You'll be able to enjoy a striking garden that will give you some truly gorgeous photo opportunities. You can choose to have a picnic in the park or near the tar pits. Mitchell Museum of Western Art. Choo-Chooride into wonderland on our StoryBook Train rental and chug your way into family fun and adventures. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Peninsula Beverly Hills. Travel Town Transportation Museum 5200 Zoo Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027 Operations: (323) 662-5874 Email: Travel.Town@lacity.org . The Polar Express Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic childrens story on board a real train. Thank you! Youll also need to make arrangements to stay overnight in San Luis Obispo at least one night. The holiday light festival operates from late November until early January each year. Our new Animal Rides are electric riding animals that arecontrolled by your child with a foot pedal and handlebars. The exhibits are never the same so you can actually visit any number of times. 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. 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. 1418 Descanso DrLa Caada Flintridge, CA 91011. (It can be a bit deafening on the platforms, so consider bringing earplugs if you or your kids are sensitive to loud noises). The Southwest Chief departs daily from L.A. in the early evening and arrives in Albuquerque 16.5 hours later. Depending on what they have planned, you can also get the chance to interact with puppets. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Luxe City Center Hotel, 700 Exposition Park DrLos Angeles, CA 90037. The interiors of this hotel give you the look and feel of a space station. Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas. 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. coolest attractions in Southern California. This is the largest used (and new) books and records store in all of California. Take a ride on the worlds shortest railway! Then catch a hosted tour! Due to the 6.5 hour train commute and one daily Coast Starlight train, youll need to stay overnight at least one night. Open daily, 6:45 a.m. to 10 p.m., including weekends and holidays. Required fields are marked *. Everyone both young and old enjoyed seeing the train ride through the Sanctuary. One hour further up the coast from Eugene on the train, Portland is full of great street food, breweries, unique restaurants and formal gardens. Every art form has a bunch of underrated artists whose work we do not recognize in our lifetime. Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Just visit AmtrakVacations.com or call 1-800-268-7252 to learn more about our unforgettable rail journeys. Donations are welcome, but not required. Take an overnight trip to Eugene, Oregon, which is 28 hours away from Los Angeles on Amtrak. Spread over 120 acres, there are a few gardens to its credit. 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). Offerspublic rides on Sundays (weather permitting). 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. It also has music, audiobooks, DVDs and craft and science kits. Six Flags Magic Mountain. Theres also an IMAX theatre for all that you want to know about the science center. 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. Passengers must be at least 31 tall to ride. Theres plenty of activities that make it quite happening. The SAP Center (concerts and NHL hockey games) is in walking distance of the Amtrak station along with Arena Green West park. Just march right through the lobby and into the tunnel beneath the platforms, check out the schedule to see which tracks have trains leaving soon and walk up the ramp of your choice to see full-size trains in action. You wont be spoiled for choice here but theres more than enough to keep everyone busy. Visiting wineries is the top thing to do, and there are more than 200 to choose from. Located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum, educates the public in railroad history and show live steam, gas-mechanical and electric railroad technology in actual operation. School Trips & Guided Tours; Holden's Corner for Kids; Exhibits; The Trains at Travel Town; Railroad Safety; Library & Archive; Whyte Locomotive Classification; . This place is pretty great for a family day out in Los Angeles. While in the area, non-Disney options includeskateboardingat Vans skatepark, taking flight at a SwingIt Trapeze lesson, andwandering through the reopened Bowers Museum. 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. Guests are served hot chocolate and shortbread by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book, and get a gift from Santa. Also don't miss the well-stocked gift shopa great resource for train-related toys. Here, there are activities for 2 year olds and 60 year olds with the same spirit of entertainment. 