The Amtrak Surflinercan make a nice day trip of it, andDowntown Disney is still a good destination. 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. Whether you want to see Central Perk from Friends or backlots and soundstages, this is where its all at. From there get a glimpse of the Plaza Firehouse. Families can see small model trains operating that will transport themselves and their imagination to a different time. 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. A total of 12 riders can ride at one time and one . 7 Best Train Ride Day Trips To Take from Los Angeles. While 2020 may not be the yearto visit Disneyland,Anaheim is still worth an outing. 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. 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. Its a good place for the family to spend some quality time and bond with each other. You get to check them out through a short train ride and enjoy the glory of Grand Central Market. For adults, there are many wineries in the area (the Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards has peacocks). 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The locomotive is an authentic Denver and Rio Grande Narrow Gauge train that was used in the early 1900s. 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. And theres no place like the City of Angels. While there are some gentle rides here, the park is most famous for the ones that'll . The birthday boy was excited to take many rides on the train! Have a Great Year!, ~ Kasey from Abundant Living Family Church, Learning Curve International Brand Legal Copy. Dont miss the Griffith Observatory while youre here. TreePeople is unique in the sense that it is full of nature trails and promotes the idea of experiential learning like no other place. Photo courtesy of the train. **In February: California Baby & Kids Expoin the OC Fair Grounds & Event Center. This post has been updated as of May 12, 2022. To begin with, you will find peacocks walking around the space. Camping near Los Angeles: 17 Great Campgrounds for Tent Camping with Kids . 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. You can choose to have a picnic in the park or near the tar pits. 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. Once you've made the 2 1/2 hour journey, you'll want to be strategic;there are plenty of fun activities to choose from. If youre a shutterbug, now is the time to unleash your camera. Visit the Bay Area with an Amtrak trip to Oakland on the Coast Starlight. Located inside Balboa Park, inside the Casa de Balboa Building. Thank you! Our schedule fills up quickly, so please give us a call today at (310) 532-6223 or email us at info@trainsonthemove.com to request a date for your next special event. All Rights Reserved. Hours: 9 a.m.-5p.m. You could also go for storytime but be sure to check out the timings in advance. 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. Now, the USS Iowa Museum is also a great place to catch a glimpse of US maritime history through interactive exhibits. 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. You'll cross bridges, pass through tunnels and alongside miniature towns. Paso Robles is a fantastic option for a wine vacation. 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. You can travel along the California coast on the Pacific Surfliner, journey to the Pacific Northwest on the Coast Starlight, and see the desert on the Southwest Chief. Free train rides for children 17 years old and younger on Saturdays and Sundays when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Middle schoolers can check out the exhibits on botany. The Grand Central Market is a magnificent 30,000-square-foot food court and downtown landmark that dates back to 1917. 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. Children of all ages will be thoroughly entertained here. In the outdoor arena, theres the Arroyo Adventure area to learn about various ecosystems and a hawks nest they can climb upon. In Chicago, there are many museums, live music venues and attractions to explore, including the Willis Tower Skydeck, Navy Pier and Wrigley Field. Take a ride on the worlds shortest railway! Head to Albuquerque, New Mexico on the Southwest Chief for a trip full of outdoor and cultural activities. Popcorn Machine The Echo Park Time Travel Mart is a retail store that lives to provide souvenirs to keep those memories alive for a long time to come. If youre looking for things to do in LA with kids, these botanical gardens are a pretty good bet. Traveling by train is one of the most peaceful and memorable ways to experience our lovely state. It was never meant to be a permanent fixture but its funny how plans work out, isnt it? Originally opened in 1901, Angels Flight Railway has given more than 100 million rides on its hillside track. Earn points toward rewards travel, upgrades and more. Los Angeles, CA 90027. This renowned attraction is a learning center and zoological park home to at least 100 exotic animals of more than fifty diverse species. Theres also a climbing structure like the ant colony and an interactive greenhouse. Prepare to be amazed as you and your little ones watch puppet shows, musicals, plays, kid-friendly concerts, and other entertaining shows. 