuKids Activities: Pasadena. All aboard the Kidsguide Express! 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. If youve been a fan of the Hot Tub Time Machine from Back To the Future, this is one of those fun places to go which will not disappoint you. 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. Paddle around the lake for an hour at a time while enjoying the view of downtown Los Angeles. The museum also operates a railway where visitors can ride on the historic trains and trolleys that helped shape Southern California. It is one of the best kids activities in Los Angeles. 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. "We bring the thrill of a train ride to your event." We service all of Orange County and parts of San Diego, Riverside & Los Angeles. 317 S BroadwayLos Angeles, CA 90013(213) 359-6007. So its pretty easy to note all the family activities happening around here. 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. Traveling by train is one of the most peaceful and memorable ways to experience our lovely state. It's located in a grassy, relaxed area of Griffith Park and happens to also be a great place to spread out a picnic. Trackless Train for Birthday Party & Ride Rentals in Los Angeles CA | Trains of the Move A PLUS Promotions Phone: (310) 532-6223 Email: info@trainsonthemove.com ESTABLISHED IN SEPTEMBER 2001 FEATURED IN THE L.A. COUNTY FAIR SERVING SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Parties are meant to be entertaining, enjoyable and exciting for everyone involved. For adults, there are many wineries in the area (the Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards has peacocks). 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. I will definitely recommend to our family and friends. Do you want to hear a bit of history? Depending on their schedule, you can get the chance to attend movie screenings, participate in game nights, and other events. Its called the Blue Angels 4D Experience and its been a landmark since 1901. 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. Full of restaurants, bars, shops, and shows, this part of the city makes it easy to amble away the day wandering its sunny streets. Call the Foundation: (323) 668-0104. 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 little ones will love walking around in the desert, Japanese, Chinese and rose gardens. Additionally, on weekends, each adult pays just $10 for a Weekend Day Pass so families small and large can have an affordable experience. Open: Daily, 10a.m.10p.m. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. With hundreds of unique rail travel packages to choose from, there's something for everyone. There are some activities for families, but overall, this destination is best for an adult trip. It was never meant to be a permanent fixture but its funny how plans work out, isnt it? La Jolla is a 20-minute drive away from downtown, and SeaWorld and water sport activities in Mission Bay are only 10 minutes away. You can also go on Family Adventure Night Hikes or bird walks. 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. If I were you, Id camp out in the lobby all afternoon. 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. Whether you are local to Southern California or just visiting, these train rides will transport you to a different time when life was a bit more leisurely and old-fashioned. Check out Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego for a unique beach experience. This is an awesome car-free street festival. 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. Originally opened in 1901, Angels Flight the world's shortest railway has given more than 100 million rides on its hillside track. Passengers then read along with the classic childrens book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Love SoCal? Do your kids love party highlights in which everything is set to bring wonder to their eyes, smile on their faces? Kids can also try their T-6 simulator ride! We have proudly called Griffith Park home since 1954. You can bring bikes on Amtrak, or check out Zachs Bikes for rentals. 351 S. Hill St. Los AngelesOnline: angelsflight.org. A post shared by Angels Flight Railway (@angelsflightrailway). Now, the USS Iowa Museum is also a great place to catch a glimpse of US maritime history through interactive exhibits. You will also find a host of rotating exhibits and Nature Lab, a hand-on science lab that includes animals and other specimens. Griffith Park and Southern Railroad brings back its popular Santa train ride this year. Choo-Chooride into wonderland on our StoryBook Train rental and chug your way into family fun and adventures. And if youre planning to head out with family, there are a ton of fun things to do with kids in Los Angeles. Warning: The train has the highest crime rate in all of Orange County (wink, wink), as notorious bandits stage hold-ups