Recommended Hotel Nearby: 1 Hotel West Hollywood, Related: Best Hotels in Los Angeles for Families. Open for all ages, but most enjoyable for kids aged two and up. The museums, along with restaurants and hotels, are about a 10-minute walk from the Amtrak station. Admission is free, donations accepted. People already asked me for your number and I will keep referring you, too. Theres an indoor area for them to lose themselves in activities and also an outdoor one where they can educate themselves about the environment. This is a great big library with some of the rarest collections youll encounter. 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. Travel Time: 2 1/2 hours each way, Get out and hike the beautiful Indian Canyons in Palm Springs. There is also a garden where you can eat the lunch you brought or organize a picnic for the family. Now, the USS Iowa Museum is also a great place to catch a glimpse of US maritime history through interactive exhibits. The locomotive is an authentic Denver and Rio Grande Narrow Gauge train that was used in the early 1900s. 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. 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 36 Most Epic Things To Do In Los Angeles With Kids Open: Daily, 10a.m.-5p.m.Cost per ride: $3 & up, 4400 Crystal Springs Dr.Los AngelesOnline:griffithparktrainrides.com/. San Francisco was first. If youre looking for something different, book a sustainable wine tour, or even charter your own yacht. Restrictions apply,see websitefor full details. 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. Thats where we come in! 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 Orange County Model Engineers (OCME) welcomes the public for free rides every third Saturday and following Sunday of each month. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Amarano Burbank-Hollywood. 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. Angels Flight Railway | Los Angeles Landmark since 1901 most daysCost per ride: Free with admission (tickets start at $53, but you can find discounted tickets here). Los Angeles, CA 90027. The morning arrival means you can start enjoying the nearby lakes, rivers and waterfalls early in the day. One of the most therapeutic things one can do is to plan a holiday. 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. Experience the fun and history of railroading at Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum in Griffith Park. They also have many historic exhibits, including full-size vintage train cars, a stationary steam plant, and Walt Disneys Carolwood Barn. Donations are welcome, but not required. Making your party and event reservations at. Train: Amtrak Middle schoolers can check out the exhibits on botany. Terms & ConditionsListen to our podcast! Call the Foundation: (323) 668-0104. You could hike up or get hitch a horseback ride through Hollywood Hills to get here. Theres plenty of activities that make it quite happening. Its a good place for the family to spend some quality time and bond with each other. A favorite for kids and adults. All Rights Reserved. Save the date for November 25, 2022! Amtrak Tickets, Schedules and Train Routes And dont miss the rainbow room. Amtrak trains arrive and depart from Portland in the afternoon via Portland Union Station. Your email address will not be published. And by the way, if youre a Potterhead, this place is a must visit. Train Party Express is a wonderful addition to birthdays, festivals and all events. Train: Amtrak Descanso Gardens. It features over 2,700 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded in sidewalks along roughly fifteen blocks at Hollywood Boulevard. Just Enter your Date and Time and See Everything That is available. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramwayis temporarily closed, but considerstrolling around the cityshistoric downtown, which is full of cute shops and good food. Hours: 9 a.m.-5p.m. Take your train-loving kids to Union Station and get the opportunity to watch several state-of-the-art passenger trains passing by. Valid system-wide on either Saturday or Sunday. SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills, Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, Santa Monica Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels, Hotel Maya a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, The Beverly Hills Hotel Dorchester Collection, Southern California with Kids Fun Things to Do, Hotel Figueroa, Unbound Collection by Hyatt, La Quinta by Wyndham Santa Clarita Valencia, 35 Best Places to Visit in August in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in July in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in June in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in May in the USA, Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, Los Angeles, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles County Arboretum And Botanic Garden, The Huntington Library, Art Collections, And Botanical Gardens, Natural History Museum Of Los Angeles County, El Pueblo De Los Angeles Historical Monument. The exhibits are never the same so you can actually visit any number of times. 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. Its the one that traveled to space 25 times from the 1990s to 2011. Southern California to Las Vegas bullet train one step closer to reality Aseaside townfull of SoCal charm, Oceanside makes it easyto make a day of it, whetheryou want to hit the beach or not. 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. 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/. So its likely that it looks different every time you visit. 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!) Their newest exhibit, Out of the Vault: Items from Our Collectionincludes decades-old locomotives made of pewter and brass. 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. Get a shuttle from the Gold Line to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. This is where the magic of movies takes place. Theres a computer zone for kids who arent old school. It offers several engaging events throughout the year, guided tours, a gift shop, and more. The Learning Curve logo design is a service mark of Learning Curve International, Inc. All Thomas the Train products are copyrighted and trademarked to: Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends A Britt Allcroft Company Productions, Based on The Railway Series by The Rev W Awdry 2003 Gullane (Thomas) Limited, Contact us today or make a reservation online. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Maya a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Train Party is the largest trackless train provider in Southern California. Also See:Kid Friendly Things to Do in OjaiThings for Kids to Do in MalibuKids Activities: Pasadena. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor! For cheaper hotel rates, consider an early fall trip. Learn about the heritage of American railroading through educational programs, displays, toy trains, and scale models of California railroads and communities. From dinosaurs to a science lab, you will find almost everything youve ever been curious about under one roof. Dates for the 2022 ride have been set! Several rental car companies have offices near the Amtrak station, so its easy to rent a car if desired. If you're a fan of wineries, check out Briar Rose Winery for a sweet fairytale experience in Temecula. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites. Photo courtesy of Amtrak, Young Gates - Kids Online Personalized Classes, 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?) While in the area, non-Disney options includeskateboardingat Vans skatepark, taking flight at a SwingIt Trapeze lesson, andwandering through the reopened Bowers Museum. There are 12 rare-breed chickens which will amuse the little ones to no end. The morning arrival means you can start enjoying the nearby lakes, rivers and waterfalls early in the day. Dine at a reservable outdoor patio with exotic creatures, like macaws, owls, armadillos, and the like. There are hotels downtown and near the ocean. Open: Sun. The scenery from the train is one the main reasons to book this rail trip. Train rides on select vintage trains and trolleys are available to guests during their visit. There are pedestrian walkways for a stroll and there are picnic areas for when you want to rest for a bit. The museum educates and informs the public about railroads from the past and present and how they will impact transportation in the future. Youll arrive Jack London Square (pictured above), and you can walk to the ferry that will take you to San Francisco. The Grand Central Market is a magnificent 30,000-square-foot food court and downtown landmark that dates back to 1917. Explore the best options below. *Train is wheelchair accessible. Another one-of-a-kind spot to visit in SoCal is Victoria Tower in Laguna Beach. Thanks for sharing! Families can ride the miniature train that circles the perimeter of the museum. 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. Few SoCal towns are better at turning the ocean into some serious family fun. A light rail station is across the street, or take Uber, Lyft or ferry to get around. Photo by @lizpalkamedia Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association, Inc. Perris - Runs daily November 20 - December 28, 2022, Orange - Runs daily November 25 December 23, 2022, Griffith Park - Runs daily November 25, 2022 - January 6, 2023, Torrance - Friday & Saturday, December 16 & 17, 2022, Long Beach - Saturdays & Sundays in December 2022, Campo - Fridays & Saturdays, November 25 - December 18, 2022, Young Gates - Kids Online Personalized Classes. We recommend booking ASAP because the Polar Express trains are a hot ticket, and tend to book up fast. 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. Trains depart Los Angeles and San Jose mid-morning, so one overnight stay in San Jose is doable if that works best with your schedule. . Plus you can party in the Gaslamp Quarter, cruise the harbor, visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo, explore Balboa Park, experience the USS Midway Museum and shop at Seaport Village. All aboard the Kidsguide Express! Located in Los Angeles County, California, A PLUS Promotions gives your party or get-together a whole new level of fun! Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Theres Tiny Tot Tuesdays which adds a little zing to the experience. The Southwest Chief arrives around dinnertime and returns to L.A. in the morning, so you can stay just one night, but if you want to explore the town (besides going out to dinner), plan to stay two. Your email address will not be published. Whether you want to see Central Perk from Friends or backlots and soundstages, this is where its all at. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Casa Blanca Inn & Suites, Related: Best Things to Do in Los Angeles, 4730 Crystal Springs DrLos Angeles, CA 90027. Child and infant discounts are automatically applied when adding travelers to your booking No Promo Code needed. The train arrives around 8 p.m., and theres various transportation options in the city once you arrive at the Seattle Amtrak Station. Here's a list of activities that'll help you plan. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Beverly Hills Hotel Dorchester Collection, 3720 Stephen M White DrSan Pedro, CA 90731. Do you want to hear a bit of history? Open, Monday, 2/20 for Presidents' Day from 10 - 4pm. Located inside El Dorado Park in Long Beach, the El Dorado Express is a mile-and-a-half train ride on a vintage locomotive. There are huge modern art galleries in the Ahmanson building. Mail the Foundation: P.O. 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?) Kids can also try their T-6 simulator ride! Whatever you choose,youll feel like you'vegoneto beach bum heaven. Originally opened in 1901, Angels Flight Railway has given more than 100 million rides on its hillside track. Get more stories delivered right to your email. 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. ", Our schedule fills up quickly, so please give us a call today at (310) 532-6223 or email us at. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. Related: Fun Things to Do in Los Angeles at Night. You could get a studio tour, classics tour or a deluxe tour. In the outdoor arena, theres the Arroyo Adventure area to learn about various ecosystems and a hawks nest they can climb upon. LOS ANGELES - A high-speed bullet train connecting Southern California to Las . Don't miss the Enchanted Railroad, daily story times, and the . The art scene there is fantastic and well-known throughout our region. Trackless Train rentals for kid's birthday parties! Luckily for us, it runs every day from 6:45 am to 10 pm on weekends and holidays too. Welcome To The Trackless Train Los Angeles FUN-Tastic Trackless Trains, Game Trucks, Go-Karts, Carnival Rides & Inflatable Rentals for Party Kids! Located at the Metlox Plaza Corner of Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Valley Boulevard. This is an awesome car-free street festival. A typical train ride takes about 12 minutes and covers two loops of the park. Whether it is strolling or fishing, you will find a space that works out a setup of your choice. Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas. The museum is open the first and third Saturdays of each month. Bike and paddle boat rentals, OC Zoo and pony rides are also in the park. Angels Flight Railway goes from Hill Street and Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill. 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. 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!). And theres no place like the City of Angels. Visit the Bay Area with an Amtrak trip to Oakland on the Coast Starlight. Recommended Hotel Nearby: SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills. Theres also a fruit orchard the children will enjoy and a lookout point for a gorgeous view. Trackless Train for Birthday Party & Ride Rentals in Los Angeles CA Open: Open daily (except Wed.); 10 a.m-4:45 p.m. (It can be a bit deafening on the platforms, so consider bringing earplugs if you or your kids are sensitive to loud noises). This museum is an undiscovered gem for Southern California families. Open daily, 6:45 a.m. to 10 p.m., including weekends and holidays. Amtrak Guide aims to make rail travel easier with helpful information and tips on train routes, stations and destinations across the United States. During the trip, characters on each car immerse passengers in theatrical onboard entertainment just like in the film! It is one of the best kids activities in Los Angeles. It opened in 1960 and welcomes about 10 million tourists annually, making it one of the most popular attractions in LA. 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. Sunset Cliffs is a great place to go for a beloved San Diego experience. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Klamath Falls is a 22-hour train trip from Los Angeles. It is on 12 acres of land and has fountains and green space that promises a pleasant evening. General admission includes unlimited train and carousel rides for the day. Check theirevents pagefor special train rides throughout the year. Travel Time: 1 1/2hours each way, Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner heads down the coast. The railcar collection has three historically significant cabooses and two Union Pacific Lounge cars available to the public. Theres an excavator tour where kids can check out what the scientists of the day are digging out of tar pits. The Railways Top Station is located at California Plaza. Grab a coffee and stroll through the famous Pike Place Market, visit the Chihuly Gardens, Museum of Flight, or head to Kerry Park for stunning skyline views of the city. Wednesday's we are in Westchester Farmers Market! Dont miss this DTLAlandmark (built in 1939!) If you ever end up in a situation like that, theres no place better than The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites in downtown Los Angeles. Travel through the New Mexico desert and mountains to reach Trindad, Colorado. The Southwest Chief departs daily from L.A. in the early evening and arrives in Albuquerque 16.5 hours later. Passengers then read along with the classic childrens book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. A post shared by Angels Flight Railway (@angelsflightrailway). To begin with, you will find peacocks walking around the space. Park there and just walk across the street. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sunset Tower Hotel, Related: Free Things to Do in Los Angeles, CA. Its a 20-hour, overnight Amtrak trip, and youll arrive in the walkable downtown area in the afternoon. Mitchell Museum of Western Art. Of course, if your kid will only be pleased with riding the real thing, hop on a Metrolink train from Union Station where kids ridefreeon the weekends with a paying adult. Few SoCal towns are better atturning the ocean into some serious family fun. Privacy Policy, By signing up to Tinybeans newsletters you agree to our Terms and We believe the best memories are created when families do fun things together. There are a few rotating exhibits that will keep you busy. 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. You will see popular Disney characters in all their glory. Admission is $11 for kids under 15 (and seniors) and $13 for those over 15. This is a perfect addition to your Thomas the Train theme party. 320 Golden Shore #100Long Beach, CA 90802. This place on Hollywood Boulevard gives you a peek into cinema from the 1920s. Take short day-trips to Los Angeles, San Diego, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Barbara or other cities from local stations in Anaheim, Fullerton, Irvine and Santa Ana. Check their calendar for events like moonlight hikes. 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. The Amtrak Surflinercan make a nice day trip of it, andDowntown Disney is still a good destination. School Trips & Guided Tours; Holden's Corner for Kids; Exhibits; The Trains at Travel Town; Railroad Safety; Library & Archive; Whyte Locomotive Classification; . The sea cave here is legendary, and you'll love exploring the tidepools with the kids. Details subject to change. Camping near Los Angeles: 17 Great Campgrounds for Tent Camping with Kids . ; railway opens from 11a.m.-5p.m. 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. If you head to Cabrillo Beach on the weekends, you can enjoy their free guided tidepool walk. Do your kids love party highlights in which everything is set to bring wonder to their eyes, smile on their faces? There are 18 observation decks here which give you a stunning view of the city. 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+). 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. Tear your kids away from the kids train table set-up near the gift counter, head out to climb through the historic caboose and engine, the push-car and the water tower, and then maybe enjoy a picnic at one of the two train-centric parks next door, which together feature a contemporary caboose, a tank car and a boxcar. Ocean Front WalkLos Angeles, CA 90291(310) 396-6794. Train Rides; School Trips & Group Tours; History & Learning. 7 Best Train Ride Day Trips To Take from Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA 90027 Mail Stop #: 663 Download files: Travel Town Map - Griffith Park Map.