4400 Crystal Springs Drive (Near Los Feliz & Riverside) Los Angeles, CA 90027 (323) 664-6903 Hours 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 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 . The Train Ride phone number is (323) 662-9678. . You can also try our T-6 simulator ride, a fun adventure for all ages! For the return trip to L.A., you choose a Pacific Surfliner or Coast Starlight train. Warning: The train has the highest crime rate in all of Orange County (wink, wink), as notorious bandits stage hold-ups on every ride. It was never meant to be a permanent fixture but its funny how plans work out, isnt it? This is a perfect addition to your Thomas the Train theme party. If you're looking for the coolest attractions in Southern California, we've got you covered! Explore beautiful SoCal from San Luis Obispo to San Diego on The Pacific Surfliner. Trackless Train for Birthday Party & Ride Rentals in Los Angeles CA | Trains of the Move A PLUS Promotions Phone: (310) 532-6223 Email: [email protected] 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. Visit the Bay Area with an Amtrak trip to Oakland on the Coast Starlight. Learn about the heritage of American railroading through educational programs, displays, toy trains, and scale models of California railroads and communities. There are interactive exhibits that everyone will quite enjoy. Hope your business is prosperous this year so you get to put BIG smiles on small people more often. Take a little day trip to experience these charming train stations and enjoy a pleasant ride. Some of the objects here date as far back as 4.5 billion years. During the trip, characters on each car immerse passengers in theatrical onboard entertainment just like in the film! Full of lily ponds, roses, and leafy trees, Descanso Gardens lets kids roam free and explore the natural world. Located in Charles H. Wilson Park, Southern California Live Steamers offers free trains rides on miniature 7.5 gauge trains. Their newest exhibit, Out of the Vault: Items from Our Collectionincludes decades-old locomotives made of pewter and brass. 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. Train Rides; School Trips & Group Tours; History & Learning. The train arrives around 8 p.m., and theres various transportation options in the city once you arrive at the Seattle Amtrak Station. Come visit us every week and ride our trackless train: Tuesday's we are at Manhattan Beach Farmers Market! The kids are also allowed on a virtual helicopter tour on whats called the Zamboni machine. Experience the fun and history of railroading at Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum in Griffith Park. Kids ride free! Plus, these elevators have glass walls and come with a stunning view. If you head to Cabrillo Beach on the weekends, you can enjoy their free guided tidepool walk. Whatever you choose,youll feel like you'vegoneto beach bum heaven. 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. 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!) Recommended Hotel Nearby: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Make your next event a memorable one with a Trains on the Move interactive train party! It's such a sweet place that you'll want to stay all afternoon. For cheaper hotel rates, consider an early fall trip. 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. More details to come. Our Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Play area provides entertainment for up to 25 children at one time. In the spring you will see blooms in every direction, in the winter theres camellias and theres majestic oaks all through the year. This museum is an undiscovered gem for Southern California families. Check their calendar for events like moonlight hikes. . 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. Additionally, on weekends, each adult pays just $10 for a Weekend Day Pass so families small and large can have an affordable experience. There are regular and temporary exhibitions here from time to time. Its the one-stop shop for all your needs. Families can ride the miniature train that circles the perimeter of the museum. La Jolla is a 20-minute drive away from downtown, and SeaWorld and water sport activities in Mission Bay are only 10 minutes away. Photo courtesy of Visit Oceanside, Our celebrated neighbor to the southSan Diego is an ideal quick trip by train. And theres no place like the City of Angels. This Southern California Bike Ride Leads To The Most Stunning Fall Foliage Youve Ever Seen, The Southern California Park Where You Can Begin A Hike Across 7 Different Bridges Is A Grand Adventure, This Wine Cruise Is One Of The Most Unique Experiences You Can Have In Southern California, This Open Air Train Ride In Southern California Is A Scenic Adventure For The Whole Family, Youll Absolutely Love A Ride On Southern Californias Majestic Mountain Train This Summer, Take A Ride On This One-Of-A-Kind Canal Boat In Southern California, After A Hike To Southern Californias Lake Los Carneros, Board The Pacific Surfliner For A Memorable Adventure, This Dreamy Train-Themed Trip Through Southern California Will Take You On The Journey Of A Lifetime, HPort of Los Angeles Waterfront Red Car Line. The ride features a narrated story, while an original music score sets the tone, telling and educational story about the history of the Gold Rush In California. There are a few motels in walking distance from the Amtrak station, or explore Airbnb options. This renowned attraction is a learning center and zoological park home to at least 100 exotic animals of more than fifty diverse species. 