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. Admission is free. A typical train ride takes about 12 minutes and covers two loops of the park. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. If you want to feed the likes of a sea lion, you might want to make some bookings in advance with the Animal Encounters. Thats where we come in! Theres an excavator tour where kids can check out what the scientists of the day are digging out of tar pits. Book your Amtrak train and bus tickets today by choosing from over 30 U.S. train routes and 500 destinations in North America. If you're looking forcoastal fun, walk down to Dana Point Harbor, known as the "Whale Capital of the West," and keep your eyes peeled. Know before you go: Passengers must be at least 34-inches tall to enjoy the ride. Southern California. In the warmer months, you can also visit one of the citys beaches or take a bike ride along the Lakefront Trail. 1418 Descanso Dr. La Caada Flintridge, CA 91011. Free train rides for children 17 years old and younger on Saturdays and Sundays when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Its the one that traveled to space 25 times from the 1990s to 2011. 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. Take the kids on a pony ride where they get to choose the pace. Choose from the many wine tours, including with SLO Safe Ride, so you dont have to drink and drive. There is an on-site restaurant that is totally kid friendly. Train rides on select vintage trains and trolleys are available to guests during their visit. The art scene there is fantastic and well-known throughout our region. And theres no place like the City of Angels. This aquarium on the Santa Monica pier is run by a non-profit called Heal The Bay. Hope your business is prosperous this year so you get to put BIG smiles on small people more often. Your email address will not be published. Days, 11 Spots for Snow Tubing Near Los Angeles for Winter Thrills and Chills, Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood is Now Open, The Ultimate Road Trip Guide for Families, Snow Play Near Los Angeles: 16 Places LA Families Can Pretend It's Winter, New Lego and American Girl Stores Make Westfield Century City Best LA Mall for Kids, Black-Owned Restaurants, Shops, and Landmarks to Discover in Los Angeles, 24 Awesome Indoor Kids' Birthday Party Places in Los Angeles, Best Classes for Kids (and Parents) in Los Angeles, 3 Days in Los Angeles with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom, 17 Best Coffee Shops in Los Angeles to Bring Your Kids When You Need Caffeine, The Best Playgrounds in Los Angeles: Theyre Even Worth Crossing the 405, 20 Things To Do in Los Angeles with Tweens and Teens That They'll Actually Enjoy, 20 Family-Friendly Openings We're Looking Forward to in 2023, Winter Activities Guide for Los Angeles Kids, School Calendars 2022-2023: Start & End Dates for Los Angeles County Schools, This App Offers Up to 80% Off the Whole Familys Prescription MedsHeres My SingleCare Review, Insider Tips for Visiting the Natural History Museum with Kids, 16 Los Angeles Restaurants Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat, Tyra Banks' ModelLand Gives Kids a Taste of the Supermodel Lifeand Ice Cream, Free Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids, 25 Road Trips From Los Angeles for a Weekend Family Getaway, Top-Rated San Francisco Tours for Families: Alcatraz, Muir Woods, and More, The Best Family-Friendly Vineyards and Wineries Near Los Angeles: Santa Ynez Valley Wineries and Beyond, Best Childrens Theaters in the US: Why Bringing Young Kids to the Theater Is So Important, New Earth Kids Guide and Newsletter to Share Activities for a Greener Planet, Taco Tuesday: The Only 5 Taco Recipes Youll Ever Need, Favorite Parks and Playgrounds of Los Angeles & Orange County, Hiking and Camping Guide for Los Angeles Families, Top Attractions in Los Angeles: Best Things To Do and See with Kids, Secrets of the LA Zoo: Top Tips for a Great Visit with Kids, 33 Things To Do with Los Angeles Babies Before They Turn 1, Hiking in Los Angeles with Kids: The Best Hiking Trails for Families, Best Family-Friendly Beer Gardens in Los Angeles: 14 Spots Where Kids and Parents Can Chill Together, See the San Diego Zoo Like a Local: Inside Tips for a Great Visit with Kids, The La Brea Tar Pits and Page Museum: Have a Historic Visit with Kids, 16 Homeschool Learning Centers near Los Angeles for Fun and Enrichment, The 17 Most Insane, Over the Top LA Desserts to Treat (and Wow) Kids, How To Have a Blast at Six Flags Magic Mountain with Kids of All Ages, Go Camping This Weekend: Last Minute Campgrounds near LA, Hidden Gem Beaches: LA's Secret Seaside Spots that Only Locals Know, Best Hotels in Los Angeles for a Family Vacation: Kid-Friendly Spots That Cater to Tiny Travelers, 100 Things To Do in Los Angeles With Kids Before They Grow Up, Meri Cherry Drop-in Art Shop Is Here for Camps, Classes, and Making Tables, Road Trip on the PCH: Where