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?) Where to go for the day? There are a few motels in walking distance from the Amtrak station, or explore Airbnb options. Hidden in a residential neighborhood in the South Bay city of Lomita, it's full of train history, educational dioramas and hundreds of models depicting train cars from the 1830s to the present. 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. 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. Check their calendar for events like moonlight hikes. This is where the magic of movies takes place. Attend during a special event and you may be treated to a train ride on the Orange Empire Railway that takes you all the way to the historic 1892 Perris train depot which is a treat to experience. The Pacific Surfliner arrives around 8 p.m. in walking distance of downtown and an Enterprise car rental office (closes at 6 p.m., so plan to get a car on the next day). 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. Its a great way to see Southern California with a fresh set of eyes. So thank you very much. Open 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on the free public ride days (weather permitting); donations are welcome. Have a fun family outing as you enjoy a plethora of activities at the Santa Monica Pier. 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. Take the kids to bring them into a real-life fairytale. Some of them are guided in case you want to make the most of your time here. Donations are welcome, but not required. 4. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Beverly Hills Hotel Dorchester Collection, 3720 Stephen M White DrSan Pedro, CA 90731. We have proudly called Griffith Park home since 1954. Public train rides are a suggested donation of $4.00 per person. Youll spend one night on the train, and we recommend staying one night in Albuquerque. Have a Great Year!, ~ Kasey from Abundant Living Family Church, Learning Curve International Brand Legal Copy. There are some activities for families, but overall, this destination is best for an adult trip. 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. Parents, theres a little something for you too. The exhibits are never the same so you can actually visit any number of times. 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. 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. Some of the objects here date as far back as 4.5 billion years. 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. Upper Klamath Lake has a canoe trail, or head to Moore Park and the Link River Trail for waterfront hiking and bird-watching. 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. There are pedestrian walkways for a stroll and there are picnic areas for when you want to rest for a bit. 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. Lets go! The train at Griffith Park & Southern Railroad travels over one mile of track, across a bridge, through a forest and the Old Western Town. It showcases rich marine life and has many exhibits to teach you a thing or two about underwater creatures on this coast. Everyone both young and old enjoyed seeing the train ride through the Sanctuary. Its a quirky space where used books are arranged according to color. It opened in 2014 and has a ton of exhibits that will delight the little ones. If you ever end up in a situation like that, theres no place better than The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites in downtown Los Angeles. Its called the Blue Angels 4D Experience and its been a landmark since 1901. Do you want to hear a bit of history? And theres a scavenger hunt that you must absolutely take part in. For a cross-country journey, book tickets on the Southwest Chief for a 43-hour trip to Chicago. You could get a studio tour, classics tour or a deluxe tour. Do your children love all things train-related? on weekends only and special eventsCost: 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, CAOnline: socalrailway.org. The little ones will love walking around in the desert, Japanese, Chinese and rose gardens. 317 S BroadwayLos Angeles, CA 90013(213) 359-6007. First of all, its not just for bookworms. It is a dynamic place for families, students and teachers to inculcate a curiosity about space in the young ones. Know before you go: Passengers must be at least 34-inches tall to enjoy the ride. Open: Open daily (except Wed.); 10 a.m-4:45 p.m. 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. Right across the street is Union Station with a ton of kid-friendly stuff. Check out their explorer pagefor all the places you can go including Oceanside, San Juan Capistrano, Ventura County or even the Antelope Valley. A large number of hotels are also short drive away at Pismo Beach, where youll find outlet stores. While there are some gentle rides here, the park is most famous for the ones that'll . (Los Angeles): Take I-10 east or Route 60 east or Route 91 east to I-215 . The interiors of this hotel give you the look and feel of a space station. 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. 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. It's a fun way to see the area and it's something the kiddos will surely enjoy. Families can see small model trains operating that will transport themselves and their imagination to a different time. It may be difficult to get a rental car, so walking the city or checking out Southwest Detours tours might be your best option for getting around. One intriguing hidden gem in Southern California to visit is The Lummis House, a hidden castle where you can go to take an interesting tour. The destinations listed below all have good departure and arrival times from L.A. along with stunning scenery and fun things to do. The Los Angeles State Historic Park is back in business after being closed for three years. Watch on. Andbecause Anaheim's so close, you can still be home in time to watch a little Disney Channel before bed. There are 18 observation decks here which give you a stunning view of the city. Mail the Foundation: P.O. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Click on the images below to read the latest issue or download a copy of your very own. Since 2001, we have been providing trackless train rentals and rides to customers throughout the Southern California area, giving you and your event an exciting new way to keep children entertained. Save the date for November 25, 2022! Spread over 120 acres, there are a few gardens to its credit. This museum is an undiscovered gem for Southern California families. . The morning arrival means you can start enjoying the nearby lakes, rivers and waterfalls early in the day. Plus, these elevators have glass walls and come with a stunning view. Paso Robles is a fantastic option for a wine vacation. Put those pajamas on and hop aboardThe North Pole Limited. 