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. Also don't miss the well-stocked gift shopa great resource for train-related toys. Located at the Metlox Plaza Corner of Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Valley Boulevard. The exhibits are never the same so you can actually visit any number of times. Its for people of all ages and even the toys here are educational. Our new Animal Rides are electric riding animals that arecontrolled by your child with a foot pedal and handlebars. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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. Originally opened in 1901, Angels Flight the world's shortest railway has given more than 100 million rides on its hillside track. You sit on top of it, straddling the train car, as opposed to inside it. The Travel Town Museum is a railway established in 1952 and owned by the Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks. Its actually visible for many parts of the city when the sky is clear. From there get a glimpse of the Plaza Firehouse. The birthday boy was excited to take many rides on the train! Heres a list of activities thatll help you plan. 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! Theres also storytime for children who dig that. Also See:Kids Activities: Santa MonicaThings to Do in Long Beach with KidsThings to Do with Kids in Orange County. Children of all ages will be thoroughly entertained here. To begin with, theres an indoor imagination workshop. And if youre planning to head out with family, there are a ton of fun things to do with kids in Los Angeles. Consider planning your trip around theAlbuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which is a top event in the fall. 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. Train Party is the largest trackless train provider in Southern California. You could hike up or get hitch a horseback ride through Hollywood Hills to get here. You wont be spoiled for choice here but theres more than enough to keep everyone busy. Paddle around the lake for an hour at a time while enjoying the view of downtown Los Angeles. 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. We recommend booking ASAP because the Polar Express trains are a hot ticket, and tend to book up fast. Middle schoolers can check out the exhibits on botany. The train back to L.A. departs late afternoon. Restrictions apply,see websitefor full details. If youre a shutterbug, now is the time to unleash your camera. There are some activities for families, but overall, this destination is best for an adult trip. Cost: Free to enter; train rides are $3 & up, 5200 Zoo Dr.Los AngelesOnline:traveltown.org. 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. 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 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. Passengers must be at least 31 tall to ride. So its pretty easy to note all the family activities happening around here. This is a hotspot for dignitaries, former Presidents and television and movie stars too. Don't miss the Enchanted Railroad, daily story times, and the . The Grand Central Market is a magnificent 30,000-square-foot food court and downtown landmark that dates back to 1917. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Maya a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. It features over 2,700 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded in sidewalks along roughly fifteen blocks at Hollywood Boulevard. The return train to L.A. departs at night, so you could technically just spend a day here, then get back on the train to sleep. 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. Enjoy the San Diego countryside on a leisurely 12-mile train trip on the historic San Diego & Arizona railway. It features food stalls selling local and foreign delicacies and various engaging events throughout the year. Mitchell Museum of Western Art. Check outthe local zoo, or take a hike. Its a big part of the history around here and you must look up why it went from being Hollywoodland to the truncated version we see today. Tip: If you depart Los Angeles on Friday, youll arrive in time to hang out at the Eugene Saturday Market, which has live music, food and artisan vendors selling local goods. Also See:Kid Friendly Things to Do in OjaiThings for Kids to Do in MalibuKids Activities: Pasadena. Next, you can check out the sculpture garden and of course, the Boone Childrens Gallery for painting and storytime. It's located in a grassy, relaxed area of Griffith Park and happens to also be a great place to spread out a picnic. Maybe have a cone atCoastal Cone of ice cream as you stroll.Then its time to get wet, whether you want to pilot a duffy boat, rent a paddle boat, take agondola ride or enjoy a bit of maritime historywith the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, which will widen the eyes of any miniature shop lovers out there. Know before you go: Passengers must be at least 34-inches tall to enjoy the ride. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. This is no ordinary aquarium, dear friends. The Railroad Exhibit at Heritage Park tells the story of the citys railroad history through the restoration of the Santa Fe Railway depot, tracks, and signals. The holiday light festival operates from late November until early January each year. 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. You will also find a host of rotating exhibits and Nature Lab, a hand-on science lab that includes animals and other specimens. Put those pajamas on and hop aboardThe North Pole Limited. Due to the 6.5 hour train commute and one daily Coast Starlight train, youll need to stay overnight at least one night. 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. If youre a fan of Night in the Museum or Jurassic Park, this place will leave you spell bound. 320 Golden Shore #100Long Beach, CA 90802. There are a few rotating exhibits that will keep you busy. Choo-Chooride into wonderland on our StoryBook Train rental and chug your way into family fun and adventures. Ocean Front WalkLos Angeles, CA 90291(310) 396-6794. 317 S BroadwayLos Angeles, CA 90013(213) 359-6007. 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. Los Angeles, CA 90027 Mail Stop #: 663 Download files: Travel Town Map - Griffith Park Map. While 2020 may not be the yearto visit Disneyland,Anaheim is still worth an outing. 8039 Beach Blvd.Buena ParkOnline: knotts.com, RELATED: How to Spend a Fun 36-Hours in Buena Park, A post shared by Official Union Station LA (@unionstationla). , Your email address will not be published. There are hotels downtown and near the ocean. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Fee for miniature train rides. Take a ride on the worlds shortest railway! Free public run days are the first Sunday and the third Saturday of each month (weather permitting). Thats just one of the things that attracts locals and tourists to this place. Descanso Gardens. Every art form has a bunch of underrated artists whose work we do not recognize in our lifetime. 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. Right across the street is Union Station with a ton of kid-friendly stuff. 900 W Exposition BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90007. 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. You could get a studio tour, classics tour or a deluxe tour. 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. This post has been updated as of May 12, 2022. El Dorado Frontier is currently only open on weekends. The specialty of this place, of course, is in the tours. Here, you can also enjoy activities like taking many pictures of its eye-catching art murals, biking on designated trails, dining at a fantastic restaurant, and snapping several photos together backed by jaw-dropping architecture. There are many festivals, concerts and other events that you can plan a trip around. Amtrak Guide aims to make rail travel easier with helpful information and tips on train routes, stations and destinations across the United States. 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. RELATED: Metrolink's stop-worthy spots from DTLA to Oceanside, Themed Restaurants Totally Worth the Trip, 10 Cool Spots To Throw Your Kids Birthday Party, By signing up to Tinybeans newsletters you agree to our Terms and Los Angeles Live Steamers & Railroad Museum | Los Angeles 800 North Alameda St.Los AngelesOnline: unionstationla.com. Once on board, your car hosts will work their way through the coach and punch your golden ticket before hot chocolate and a delicious cookie are served by dancing chefs. Here, you can go on guided educational tours, read books at a library, shop for toys for your youngsters, buy souvenirs at the museum store, go on train rides, and do other enjoyable activities. (Los Angeles): Take I-10 east or Route 60 east or Route 91 east to I-215 . Open 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on the free public ride days (weather permitting); donations are welcome. Your email address will not be published. School Trips & Guided Tours; Holden's Corner for Kids; Exhibits; The Trains at Travel Town; Railroad Safety; Library & Archive; Whyte Locomotive Classification; . 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/. 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. Travel time on the train is 11 to 12 hours. The children will love walking around and exploring this natural beauty. Visit the Kidspace Childrens Museum which is a favorite among the young ones. Widely regarded as one of the most spectacular of all train routes, the Coast Starlight links the greatest cities on the West . Located on Wilshire Boulevard, the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum is famous for its ice-age fossil site. Another one-of-a-kind spot to visit in SoCal is Victoria Tower in Laguna Beach. 