This is the largest used (and new) books and records store in all of California. Here are a few of the best spots Angelenos can get to easily by rail and still be home by bedtime. If you want to feed the likes of a sea lion, you might want to make some bookings in advance with the Animal Encounters. La Jolla is a 20-minute drive away from downtown, and SeaWorld and water sport activities in Mission Bay are only 10 minutes away. (Los Angeles): Take I-10 east or Route 60 east or Route 91 east to I-215 . This is no ordinary aquarium, dear friends. While there are some gentle rides here, the park is most famous for the ones that'll . For cheaper hotel rates, consider an early fall trip. 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!). Its actually visible for many parts of the city when the sky is clear. 2201 S. "A" Street, Perris, CA 92570 2023 Southern California Railway Museum. Plan to stay at least two nights, as the return train to Los Angeles departs in the morning. In the outdoor arena, theres the Arroyo Adventure area to learn about various ecosystems and a hawks nest they can climb upon. We believe the best memories are created when families do fun things together. 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. 20264 Broadway, Sonoma, CA | 707.938.3912. Paso Robles is a fantastic option for a wine vacation. Some of the objects here date as far back as 4.5 billion years. Consider planning your trip around theAlbuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which is a top event in the fall. Youll arrive Jack London Square (pictured above), and you can walk to the ferry that will take you to San Francisco. It's a fun way to see the area and it's something the kiddos will surely enjoy. Its called the Blue Angels 4D Experience and its been a landmark since 1901. 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. The Lorikeet forest has beautiful birds and you can feed them. Contact us today or make a reservation online for your next event! 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. Guests are served hot chocolate and shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book, and get a gift from Santa. Whatever you choose,youll feel like you'vegoneto beach bum heaven. Terms & ConditionsListen to our podcast! Get Social. 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. You get to check them out through a short train ride and enjoy the glory of Grand Central Market. Offerspublic rides on Sundays (weather permitting). Every day is an opportunity to create new stories. Recommended Hotel Nearby: InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown. But the best part is the space shuttle Endeavour in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion. (It can be a bit deafening on the platforms, so consider bringing earplugs if you or your kids are sensitive to loud noises). Save the date for November 25, 2022! 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. . There are pedestrian walkways for a stroll and there are picnic areas for when you want to rest for a bit. Providing fun for kids, however, can sometimes be a challenge for parents and caretakers. Dates for the 2022 ride have been set! Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas. 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 Amtrak Surflinercan make a nice day trip of it, andDowntown Disney is still a good destination. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramwayis temporarily closed, but considerstrolling around the cityshistoric downtown, which is full of cute shops and good food. We recommend booking ASAP because the Polar Express trains are a hot ticket, and tend to book up fast. Its a historic landmark that opened in September 1909. Making your party and event reservations at. They also have many historic exhibits, including full-size vintage train cars, a stationary steam plant, and Walt Disneys Carolwood Barn. There are bright pink benches that will lift your spirits and theres drought-tolerant landscaping that will grab your attention. You can also go on Family Adventure Night Hikes or bird walks. 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. Come visit us every week and ride our trackless train: Tuesday's we are at Manhattan Beach Farmers Market! San Diego has something for everyone. With a rental car, you can visit Morro Bay State Park, Dinosaur Caves Park, and hike at Valencia Peak and Bishop Peak (both have amazing views). Sunset Cliffs is a great place to go for a beloved San Diego experience. One of the most historic things in town is the Castaneda Hotel next to the Amtrak station. There is a great variety of items here that will mark any time period of your choice. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. It was never meant to be a permanent fixture but its funny how plans work out, isnt it? If you love space and astronomy, this is a fantastic choice. Its the one that traveled to space 25 times from the 1990s to 2011. If you get lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a celebrity. Southern California Railway Museum - Bringing Railway History to Life Required fields are marked *. Located at the Metlox Plaza Corner of Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Valley Boulevard. 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. Theres also a family program with workshops on mixed media for kids of all ages, if you pick the right weekend. 1 HOUR PARTY TRAIN RENTAL = $450 EACH ADDITIONAL HOUR $225 Travel charges may apply. 40 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Los Angeles (For 2023) Your email address will not be published. Love SoCal? Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Donations are welcome, but not required. Step inside a holiday classic! Camping near Los Angeles: 17 Great Campgrounds for Tent Camping with Kids . Depending on what they have planned, you can also get the chance to interact with puppets. EVENT FAQ PHOTO GALLERY REVIEW & TIPS. Also See:Kid Friendly Things to Do in OjaiThings for Kids to Do in MalibuKids Activities: Pasadena. Travel Town Transportation Museum 5200 Zoo Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027 Operations: (323) 662-5874 Email: Travel.Town@lacity.org . Trackless Train for Birthday Party & Ride Rentals in Los Angeles CA 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. 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. " The little train ride was a fun time for the little kids and the proceeds go back into the train station. 7 Best Train Ride Day Trips To Take from Los Angeles Visiting wineries is the top thing to do, and there are more than 200 to choose from. They are committed to protecting the over 100 species of marine creatures that are placed here. Theres Tiny Tot Tuesdays which adds a little zing to the experience. This is for the whole family to have a chill day out in San Pedro. There are many festivals, concerts and other events that you can plan a trip around. Dozens of Amtrak and MetroLink trains use Union Station daily, and your kids are sure to get an eye-full and ear-full of real train experience. 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. Travel through the New Mexico desert and mountains to reach Trindad, Colorado. Theres tons of room for your children to put their imagination to work. 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. 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. 800 North Alameda St.Los AngelesOnline: unionstationla.com. 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. Doesnt taking a train ride in SoCal look like a fun way to spend the afternoon? Six Flags Magic Mountain. 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. Admission is free. With hundreds of unique rail travel packages to choose from, there's something for everyone. 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. Its the worlds shortest railway but gives a peek into the rich history. 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. The 36 Most Epic Things To Do In Los Angeles With Kids The Railways Top Station is located at California Plaza. most daysCost per ride: Free with admission (tickets start at $53, but you can find discounted tickets here). We now have new services: Face Painting, Concession and Foam Machine rental. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites. Open for all ages, but most enjoyable for kids aged two and up. Wednesday's we are in Westchester Farmers Market! 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. The Ultimate Guide to Train Rides in Northern California for Kids When your kid is crazy about all things trains, its full steam ahead! You can bring bikes on Amtrak, or check out Zachs Bikes for rentals. The Grand Central Market is a magnificent 30,000-square-foot food court and downtown landmark that dates back to 1917. only, 11a.m.3p.m.Cost per ride: $3, 5202 Zoo Dr.Los AngelesOnline:lalsrm.org. 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. Make your next event a memorable one with a Trains on the Move interactive train party! But if you have children you love burying their nose the old fashioned way, theres a childrens section that will enthrall them and a young adult section like no other library youve entered. Los Angeles Live Steamers & Railroad Museum. Also don't miss the well-stocked gift shopa great resource for train-related toys. Child and infant discounts are automatically applied when adding travelers to your booking No Promo Code needed. Its a good place for the family to spend some quality time and bond with each other. Open: Daily, 10a.m.10p.m. The museum educates and informs the public about railroads from the past and present and how they will impact transportation in the future. Open 10 a.m. 3:30 p.m. on thefree public ride days(weather permitting); donations are welcome. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Peninsula Beverly Hills. Privacy Policy, By signing up to Tinybeans newsletters you agree to our Terms and The mini theme park also has carnival games, panning for gold, hand-cranked mining buggy, and carousel. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Beverly Hills Hotel Dorchester Collection, 3720 Stephen M White DrSan Pedro, CA 90731. It first opened in May 1939 under the name of Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal and serves roughly 1.4 million passengers each year. This aquarium on the Santa Monica pier is run by a non-profit called Heal The Bay. Kids from the ages two to seven will love the Helen and Peter Bing Childrens garden. 35 hours Daily Departure. Tom was very helpful and a joy to work with in our production., ~ Kasey from Abundant Living Family Church(12/28/11), "I wanted to email and say that we were very pleased with the train and conductor that attended our party yesterday. Related: Southern California with Kids Fun Things to Do. The exhibits are never the same so you can actually visit any number of times. 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. Theres also azoo,botanic garden and trails along the Rio Grande River. Venice Beach is a sandy coastline featuring a bohemian vibe. Theres also storytime for children who dig that. Metrolink's Kids Ride Free on Weekends deal means every weekend, up to three children ages 17 and under can travel anywhere on the Metrolink system with a paying adult. 