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. San Jose is an urban getaway that is 10 to 11 hours away on the Coast Starlight depending on the direction of travel. WELCOME & all aboard! Train Party is the largest trackless train provider in Southern California. I really appreciate doing business with "good businesses". In the warmer months, you can also visit one of the citys beaches or take a bike ride along the Lakefront Trail. Camping near Los Angeles: 17 Great Campgrounds for Tent Camping with Kids . You can also plan a picnic in the Hansen Dam Recreation Area. A typical train ride takes about 12 minutes and covers two loops of the park. 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. If you're near the Inland Empire, head to the University of California in Riverside and head to the Botanic Garden. If that time is doable for you, be sure to check out the stops on these routes for more trip ideas (including Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Tucson and New Orleans). Visit website for upcoming events. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Maya a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. 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. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a world-famous historic landmark and must-see attraction. The Bob Baker Marionette Theater is a historical childrens theater company that debuted in 1963. 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. Take the kids on a pony ride where they get to choose the pace. Do your kids love party highlights in which everything is set to bring wonder to their eyes, smile on their faces? 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. 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Angela is the staff writer for Only in Your State - Southern California. 'Tis the season for Polar Express train rides or Christmas trains for everyone in the family who likes to ride the rails, from an LA staple in Griffith Park to a book or movie-like adventure on the SoCal Polar Express. Check their website to confirm dates. Southern California Railway Museum covers 100 acres and is home to a vast collection of historical locomotives, railcars, trolleys, 3-foot gauge, model trains and much more. 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. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Figueroa, Unbound Collection by Hyatt, 16027 Yarnell StSylmar, CA 91342(818) 362-8711. This spectacular attraction was featured in numerous movies and TV shows, like Greys Anatomy, Hannah Montana, Sharknado, 90210, Modern Family, New Girl, and many others. Child and infant discounts are automatically applied when adding travelers to your booking No Promo Code needed. In the spring you will see blooms in every direction, in the winter theres camellias and theres majestic oaks all through the year. 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. 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. For train enthusiasts and those kids with a growing obsession, Travel Town is a perfect spot thanks to the collection of historic rail cars and the ride-a-long train that goes around the perimeter. The specialty of this place, of course, is in the tours. There are kid-friendly tours, replete with informative exhibits on board. This is a hotspot for dignitaries, former Presidents and television and movie stars too. 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. There are many festivals, concerts and other events that you can plan a trip around. 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 The Shark Lagoon has over 150 sharks and a few penguins that you can get close to and even touch. There is also a garden where you can eat the lunch you brought or organize a picnic for the family. ; railway opens from 11a.m.-5p.m. Thats just one of the things that attracts locals and tourists to this place. Railway trains and trolleys operate every weekend. 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. You will also find a host of rotating exhibits and Nature Lab, a hand-on science lab that includes animals and other specimens. For train-crazy toddlers, make sure to catch appearances by Thomas and Percy, and a special Christmas-timePolar Express Train Ride. Six Flags Magic Mountain. The biggest draw of Griffith Park is that theres a little something for people of all ages. It has some great trails and an amazing view waiting at the end of it. Experience the fun and history of railroading at Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum in Griffith Park. 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. Their newest exhibit, Out of the Vault: Items from Our Collectionincludes decades-old locomotives made of pewter and brass. Visiting wineries is the top thing to do, and there are more than 200 to choose from. 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. 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. It's known for looking like a pirate tower, and it's so different from all the California architecture around it. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites. Full of lily ponds, roses, and leafy trees, Descanso Gardens lets kids roam free and explore the natural world. Check outthe local zoo, or take a hike. Its a historic landmark that opened in September 1909. Take a little day trip to experience these charming train stations and enjoy a pleasant ride. Open: Sun. In addition to being a movie star, the, Fillmore & Western Railway Co., 351 Santa Clara St, Fillmore, CA 93015, USA, Poway Midland Railroad Depot, Midland Rd, Poway, CA 92064, USA. coolest attractions in Southern California. Aseaside townfull of SoCal charm, Oceanside makes it easyto make a day of it, whetheryou want to hit the beach or not. Warning: The train has the highest crime rate in all of Orange County (wink, wink), as notorious bandits stage hold-ups on every ride. Make your next event a memorable one with a Trains on the Move interactive train party! Weekdays and until 5 p.m. On weekends and holidays. 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. Photo courtesy of Visit Oceanside, Our celebrated neighbor to the southSan Diego is an ideal quick trip by train. Its the one that traveled to space 25 times from the 1990s to 2011.