2201 S. "A" Street, Perris, CA 92570 2023 Southern California Railway Museum. The kids had an absolute blast and we got many compliments on what a great idea it was to have the train and how it fit the birthday partytheme so perfectly. You could go on a hike towards the Hollywood sign or explore the Los Angeles Zoo and botanical gardens. We firmly believe in honoring ALL of our commitments, no matter the size of the event. 1 HOUR PARTY TRAIN RENTAL = $450 EACH ADDITIONAL HOUR $225 Travel charges may apply. Its one of the busiest studios in all of Hollywood. This is a great big library with some of the rarest collections youll encounter. 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. 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?) Take an adventure to any of our over 200 EXPLORE destinations across Southern California, and the kids ride completely free - no ticket needed! When your kid is crazy about all things trains, its full steam ahead! The 118-year-old funicular takes passengers on a short ride between Hill Street and Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill. 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. Who doesn't love to ride on trains? Union Station, officially known as the Los Angeles Union Station, is the bustling main railway station in the city. A large number of hotels are also short drive away at Pismo Beach, where youll find outlet stores. Aseaside townfull of SoCal charm, Oceanside makes it easyto make a day of it, whetheryou want to hit the beach or not. If you want to feed the likes of a sea lion, you might want to make some bookings in advance with the Animal Encounters. It is on 12 acres of land and has fountains and green space that promises a pleasant evening. 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. You'll cross bridges, pass through tunnels and alongside miniature towns. Have a fun time with your family as you take plenty of pictures with the stars of your well-loved actors, directors, fictional characters, musicians, actors, and other famed celebrities. 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. When you're in the mood for a getaway, there's nothing like a day trip in Southern California. For the more adventurous crowd, theres whitewater rafting on the Klamath River or choose from several mountain bike trails. TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE! Open for all ages, but most enjoyable for kids aged two and up. You can easily walk to a light rail stop or to downtown, plus Lyft and Uber are options. Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Travel Time: 1 1/2 hours each way Fall Activities Trains, Dinos & Heroes Weekend Trips Preschoolers Kids Tweens & teens Anaheim Orange County San Juan Capistrano Los Angeles United States California Southwest and Rockies It's a fun way to see the area and it's something the kiddos will surely enjoy. There is a zoo, harbor, wharf, bike path, coastal park and historic mission to explore. 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 one is for the whole family and if you plan it well, it will take a whole day for you to really enjoy it. Go on an unforgettable food trip with your children by enjoying the ultimate gastronomic experience by trying various delicious dishes at the Grand Central Market. But what are the options if youre looking to leave cars out of the equation and travel by train to your favorite SoCal destination? 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. 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. 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. I will definitely recommend to our family and friends. Andbecause Anaheim's so close, you can still be home in time to watch a little Disney Channel before bed. Guests are served hot chocolate and shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book, and get a gift from Santa. Upper Klamath Lake has a canoe trail, or head to Moore Park and the Link River Trail for waterfront hiking and bird-watching. You can also go on Family Adventure Night Hikes or bird walks. Travel Time: 1 1/2hours each way, Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner heads down the coast. You can also plan a picnic in the Hansen Dam Recreation Area. Theres also a family program with workshops on mixed media for kids of all ages, if you pick the right weekend. Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 800 N Alameda StLos Angeles, CA 90012(800) 698-4833. This LA museum has a ton of childrens activities that will undoubtedly keep them engaged for hours. It continues to offer rides to guests today. Lets go! You get to check them out through a short train ride and enjoy the glory of Grand Central Market. Passengers then read along with the classic childrens book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride - Rail Events Productions. It first opened in May 1939 under the name of Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal and serves roughly 1.4 million passengers each year. for an up-close look at real trains in Los Angles moving people in and out of our city. Terms & ConditionsListen to our podcast! Even better, there are two different daytrips to be had there. Box 21039 Glendale, CA 91221. Six Flags delivers adrenaline-pumping thrills for strong-stomached visitors. Dates for the 2022 ride have been set! 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.