Top photo credit: Image by Steven Cox from Pixabay (San Diego sunrise), Your email address will not be published. " in 3 reviews Location & Hours 4400 Crystal Springs Dr Los Angeles, CA 90027 Griffith Park Get directions Edit business info Angels Flight Railway goes from Hill Street and Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill. Also See:Kids Activities: Santa MonicaThings to Do in Long Beach with KidsThings to Do with Kids in Orange County. The specialty of this place, of course, is in the tours. This is one of the most iconic sites in Hollywood. The quaint town also offers a popular petting zoothat feels a bit like time travel. 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. (Los Angeles): Take I-10 east or Route 60 east or Route 91 east to I-215 . 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!). Located inside Balboa Park, inside the Casa de Balboa Building. Full of lily ponds, roses, and leafy trees, Descanso Gardens lets kids roam free and explore the natural world. We believe the best memories are created when families do fun things together. 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). Its the worlds shortest railway but gives a peek into the rich history. Each guest will take home a keepsake sleigh bell in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip. coolest attractions in Southern California. For a cross-country journey, book tickets on the Southwest Chief for a 43-hour trip to Chicago. The Coast Starlight offers the best departure time back to L.A., but book your trip early as seats can sell out on this train. One of the best parts about living in Los Angelesis getting out of Los Angeles. Thats amazing, Carrie! Angela is the staff writer for Only in Your State - Southern California. Take the kids on a pony ride where they get to choose the pace. From dinosaurs to a science lab, you will find almost everything youve ever been curious about under one roof. Trackless Train rentals for kid's birthday parties! This is a theater operated by Disney and is designed purely for family fun. What are the coolest attractions in Southern California? Park there and just walk across the street. Open: Daily, 10a.m.10p.m. It showcases rich marine life and has many exhibits to teach you a thing or two about underwater creatures on this coast. Also includes a hand car on display from 1881 called Velocipede. It first opened in May 1939 under the name of Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal and serves roughly 1.4 million passengers each year. Select dates November 20th-December 28th, 2022. Theres a computer zone for kids who arent old school. The museum also operates a railway where visitors can ride on the historic trains and trolleys that helped shape Southern California. Related: Southern California with Kids Fun Things to Do. Check out their explorer pagefor all the places you can go including Oceanside, San Juan Capistrano, Ventura County or even the Antelope Valley. Its a historic landmark that opened in September 1909. Warning: The train has the highest crime rate in all of Orange County (wink, wink), as notorious bandits stage hold-ups on every ride. 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. Thank you! Griffith Park and Southern Railroad brings back its popular Santa train ride this year. Book your Amtrak train and bus tickets today by choosing from over 30 U.S. train routes and 500 destinations in North America. Admission is free, donations accepted. Open 10 a.m. 3:30 p.m. on thefree public ride days(weather permitting); donations are welcome. Book a trip to Las Vegas, New Mexico (not Nevada) for an old west experience. It is not only full of fun activities but also teaches kids a thing or two about saving the planet we love and live on. This is a perfect addition to your Thomas the Train theme party. Enjoy the San Diego countryside on a leisurely 12-mile train trip on the historic San Diego & Arizona railway. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. All aboard the Kidsguide Express! Most attractions are a short walk or Lyft/Uber ride away from the Santa Fe Depot. In the warmer months, you can also visit one of the citys beaches or take a bike ride along the Lakefront Trail. And dont miss the rainbow room. Haunted Houses, Horror Nights, and Scary Farms for Los Angeles Teens Who Like a Good Scare Free Halloween Events in Los . It is extremely family friendly, it is free and a great place to chill for people of all ages. 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 Youngsters of all ages enjoy the experience of riding the FREEDOM TRAIN or the . The train arrives around 8 p.m., and theres various transportation options in the city once you arrive at the Seattle Amtrak Station. Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Quinta by Wyndham Santa Clarita Valencia, 4949 York BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90042(213) 250-9995. 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. 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. 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. This is a 3.5-acre space filled with interactive exhibits. Admission is $11 for kids under 15 (and seniors) and $13 for those over 15. $10 Weekends Ride Metrolink with the $10 Weekend Day Pass. You can rent pedal boats or stay on the shore and organize a picnic for the family. Please remember to wear masks on the train and observe social distancing safety measures throughout the journey. 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. You can also plan a picnic in the Hansen Dam Recreation Area. 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. 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You'll cross bridges, pass through tunnels and alongside miniature towns. Exhibits include 1902 Southern Pacific Steam Locomotive, 1949 Topeka and Sante Fe Caboose, and more. Its a great way to see Southern California with a fresh set of eyes. Andbecause Anaheim's so close, you can still be home in time to watch a little Disney Channel before bed. You could get a studio tour, classics tour or a deluxe tour. Train Tickets 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. The center of the exhibit has a restored steam locomotive as well as its tender, a refrigerated boxcar, and caboose. Learn about the Amtrak Los Angeles Union Station, California (CA) - station address, map, parking, hours for ticketing, . There is an Enterprise near the Amtrak station; call ahead and make sure they can pick you up from the train station with a car reservation. 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). Its one of the busiest studios in all of Hollywood. The holiday light festival operates from late November until early January each year. Your email address will not be published. This renowned attraction is a learning center and zoological park home to at least 100 exotic animals of more than fifty diverse species. Children of all ages will be thoroughly entertained here. Whether you want to see Central Perk from Friends or backlots and soundstages, this is where its all at. (It can be a bit deafening on the platforms, so consider bringing earplugs if you or your kids are sensitive to loud noises). Explore beautiful SoCal from San Luis Obispo to San Diego on The Pacific Surfliner. 