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. Learn about the heritage of American railroading through educational programs, displays, toy trains, and scale models of California railroads and communities. 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. It showcases rich marine life and has many exhibits to teach you a thing or two about underwater creatures on this coast. There are pedestrian walkways for a stroll and there are picnic areas for when you want to rest for a bit. Luckily for us, it runs every day from 6:45 am to 10 pm on weekends and holidays too. Theres Tiny Tot Tuesdays which adds a little zing to the experience. Theres an excavator tour where kids can check out what the scientists of the day are digging out of tar pits. The biggest draw of Griffith Park is that theres a little something for people of all ages. If I were you, Id camp out in the lobby all afternoon. There are huge modern art galleries in the Ahmanson building. 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 Rich wooden shelves, historic murals and storytimes, this place has it all. Explore beautiful SoCal from San Luis Obispo to San Diego on The Pacific Surfliner. ", Our schedule fills up quickly, so please give us a call today at (310) 532-6223 or email us at. Its a bright mix of history and entertainment for them. 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Top photo credit: Image by Steven Cox from Pixabay (San Diego sunrise), Your email address will not be published. ; railway opens from 11a.m.-5p.m. Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
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, . (Los Angeles): Take I-10 east or Route 60 east or Route 91 east to I-215 . It is a dynamic place for families, students and teachers to inculcate a curiosity about space in the young ones. Photo courtesy of Visit Oceanside, Our celebrated neighbor to the southSan Diego is an ideal quick trip by train. What are the coolest attractions in Southern California? 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. The center of the exhibit has a restored steam locomotive as well as its tender, a refrigerated boxcar, and caboose. Our Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Play area provides entertainment for up to 25 children at one time. 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. Because of this, we DO NOT cancel and provide you with a $25 guarantee that we will be at your event. The little ones can also check out the splash pad in the summers and a playground that will remind you of Dr. Seuss books. Get a shuttle from the Gold Line to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Supported Credit Cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, https://socalthepolarexpressride.com/faqs/, https://socalthepolarexpressride.com/contact/. You can also try our T-6 simulator ride, a fun adventure for all ages! WELCOME & all aboard! Narrated tours of the museum and their extensive collection Mon. Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas. This museum is an undiscovered gem for Southern California families. The train at Travel Town Museum travels around theperimeter of the museum two times. Train Tickets Few SoCal towns are better at turning the ocean into some serious family fun. Do your kids love party highlights in which everything is set to bring wonder to their eyes, smile on their faces? 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 Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, 5200 Zoo Drive next to the 134 Freeway at the Forest Lawn Drive exitLos Angeles, CA 90027(323) 662-4253. 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. | Fun Factory Parties Trackless Train rentals for kid's birthday parties! Plus, these elevators have glass walls and come with a stunning view. Doesnt taking a train ride in SoCal look like a fun way to spend the afternoon? 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 . If you're looking for the coolest attractions in Southern California, we've got you covered! If you ever end up in a situation like that, theres no place better than The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites in downtown Los Angeles. Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Quinta by Wyndham Santa Clarita Valencia, 4949 York BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90042(213) 250-9995. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Santa Monica Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels, 1600 Ocean Front WalkSanta Monica, CA 90401. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. The Lorikeet forest has beautiful birds and you can feed them. 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. 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. Several rental car companies have offices near the Amtrak station, so its easy to rent a car if desired. THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride - Rail Events Productions. One of the best parts about living in Los Angelesis getting out of Los Angeles. There is also a garden where you can eat the lunch you brought or organize a picnic for the family. 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. ), scout projects are also available. Theres nothing like a weekend here exploring the wonders of science. Open, Monday, 2/20 for Presidents' Day from 10 - 4pm. 