on every ride. Yes, Im talking about Los Angeles, the second-largest urban region in the United States. While in the area, non-Disney options includeskateboardingat Vans skatepark, taking flight at a SwingIt Trapeze lesson, andwandering through the reopened Bowers Museum. For train-crazy toddlers, make sure to catch appearances by Thomas and Percy, and a special Christmas-timePolar Express Train Ride. Located inside El Dorado Park in Long Beach, the El Dorado Express is a mile-and-a-half train ride on a vintage locomotive. Related: Southern California with Kids Fun Things to Do. Rental cars are hard to find, so you might need to walk to local attractions, such as the Trinidad History Museum and A.R. Due to the 6.5 hour train commute and one daily Coast Starlight train, youll need to stay overnight at least one night. Theres also an IMAX theatre for all that you want to know about the science center. Whether it is strolling or fishing, you will find a space that works out a setup of your choice. Be sure to book tickets to the Jack London Square station (there are multiple Oakland stations to choose from). I felt ecstatic. Idyllwild is another fun spot to drive to for a day or a weekend. If youre looking to extend your quick trip a day or two, there are countless hotels with cool pools the whole family will love. Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas. Klamath Falls is a 22-hour train trip from Los Angeles. Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner More details to come. A light rail station is across the street, or take Uber, Lyft or ferry to get around. You will see popular Disney characters in all their glory. This aquarium on the Santa Monica pier is run by a non-profit called Heal The Bay. T-6 Simulator Ride at Griffith Park & Southern RR, Click here more info on our separate locations. The Polar Express Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic childrens story on board a real train. There are three art galleries and a huge botanical garden. There are interactive exhibits that everyone will quite enjoy. You wont be spoiled for choice here but theres more than enough to keep everyone busy. Top attractions includeSandia Peak Tramwayfor panoramic views of the area,Indian Pueblo Cultural Center,National Museum of Nuclear Scienceand thePetroglyph National Monument. Rich wooden shelves, historic murals and storytimes, this place has it all. Then catch a hosted tour! It is extremely family friendly, it is free and a great place to chill for people of all ages. The children will love walking around and exploring this natural beauty. If youre looking for things to do in LA with kids, these botanical gardens are a pretty good bet. It boasts hand-painted vignettes, state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, and more. Several rental car companies have offices near the Amtrak station, so its easy to rent a car if desired. There are huge modern art galleries in the Ahmanson building. Select dates November 20th-December 28th, 2022. Haunted Houses, Horror Nights, and Scary Farms for Los Angeles Teens Who Like a Good Scare Free Halloween Events in Los . This is for the whole family to have a chill day out in San Pedro. Rental cars are also an option with Enterprise. This place has been around since the 1980s and has over 80,000 books for children, teachers and students. Theres a computer zone for kids who arent old school. Your email address will not be published. The Amtrak Surflinercan make a nice day trip of it, andDowntown Disney is still a good destination. Aseaside townfull of SoCal charm, Oceanside makes it easyto make a day of it, whetheryou want to hit the beach or not. The Klamath Fall Amtrak station is in walking distance of downtown restaurants, a few hotels and an Enterprise Rent-A-Car office. This is a 3.5-acre space filled with interactive exhibits. We recommend booking ASAP because the Polar Express trains are a hot ticket, and tend to book up fast. If you ever end up in a situation like that, theres no place better than The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites in downtown Los Angeles. Train: Amtrak There are 12 rare-breed chickens which will amuse the little ones to no end. Full of lily ponds, roses, and leafy trees, Descanso Gardens lets kids roam free and explore the natural world. The train is a model G16 now a rare antique with as few as fifty currently remaining. The Southwest Chief departs daily from L.A. in the early evening and arrives in Albuquerque 16.5 hours later. 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!). Get a shuttle from the Gold Line to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. It was a real sight to see. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Explore beautiful SoCal from San Luis Obispo to San Diego on The Pacific Surfliner. There are two train cars that are over 100 years old. You could also head to Trails Cafe and enjoy a picnic-style meal with pastries and sandwiches. Theres nothing like a weekend here exploring the wonders of science. Travel Time: 2 plus hourseach way, Breakwater Way Beach in Oceanside. Train rides are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am and 2:30 pm. Description: The miniature train ride has served the public in Griffith Park since 1948. You will see little ponds filled with roses, lilies and trees in every direction. Were taking your train-lovin family on an adventure across SoCal, chugging along to must-see train stops. The Shark Lagoon has over 150 sharks and a few penguins that you can get close to and even touch. San Diego has something for everyone. We have several options for you to choose from. The railcar collection has three historically significant cabooses and two Union Pacific Lounge cars available to the public. 888-501-4FUN (4386) All aboard the Kid's Party Express - whooo whoooo! Downtown there is a childrens museum, railroad museum, historic mission, and a charming trail along a creek. To begin with, you will find peacocks walking around the space. Come visit us every week and ride our trackless train: Tuesday's we are at Manhattan Beach Farmers Market! It is a dynamic place for families, students and teachers to inculcate a curiosity about space in the young ones. Thats just one of the things that attracts locals and tourists to this place. Offerspublic rides on Sundays (weather permitting). Admission is $11 for kids under 15 (and seniors) and $13 for those over 15. The train at Travel Town Museum travels around theperimeter of the museum two times. Youll spend two nights on the train and arrive in Chicago in the late afternoon, with views of deserts, mountains and the Great Plains along the way. Confirm details with organizer. WELCOME & all aboard! You can rent pedal boats or stay on the shore and organize a picnic for the family. Theres also a climbing structure like the ant colony and an interactive greenhouse. This is a hotspot for dignitaries, former Presidents and television and movie stars too. Hours: 9 a.m.-5p.m. The museums, along with restaurants and hotels, are about a 10-minute walk from the Amtrak station. A large number of hotels are also short drive away at Pismo Beach, where youll find outlet stores. Also See:Kids Activities: Santa MonicaThings to Do in Long Beach with KidsThings to Do with Kids in Orange County. Free public run days are the first Sunday and the third Saturday of each month (weather permitting). Whether you want to see Central Perk from Friends or backlots and soundstages, this is where its all at. First of all, its not just for bookworms. This 6.2-acre park opened in 2013 and is a favorite among locals and tourists. If youre in town at the time, do not miss it. You'll be able to enjoy a striking garden that will give you some truly gorgeous photo opportunities. What are the coolest attractions in Southern California? The 1/3-scale train is located in the foothills of Orange and is open daily (weather permitting, excluding certain holidays). Located in Griffith Park, Travel Town is an outdoor museum with a large collection of locomotives and rolling stock from Southern California. But the best part is the space shuttle Endeavour in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion. Youll arrive Jack London Square (pictured above), and you can walk to the ferry that will take you to San Francisco. 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. 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. It houses more than 43 full-scale railroad cars and engines dating back to the early 1900s. 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. Where to go for the day? Youngsters of all ages enjoy the experience of riding the FREEDOM TRAIN or the . Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Maya a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Visit the Kidspace Childrens Museum which is a favorite among the young ones. Who doesn't love to ride on trains? There are pedestrian walkways for a stroll and there are picnic areas for when you want to rest for a bit. Plus, wine is top attraction that adults can enjoy locally or on a day trip. Explore the best options below. Klamath Falls is a 22-hour train trip from Los Angeles. Take an adventure to any of our over 200 EXPLORE destinations across Southern California, and the kids ride completely free - no ticket needed! 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. Travel Time: 45 minutes each way, Looking for a littlebeach life away from the crowds of LA beaches? Camping near Los Angeles: 17 Great Campgrounds for Tent Camping with Kids . Sunset Cliffs is a great place to go for a beloved San Diego experience. Check out their explorer pagefor all the places you can go including Oceanside, San Juan Capistrano, Ventura County or even the Antelope Valley. 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.