(Los Angeles): Take I-10 east or Route 60 east or Route 91 east to I-215 . If you head to Cabrillo Beach on the weekends, you can enjoy their free guided tidepool walk. 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. 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. 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. Get a shuttle from the Gold Line to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Take an overnight trip to Eugene, Oregon, which is 28 hours away from Los Angeles on Amtrak. The exhibits are in a building that is located on southern Californias oceans, so thats already something to look forward to. 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. This LA museum has a ton of childrens activities that will undoubtedly keep them engaged for hours. When you're in the mood for a getaway, there's nothing like a day trip in Southern California. Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner | Fun Factory Parties Trackless Train rentals for kid's birthday parties! There are pedestrian walkways for a stroll and there are picnic areas for when you want to rest for a bit. 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. 7 Best Train Ride Day Trips To Take from Los Angeles The Pacific Surfliner train stop in San Juan Capistrano is worthy of a little exploration as the train station here is a rare beauty. coolest attractions in Southern California. Admission is $11 for kids under 15 (and seniors) and $13 for those over 15. What are the coolest attractions in Southern California? Paddle around the lake for an hour at a time while enjoying the view of downtown Los Angeles. Located on Wilshire Boulevard, the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum is famous for its ice-age fossil site. Travel Time: 3 hours each way, Hitting up Palms Springs for the day is a bit of acommitment, but if you dig desert livingit's worth the effort. Hill St. Los Angeles, California 90071. 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. Open for all ages, but most enjoyable for kids aged two and up. And theres no place like the City of Angels. Idyllwild is another fun spot to drive to for a day or a weekend. 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. It continues to offer rides to guests today. If you're near the Inland Empire, head to the University of California in Riverside and head to the Botanic Garden. Things To Do In Joshua Tree: 12 Things Not To Miss with Kids in this Desert National Park . Train Party Express is a wonderful addition to birthdays, festivals and all events. This renowned attraction is a learning center and zoological park home to at least 100 exotic animals of more than fifty diverse species. only, 11a.m.3p.m.Cost per ride: $3, 5202 Zoo Dr.Los AngelesOnline:lalsrm.org. The Lorikeet forest has beautiful birds and you can feed them. Warning: The train has the highest crime rate in all of Orange County (wink, wink), as notorious bandits stage hold-ups on every ride. Contact us today or make a reservation online for your next event! Dont miss the Griffith Observatory while youre here. Book your Amtrak train and bus tickets today by choosing from over 30 U.S. train routes and 500 destinations in North America. Train Rides; School Trips & Group Tours; History & Learning. People already asked me for your number and I will keep referring you, too. This is the only battleship on the West Coast that is open to the public. Confirm details with organizer. Come visit us every week and ride our trackless train: Tuesday's we are at Manhattan Beach Farmers Market! Don't miss the Enchanted Railroad, daily story times, and the . The children will love walking around and exploring this natural beauty. Irvine Park Railroad takes children and adults through historic Irvine Regional Park. One hour further up the coast from Eugene on the train, Portland is full of great street food, breweries, unique restaurants and formal gardens. Theres also azoo,botanic garden and trails along the Rio Grande River. 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 collection of books here is across cultures and has the best treasure trove of items youve seen in a while. Kids Ride Free on Weekends | Metrolink Youll also need to make arrangements to stay overnight in San Luis Obispo at least one night. 35 hours Daily Departure. Guests are served hot chocolate and shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book, and get a gift from Santa. You can also plan a picnic in the Hansen Dam Recreation Area. Luckily for us, it runs every day from 6:45 am to 10 pm on weekends and holidays too. Experience the fun and history of railroading at Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum in Griffith Park. Take the kids to bring them into a real-life fairytale. Your email address will not be published. It also has music, audiobooks, DVDs and craft and science kits. Located at the Metlox Plaza Corner of Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Valley Boulevard. 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. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Klamath Falls is a 22-hour train trip from Los Angeles. 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. Get more stories delivered right to your email. You'll cross bridges, pass through tunnels and alongside miniature towns. Our new Animal Rides are electric riding animals that arecontrolled by your child with a foot pedal and handlebars. " in 7 reviews " Parking is easy and there's a snack stand with popcorn, drinks, shaved ice and more. And theres a scavenger hunt that you must absolutely take part in. I really appreciate doing business with "good businesses". Due to the 6.5 hour train commute and one daily Coast Starlight train, youll need to stay overnight at least one night. Its a Chinatown park that went through an impressive $20 million remodeling that you must check out. And if youre planning to head out with family, there are a ton of fun things to do with kids in Los Angeles. The second floor is called the Labyrinth. It is located between the Music Center and City Hall. 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. 4. 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. 