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. First of all, its not just for bookworms. We now have new services: Face Painting, Concession and Foam Machine rental. To begin with, theres an indoor imagination workshop. 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. Have a fun family outing as you enjoy a plethora of activities at the Santa Monica Pier. Its a great way to see Southern California with a fresh set of eyes. Southern California Live Steamers offer this special night train ride for the holiday season, which also serves as a fundraiser to support the free rides throughout the year. Also See:Kids Activities: Santa MonicaThings to Do in Long Beach with KidsThings to Do with Kids in Orange County. It is also a designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Pick up some churros at Olvera Street and head towards Avila Adobe, the oldest home in LA. Enjoy the San Diego countryside on a leisurely 12-mile train trip on the historic San Diego & Arizona railway. Its a Chinatown park that went through an impressive $20 million remodeling that you must check out. Don't miss the Enchanted Railroad, daily story times, and the . Choose from the many wine tours, including with SLO Safe Ride, so you dont have to drink and drive. 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. Theres also azoo,botanic garden and trails along the Rio Grande River. Venice Beach is a sandy coastline featuring a bohemian vibe. Parents, theres a little something for you too. Thats amazing, Carrie! Their newest exhibit, Out of the Vault: Items from Our Collectionincludes decades-old locomotives made of pewter and brass. Klamath Falls is a 22-hour train trip from Los Angeles. There are a few motels in walking distance from the Amtrak station, or explore Airbnb options. 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 Shark Lagoon has over 150 sharks and a few penguins that you can get close to and even touch. Also includes a hand car on display from 1881 called Velocipede. Youll arrive Jack London Square (pictured above), and you can walk to the ferry that will take you to San Francisco. Located at the Metlox Plaza Corner of Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Valley Boulevard. Hours: 9 a.m.-5p.m. This is a 3.5-acre space filled with interactive exhibits. Our trains are both gas- and electric-powered, and we support green energy and keeping our environment clean for our children. The Ultimate Guide to Train Outings in Northern California for Kids - Mommy Nearest ATLANTA BOSTON CHICAGO DALLAS DENVER HOUSTON LOS ANGELES NYC PHILADELPHIA PHOENIX SAN DIEGO SEATTLE SOUTH FLORIDA WASHINGTON DC CATEGORIES MOMMY NEAREST PLAYDATES PARTNERS ABOUT US CONTACT US The Ultimate Guide to Train Rides in Nor by Leslie Harvey If you head to Cabrillo Beach on the weekends, you can enjoy their free guided tidepool walk. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Peninsula Beverly Hills. Thats just one of the things that attracts locals and tourists to this place. . Theres also an IMAX theatre for all that you want to know about the science center. In the warmer months, you can also visit one of the citys beaches or take a bike ride along the Lakefront Trail. This is the only battleship on the West Coast that is open to the public. Lets go! 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 morning arrival means you can start enjoying the nearby lakes, rivers and waterfalls early in the day. Check out Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego for a unique beach experience. For the return trip to L.A., you choose a Pacific Surfliner or Coast Starlight train. Amtrak trains arrive and depart from Portland in the afternoon via Portland Union Station. 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. We recommend booking ASAP because the Polar Express trains are a hot ticket, and tend to book up fast. There is an on-site restaurant that is totally kid friendly. Also See:Kid Friendly Things to Do in OjaiThings for Kids to Do in MalibuKids Activities: Pasadena. You can also go on Family Adventure Night Hikes or bird walks. 1. Its a quirky space where used books are arranged according to color. The railway has made several appearances in film and television, includingLa La Land (2016)andThe Muppets (2011). Depending on their schedule, you can get the chance to attend movie screenings, participate in game nights, and other events. Approaching San Clemente on a SoCal train ride is a magical experience as you roll through town on the train tracks on, 1050 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA, The ride on this vintage trolley will take you on a scenic 1.5 mile route along the waterfront from San Pedro's World Cruise Center. You can bring bikes on Amtrak, or check out Zachs Bikes for rentals. Do you want to hear a bit of history? Its called the Blue Angels 4D Experience and its been a landmark since 1901. The destinations listed below all have good departure and arrival times from L.A. along with stunning scenery and fun things to do. Valid system-wide on either Saturday or Sunday. Downtown there is a childrens museum, railroad museum, historic mission, and a charming trail along a creek. It's located in a grassy, relaxed area of Griffith Park and happens to also be a great place to spread out a picnic.