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. ), scout projects are also available. Is your little one loco for locomotives? Know before you go: Passengers must be at least 34-inches tall to enjoy the ride. Idyllwild is another fun spot to drive to for a day or a weekend. The scenery from the train is one the main reasons to book this rail trip. 888-501-4FUN (4386) All aboard the Kid's Party Express - whooo whoooo! Train: Amtrak 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. Theres also a non-profit tutoring center that will warm your heart. TreePeople is unique in the sense that it is full of nature trails and promotes the idea of experiential learning like no other place. 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. Los Angeles, CA 90027 Mail Stop #: 663 Download files: Travel Town Map - Griffith Park Map. LALSRM - Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum Then, one of the most fun things to do with kids in Los Angeles is taking them to this museum. Klamath Falls is a 22-hour train trip from Los Angeles. Enjoy the San Diego countryside on a leisurely 12-mile train trip on the historic San Diego & Arizona railway. Open, Monday, 2/20 for Presidents' Day from 10 - 4pm. 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! Get a shuttle from the Gold Line to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Choo-Chooride into wonderland on our StoryBook Train rental and chug your way into family fun and adventures. The quaint town also offers a popular petting zoothat feels a bit like time travel. 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. Find an Amazing Petting Zoo near Los Angeles for Animal Fun - MommyPoppins You could get a studio tour, classics tour or a deluxe tour. Park there and just walk across the street. 40 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Los Angeles: The Best Family-Friendly Attractions! Other historical park buildingsinclude a carriage barn, a windmill, adobe foundation, bird aviary, and theTongva Exhibit. Travel time on the train is 23.5 hours each way. This place is pretty great for a family day out in Los Angeles. Travel Time: 2 1/2 hours each way, Get out and hike the beautiful Indian Canyons in Palm Springs. Bond with your children while participating in educational tours, interacting with the wildlife, and shopping for souvenirs. And theres a scavenger hunt that you must absolutely take part in. Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Quinta by Wyndham Santa Clarita Valencia, 4949 York BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90042(213) 250-9995. As Oregons largest city, theres also many festivals to check out all year long, such as the International Film Festival, UFO Festival, Oregon Brewers Festival, Waterfront Blues Festival, Cathedral Park Jazz Festival and many food events. Andbecause Anaheim's so close, you can still be home in time to watch a little Disney Channel before bed. 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. Plus, these elevators have glass walls and come with a stunning view. 317 S BroadwayLos Angeles, CA 90013(213) 359-6007. You could also head to Trails Cafe and enjoy a picnic-style meal with pastries and sandwiches. You could also relax with a ride on the merry-go-round. WELCOME & all aboard! If youre in the right spot, it will be raining confetti. It also has music, audiobooks, DVDs and craft and science kits. Take the kids to bring them into a real-life fairytale. There are seats available (so far!) Trackless Train rentals for kid's birthday parties! 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. Next, you can check out the sculpture garden and of course, the Boone Childrens Gallery for painting and storytime. After riding our miniature train, explore dozens of old-time railroad locomotives and cars. Coast Starlight Train | Amtrak Located in Griffith Park, Travel Town is an outdoor museum with a large collection of locomotives and rolling stock from Southern California. Theres nothing like a weekend here exploring the wonders of science. I felt ecstatic. If you are looking for party services for your kids, we have everything you're looking for. 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. 351 S. Hill St. Los AngelesOnline: angelsflight.org. Traveling by train is one of the most peaceful and memorable ways to experience our lovely state. 2003 Learning Curve International, Inc. 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 4400 Crystal Springs Drive (Near Los Feliz & Riverside) Los Angeles, CA 90027 (323) 664-6903 Hours 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you're headed to Knott's Berry Farm, be sure grab a seat on the Calico Railroad, which has been at the park since Jan. 12, 1952. There are also classes in identifying and understanding native plants. Theres a computer zone for kids who arent old school. If youre a fan of Night in the Museum or Jurassic Park, this place will leave you spell bound. Fee for miniature train rides. Located on Wilshire Boulevard, the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum is famous for its ice-age fossil site. Thats just one of the things that attracts locals and tourists to this place. Middle schoolers can check out the exhibits on botany. Angels Flight Railway goes from Hill Street and Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill. If you head to Cabrillo Beach on the weekends, you can enjoy their free guided tidepool walk. 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. 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. 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