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. 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. Choo-Chooride into wonderland on our StoryBook Train rental and chug your way into family fun and adventures. Privacy Policy, By signing up to Tinybeans newsletters you agree to our Terms and Explore the best options below. Located inside El Dorado Park in Long Beach, the El Dorado Express is a mile-and-a-half train ride on a vintage locomotive. Photo courtesy of VisitPalmSprings.com, Slip back in time with a visit to this historic town andits legendary Mission San Juan Capistrano. Travel Time: 1 1/2hours each way, Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner heads down the coast. There are some activities for families, but overall, this destination is best for an adult trip. If you ever end up in a situation like that, theres no place better than The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites in downtown Los Angeles. Kids from the ages two to seven will love the Helen and Peter Bing Childrens garden. Klamath Falls is a 22-hour train trip from Los Angeles. The destinations listed below all have good departure and arrival times from L.A. along with stunning scenery and fun things to do. If you love mountain vacations, Idyllwild is for you. Southern California. Hope your business is prosperous this year so you get to put BIG smiles on small people more often. The children will love walking around and exploring this natural beauty. Its a bright mix of history and entertainment for them. Our new Animal Rides are electric riding animals that arecontrolled by your child with a foot pedal and handlebars. The kids are also allowed on a virtual helicopter tour on whats called the Zamboni machine. There are many festivals, concerts and other events that you can plan a trip around. The Grand Central Market is a magnificent 30,000-square-foot food court and downtown landmark that dates back to 1917. 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. Celebrate a special occasion with your loved ones and extended family by going on a Picnic Safari. This is no ordinary aquarium, dear friends. A favorite for kids and adults. You can also rent a bike to pedal through its length and view occasional live entertainment from street performers, like musicians and jugglers. It's known for looking like a pirate tower, and it's so different from all the California architecture around it. Theres also a family program with workshops on mixed media for kids of all ages, if you pick the right weekend. San Francisco was first. The Railways Top Station is located at California Plaza. 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. The Lorikeet forest has beautiful birds and you can feed them. If you're a fan of wineries, check out Briar Rose Winery for a sweet fairytale experience in Temecula. While 2020 may not be the yearto visit Disneyland,Anaheim is still worth an outing. Trackless Train for Birthday Party & Ride Rentals in Los Angeles CA | Trains of the Move A PLUS Promotions Phone: (310) 532-6223 Email: info@trainsonthemove.com 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Embassy Suites Los Angeles Glendale, 12601 Mulholland DrBeverly Hills, CA 90210. It is on 12 acres of land and has fountains and green space that promises a pleasant evening. Bike and paddle boat rentals, OC Zoo and pony rides are also in the park. You get to check them out through a short train ride and enjoy the glory of Grand Central Market. This 6.2-acre park opened in 2013 and is a favorite among locals and tourists. Downtown there is a childrens museum, railroad museum, historic mission, and a charming trail along a creek. Its actually visible for many parts of the city when the sky is clear. Do your kids love party highlights in which everything is set to bring wonder to their eyes, smile on their faces? Here are a few of the best spots Angelenos can get to easily by rail and still be home by bedtime. This is also a great place to induct your kids into art. Open, Monday, 2/20 for Presidents' Day from 10 - 4pm. The Train Ride phone number is (323) 662-9678. . 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. It offers several engaging events throughout the year, guided tours, a gift shop, and more. Just visit AmtrakVacations.com or call 1-800-268-7252 to learn more about our unforgettable rail journeys. There are two train cars that are over 100 years old. Box 21039 Glendale, CA 91221. on the Christmas train rides below that run from Thanksgiving weekend until Christmas. Whatever you choose,youll feel like you'vegoneto beach bum heaven. There are a few motels in walking distance from the Amtrak station, or explore Airbnb options. To begin with, theres an indoor imagination workshop. You can choose to have a picnic in the park or near the tar pits. Doesnt taking a train ride in SoCal look like a fun way to spend the afternoon? 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. Depending on what they have planned, you can also get the chance to interact with puppets. Open: Open daily (except Wed.); 10 a.m-4:45 p.m. Free public run days are the first Sunday and the third Saturday of each month (weather permitting). The train at Griffith Park & Southern Railroad travels over one mile of track, across a bridge, through a forest and the Old Western Town. A typical train ride takes about 12 minutes and covers two loops of the park. It's such a sweet place that you'll want to stay all afternoon. 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. Middle schoolers can check out the exhibits on botany. Dozens of Amtrak and MetroLink trains use Union Station daily, and your kids are sure to get an eye-full and ear-full of real train experience. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Klamath Falls, Oregon. Let us know if your family comes across any new places we should add to our list! 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. 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. 7 Best Train Ride Day Trips To Take from Los Angeles. It is a historical landmark and features six island platforms, a stunning architectural design, onsite dining choices, and several public art murals. Visiting wineries is the top thing to do, and there are more than 200 to choose from. 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. Take a little day trip to experience these charming train stations and enjoy a pleasant ride. If you're near the Inland Empire, head to the University of California in Riverside and head to the Botanic Garden. Top attractions includeSandia Peak Tramwayfor panoramic views of the area,Indian Pueblo Cultural Center,National Museum of Nuclear Scienceand thePetroglyph National Monument.