We recommend booking ASAP because the Polar Express trains are a hot ticket, and tend to book up fast. Theres also a fossil lab to see what came out of the fossils dug out from the tar. The biggest draw of Griffith Park is that theres a little something for people of all ages. They can also build a dam or explore a mud kitchen. From dinosaurs to a science lab, you will find almost everything youve ever been curious about under one roof. 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. Book a trip to Las Vegas, New Mexico (not Nevada) for an old west experience. Bike and paddle boat rentals, OC Zoo and pony rides are also in the park. If youre looking for things to do in LA with kids, these botanical gardens are a pretty good bet. During the trip, characters on each car immerse passengers in theatrical onboard entertainment just like in the film! If youre looking for something different, book a sustainable wine tour, or even charter your own yacht. The museum is housed in a 19th-century New England small-town train depot replica, and after you purchase your tickets at the old-fashioned train-ticket counter, the well-informed staff will welcome your little ones with some background on the museum, while demonstrating the facilitys genuine train lights and whistles. The museums, along with restaurants and hotels, are about a 10-minute walk from the Amtrak station. You'll cross bridges, pass through tunnels and alongside miniature towns. Its one of the busiest studios in all of Hollywood. Love SoCal? It was a real sight to see. Departures start as early as 6 a.m. and as late as 9 p.m. Great for the whole family, Grover Beach is a small community with a great beach, dunes nature preserve, winery, escape room, ATV rentals and more. 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. Take the kids to bring them into a real-life fairytale. Thats just one of the things that attracts locals and tourists to this place. This is a perfect addition to your Thomas the Train theme party. 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. This200-year-old Spanish monument gives the family a chance to learn about their home state in the most hands-onway possible. (highlight, copy and paste the items below right into your e-mail): Thanks a million for the timely, friendly and professional service. The sea cave here is legendary, and you'll love exploring the tidepools with the kids. 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. 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!) 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. You dont need a reason to go here. Train rides on select vintage trains and trolleys are available to guests during their visit. We are not affiliated with Amtrak.com. Donations are welcome, but not required. There are some activities for families, but overall, this destination is best for an adult trip. The interiors of this hotel give you the look and feel of a space station. Los Angeles Live Steamers & Railroad Museum. Explore the best options below. Just Enter your Date and Time and See Everything That is available. From the 2019 smash hit Joker to the Harry Potter franchise, this studio has a lot of phenomenal cinema to its credit. 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. It showcases rich marine life and has many exhibits to teach you a thing or two about underwater creatures on this coast. The museum educates and informs the public about railroads from the past and present and how they will impact transportation in the future. San Francisco was first. 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. Earn points toward rewards travel, upgrades and more. Plus, these elevators have glass walls and come with a stunning view. Take your train-loving kids to Union Station and get the opportunity to watch several state-of-the-art passenger trains passing by. It houses more than 43 full-scale railroad cars and engines dating back to the early 1900s. Train: Amtrak So thank you very much. 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. Whatever you choose,youll feel like you'vegoneto beach bum heaven. THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride - Rail Events Productions. Travel Time: 2 plus hourseach way, Breakwater Way Beach in Oceanside. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Get more stories delivered right to your email. 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. Its circular. 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. 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/. For the more adventurous crowd, theres whitewater rafting on the Klamath River or choose from several mountain bike trails. The Los Angeles State Historic Park is back in business after being closed for three years. You could also go for storytime but be sure to check out the timings in advance. Other top attractions include the Municipal Rose Garden, Santana Row commercial district (pictured above), Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, and Happy Hollow Park and Zoo. Warning: The train has the highest crime rate in all of Orange County (wink, wink), as notorious bandits stage hold-ups on every ride. Los Angeles Live Steamers & Railroad Museum | Los Angeles Create long-lasting memories with your family by spending the day under the sun, on the soft sand, or in the cool water at Venice Beach. 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. One of the most historic things in town is the Castaneda Hotel next to the Amtrak station. Additionally, on weekends, each adult pays just $10 for a Weekend Day Pass so families small and large can have an affordable experience. A light rail station is across the street, or take Uber, Lyft or ferry to get around. This is an awesome car-free street festival. Theres also a fog grotto and a prism tunnel to climb through. 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. Our trains are both gas- and electric-powered, and we support green energy and keeping our environment clean for our children. It features food stalls selling local and foreign delicacies and various engaging events throughout the year. A total of 12 riders can ride at one time and one . Train rides on select vintage trains and trolleys are available to guests during their visit. Hours: 9 a.m.-5p.m. Take the kids on a pony ride where they get to choose the pace. The morning arrival means you can start enjoying the nearby lakes, rivers and waterfalls early in the day. The Pacific Surfliner train stop in San Juan Capistrano is worthy of a little exploration as the train station here is a rare beauty. 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. The Southwest Chief departs daily from L.A. in the early evening and arrives in Albuquerque 16.5 hours later. TreePeople is not just dog friendly but it also organizes group dog walks. The children will love walking around and exploring this natural beauty. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Shutters On The Beach, 200 Santa Monica PierSanta Monica, CA 90401(310) 458-8900. Theres Tiny Tot Tuesdays which adds a little zing to the experience. I will definitely recommend to our family and friends. It's known for looking like a pirate tower, and it's so different from all the California architecture around it. From there plan for a live music or dance event if you happen to be around during the annual Las Posadas festival. The little ones can also check out the splash pad in the summers and a playground that will remind you of Dr. Seuss books. Theres also azoo,botanic garden and trails along the Rio Grande River. Families can see small model trains operating that will transport themselves and their imagination to a different time. The morning arrival means you can start enjoying the nearby lakes, rivers and waterfalls early in the day. Kids ride free! Depending on what they have planned, you can also get the chance to interact with puppets. This 6.2-acre park opened in 2013 and is a favorite among locals and tourists. We have proudly called Griffith Park home since 1954. 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. For your departure and return Amtrak trips, there are multiple Pacific Surfliner trains that travel between L.A. and San Diego each day to choose from. Venice Beach is a sandy coastline featuring a bohemian vibe. 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. Exhibits include 1902 Southern Pacific Steam Locomotive, 1949 Topeka and Sante Fe Caboose, and more. TreePeople is unique in the sense that it is full of nature trails and promotes the idea of experiential learning like no other place. 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. 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What are the coolest attractions in Southern California? Recommended Hotel Nearby: Terranea L.A.s Oceanfront Resort. Save the date for November 25, 2022! 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. Terms & ConditionsListen to our podcast! . You get to check them out through a short train ride and enjoy the glory of Grand Central Market. Welcome To The Trackless Train Los Angeles FUN-Tastic Trackless Trains, Game Trucks, Go-Karts, Carnival Rides & Inflatable Rentals for Party Kids! Paddle around the lake for an hour at a time while enjoying the view of downtown Los Angeles. 317 S BroadwayLos Angeles, CA 90013(213) 359-6007. Theres an excavator tour where kids can check out what the scientists of the day are digging out of tar pits. For train-crazy toddlers, make sure to catch appearances by Thomas and Percy, and a special Christmas-timePolar Express Train Ride. This place on Hollywood Boulevard gives you a peek into cinema from the 1920s. It continues to offer rides to guests today. The art scene there is fantastic and well-known throughout our region. Six Flags delivers adrenaline-pumping thrills for strong-stomached visitors. If you're a fan of wineries, check out Briar Rose Winery for a sweet fairytale experience in Temecula. Your email address will not be published. The North Pole Limited stops at Santas Workshop to pick up Santa and Mrs. Claus, who visit with all passengers on the train on the way back to the Campo Depot.