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. Then, one of the most fun things to do with kids in Los Angeles is taking them to this museum. We firmly believe in honoring ALL of our commitments, no matter the size of the event. While there are some gentle rides here, the park is most famous for the ones that'll . While 2020 may not be the yearto visit Disneyland,Anaheim is still worth an outing. Call the Foundation: (323) 668-0104. You are also allowed to watch while the staff feed the sharks. This is for the whole family to have a chill day out in San Pedro. Save the date for November 25, 2022! Open: Daily, 10a.m.10p.m. It is on 12 acres of land and has fountains and green space that promises a pleasant evening. Several rental car companies have offices near the Amtrak station, so its easy to rent a car if desired. It opened in 2014 and has a ton of exhibits that will delight the little ones. The train back to L.A. departs late afternoon. Theres nothing like a weekend here exploring the wonders of science. T-6 Simulator Ride at Griffith Park & Southern RR, Click here more info on our separate locations. 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. You could also relax with a ride on the merry-go-round. Doesnt taking a train ride in SoCal look like a fun way to spend the afternoon? The Ultimate Guide to Train Rides in Northern California for Kids The art scene there is fantastic and well-known throughout our region. For a cross-country journey, book tickets on the Southwest Chief for a 43-hour trip to Chicago. Train: Amtrak 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. San Francisco was first. **In February: California Baby & Kids Expoin the OC Fair Grounds & Event Center. TheKids Ride FreeWeekends is a promotion that offers free train rides for children, 17 years old and younger, on Saturdays and Sundays when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Travel Town Transportation Museum 5200 Zoo Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027 Operations: (323) 662-5874 Email: Travel.Town@lacity.org . You can also enjoy teaching your kids how to catch a fish at the pier, trying all sorts of tasty food sold by vendors, attending an outdoor concert, learning how to trapeze, watching live street performers, and so on. 20264 Broadway, Sonoma, CA | 707.938.3912. Theres also a climbing structure like the ant colony and an interactive greenhouse. This post has been updated as of May 12, 2022. Visit the Kidspace Childrens Museum which is a favorite among the young ones. Plus, wine is top attraction that adults can enjoy locally or on a day trip. Now, the USS Iowa Museum is also a great place to catch a glimpse of US maritime history through interactive exhibits. Children of all ages will be thoroughly entertained here. Whatever you choose,youll feel like you'vegoneto beach bum heaven. In the warmer months, you can also visit one of the citys beaches or take a bike ride along the Lakefront Trail. The train arrives around 8 p.m., and theres various transportation options in the city once you arrive at the Seattle Amtrak Station. 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). The little ones will love walking around in the desert, Japanese, Chinese and rose gardens. 7 Best Theme Parks Near Los Angeles Our trains are both gas- and electric-powered, and we support green energy and keeping our environment clean for our children. But the best part is the space shuttle Endeavour in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion. Dedicated to the era of the steam engine, the Lomita Railroad Museum offers a collection of locomotives, cabooses, oil tenders, and box cars, all on display. Learn how your comment data is processed. Youll arrive Jack London Square (pictured above), and you can walk to the ferry that will take you to San Francisco. promotions and other partner offers EVERYDAY DISCOUNTS Savings for Kids, Seniors, . You just must. It has some great trails and an amazing view waiting at the end of it. From the 2019 smash hit Joker to the Harry Potter franchise, this studio has a lot of phenomenal cinema to its credit. The train at Griffith Park & Southern Railroad travels over one mile of track, across a bridge, through a forest and the Old Western Town. Kids ride free! (213) 626-1901 info@angelsflight.org Monday - Friday: 6:45 AM - 10:00 PM. It opened in 1960 and welcomes about 10 million tourists annually, making it one of the most popular attractions in LA. Required fields are marked *. The quaint town also offers a popular petting zoothat feels a bit like time travel. 1418 Descanso Dr. La Caada Flintridge, CA 91011. Theres a computer zone for kids who arent old school. From dinosaurs to a science lab, you will find almost everything youve ever been curious about under one roof. Amtrak trains arrive and depart from Portland in the afternoon via Portland Union Station. 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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. for an up-close look at real trains in Los Angles moving people in and out of our city. 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. Theres also a fog grotto and a prism tunnel to climb through. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Required fields are marked *. 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. Our trains are perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to family reunions, company picnics to farmers markets, and even fairs and parades, Trains on the Move are a great option for any special event. This place has been around since the 1980s and has over 80,000 books for children, teachers and students. A light rail station is across the street, or take Uber, Lyft or ferry to get around. Love SoCal? Recommended Hotel Nearby: Shutters On The Beach, 200 Santa Monica PierSanta Monica, CA 90401(310) 458-8900. 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). Theres Tiny Tot Tuesdays which adds a little zing to the experience. Griffith Park - City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks Please make sure to include the ALL of the following information in your e-mail(highlight, copy and paste the items below right into your e-mail): I would like to thank you for the use of the train during our Christmas Eve Production. 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 magical one-hour trip to meet Santa.