To Stop and What To Do with Kids from LA to San Francisco, Camping near Los Angeles: 17 Great Campgrounds for Tent Camping with Kids, Best Things To Do with Kids in Lake Arrowhead Any Time of Year, 23 Top LA Parks for Birthday Parties Kids Will Rave About, The Best Childrens Museums in the US: Museums Worth Planning a Vacation Around, The Stunning Redwood Sky Walk: Take Your Family To the Treetops, Best Private Swimming Classes and Swim Schools for LA Kids, 11 Best Water Parks Near Los Angeles for Wet and Wild Family Fun, Awesome Family Camping Near Los Angeles: SoCal Campgrounds with Extra Entertainment for Kids, Best Amusement Parks Near Los Angeles for Preschoolers, The Best Toddler Playgrounds in Los Angeles: 15 Top Tot Lots, 25 Things To Do with LA Preschoolers Before They Turn 5, Where Young Imaginations Soar: Pretend City Children's Museum in OC, 10 Toddler-Friendly Hikes and Nature Walks in and around Los Angeles, Best Restaurants with Outdoor Dining in Los Angeles: 41 Fabulous, Family-Friendly Spots, At-Home Guide for Families: 100s of Activities for Kids, The Best Tide Pools for Kids To Explore in and around LA and OC, Hollywood's Museum of Illusions: Where Kids Can Defy the Laws of Gravity and Physics, Descanso Gardens: An Insiders Guide to LAs Best Garden for Kids, 64 Easy Science Experiments for Kids to Do at Home, 15 Brainy Puzzle Games and Jigsaw Puzzles for Kids, 9 Stroller-friendly Hiking Trails for LA Parents To Hike with Toddlers, Homeschool & Online Learning Resources for Families, RV Camping and Campgrounds for Families: A Beginners' Guide to Planning an RV Trip, Iconic LA Street Art and Murals for Must-Have Angeleno Kid Photo Ops, Make a Lava Lamp with Kids for a Groovy Boredom Buster, Best Games Kids Can Play on Zoom Virtually with Friends, Best Board Games for All Ages: Two Dozen Picks for Family Game Night, The Pepper and Soap Experiment for Kids: Easy Science Activity To Do at Home, 100 Things To Do in California with Kids Before They Leave The Nest, Zipline Courses and Treetop Adventures for SoCal Kids, Things To Do In Joshua Tree: 12 Things Not To Miss with Kids in this Desert National Park, San Diego with Kids: 60 Family-Friendly Things To Do in San Diego, California, Museum Guide for Kids in Los Angeles and Orange County, 10 Things Not To Miss in Hermosa Beach with the Kids, Adventure Playground Irvine is Orange County's Park for Free-range Kids, Palm Springs with Kids: 31 Best Things To Do in Palm Springs, California, Restaurants Guide for Los Angeles and Orange County Families, Olvera Street: a Day Trip to Mexico in the Heart of Downtown LA, 25 Things To Do in Beverly Hills with Kids, Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, Exhibition: Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898 - 1971, Exhibit: Bob Baker Marionette Theater: 60 Years of Joy & Wonder, Annual Black History Greens Festival (New Date), Storypalooza Celebration at Santa Monica Public Library, Artificial Intelligence with Scratch Online Camp. You are also allowed to watch while the staff feed the sharks. 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. Park there and just walk across the street. The biggest draw of Griffith Park is that theres a little something for people of all ages. 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. 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. Exhibits include 1902 Southern Pacific Steam Locomotive, 1949 Topeka and Sante Fe Caboose, and more. 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. to request a date for your next special event. ; railway opens from 11a.m.-5p.m. Box 21039 Glendale, CA 91221. Have a Great Year!, ~ Kasey from Abundant Living Family Church, Learning Curve International Brand Legal Copy. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. 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. Dine at a reservable outdoor patio with exotic creatures, like macaws, owls, armadillos, and the like. It was never meant to be a permanent fixture but its funny how plans work out, isnt it? Located in Los Angeles County, California, A PLUS Promotions gives your party or get-together a whole new level of fun! When you're in the mood for a getaway, there's nothing like a day trip in Southern California. Heres a list of activities thatll help you plan. Contact us today or make a reservation online for your next event! Hill St. Los Angeles, California 90071. 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. It continues to offer rides to guests today. Other top attractions include the Municipal Rose Garden, Santana Row commercial district (pictured above), Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, and Happy Hollow Park and Zoo. Located at Westchester Park on Lincoln Boulevard/PCH and La Tiera Boulevard (across the street from Otis College of Arts - 9045 Lincoln Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045). If youre in the right spot, it will be raining confetti. Union Station, officially known as the Los Angeles Union Station, is the bustling main railway station in the city. I will definitely recommend to our family and friends. If you head to Cabrillo Beach on the weekends, you can enjoy their free guided tidepool walk. A large number of hotels are also short drive away at Pismo Beach, where youll find outlet stores. Upper Klamath Lake has a canoe trail, or head to Moore Park and the Link River Trail for waterfront hiking and bird-watching. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Kids Ride Free Weekends provides families an affordable way to take a weekend day trip to explore Southern California destinations. 4. While 2020 may not be the yearto visit Disneyland,Anaheim is still worth an outing. Right across the street is Union Station with a ton of kid-friendly stuff. There are some activities for families, but overall, this destination is best for an adult trip. 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. We now have new services: Face Painting, Concession and Foam Machine rental. This museum is an undiscovered gem for Southern California families. Hours: 9 a.m.-5p.m. The kids are also allowed on a virtual helicopter tour on whats called the Zamboni machine. 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. This is for the whole family to have a chill day out in San Pedro. Additionally, on weekends, each adult pays just $10 for a Weekend Day Pass so families small and large can have an affordable experience. This is a great big library with some of the rarest collections youll encounter. 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. Learn about the heritage of American railroading through educational programs, displays, toy trains, and scale models of California railroads and communities. One of the most historic things in town is the Castaneda Hotel next to the Amtrak station. 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. Theres a computer zone for kids who arent old school. Train Party is the largest trackless train provider in Southern California. Related: Fun Things to Do in Los Angeles at Night. The 1/3-scale train is located in the foothills of Orange and is open daily (weather permitting, excluding certain holidays). First of all, its not just for bookworms. 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. Its a great way to see Southern California with a fresh set of eyes. Whatever you choose,youll feel like you'vegoneto beach bum heaven. If you love space and astronomy, this is a fantastic choice. Public train rides are a suggested donation of $4.00 per person. 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!). Book a trip to Las Vegas, New Mexico (not Nevada) for an old west experience. Tots under 2 are admitted free. From the parking lot to the outdoor space, it is a fantastic place for the family to have fun as a unit. "We bring the thrill of a train ride to your . " The little train ride was a fun time for the little kids and the proceeds go back into the train station. A favorite for kids and adults. Next, you can check out the sculpture garden and of course, the Boone Childrens Gallery for painting and storytime. Simply because you dont want to miss the experience of watching over 11,000 animals and more than 50 exhibits. 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. Is your little one loco for locomotives? 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. Angels Flight Railway goes from Hill Street and Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill. Take the kids to bring them into a real-life fairytale. The little ones can also check out the splash pad in the summers and a playground that will remind you of Dr. Seuss books. Check out our must-visit list of train museums, train rides for kids in Los Angeles, must-visit stations, and a chance to ride real trains for free (at least for the kids). They also have many historic exhibits, including full-size vintage train cars, a stationary steam plant, and Walt Disneys Carolwood Barn. Not bad for a days work. Please remember to wear masks on the train and observe social distancing safety measures throughout the journey. Privacy Policy, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Copy (Opens in new window), By signing up to Tinybeans newsletters you agree to our, 10 Obstacle Courses That You Can Set Up at Home, Inspiring Womens History Books Every Kid Should Read, 7 Simple Ideas for Designing a Kids Room That Grows with Them, How to Spend a Fun 36-Hours in Buena Park, Metrolink's stop-worthy spots from DTLA to Oceanside, Pinks Daughter Cant Have a Phone Until She Provides Proof Social Media Is Good for Kids, American Girls Newest Historical Dolls Are Set in 1999, A 4-Day Workweek Trial Resulted in Dads Spending Way More Time Watching Kids, Fatherless Dad Starts YouTube Channel to Teach Basic Skills, TikToks New Bold Glamour Filter Is Here to Crush Your Kids Confidence.