Watch on. It's a fun way to see the area and it's something the kiddos will surely enjoy. Head to Albuquerque, New Mexico on the Southwest Chief for a trip full of outdoor and cultural activities. 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. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. If you want to feed the likes of a sea lion, you might want to make some bookings in advance with the Animal Encounters. If youre looking for something different, book a sustainable wine tour, or even charter your own yacht. Its for people of all ages and even the toys here are educational. Travel time on the train is 23.5 hours each way. The little ones will love walking around in the desert, Japanese, Chinese and rose gardens. This LA museum has a ton of childrens activities that will undoubtedly keep them engaged for hours. 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. Located at the Metlox Plaza Corner of Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Valley Boulevard. Our staff brings you Trains on the Move, our portable, exciting, kid-sized trains that will liven any party. With about 35 million objects in store, this is a stunning collection of exhibits. THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride - Rail Events Productions. 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 Earn points toward rewards travel, upgrades and more. Take an overnight trip to Eugene, Oregon, which is 28 hours away from Los Angeles on Amtrak. A favorite for kids and adults. Open 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on the free public ride days (weather permitting); donations are welcome. Narrated tours of the museum and their extensive collection Mon. Then, one of the most fun things to do with kids in Los Angeles is taking them to this museum. Admission is free, donations accepted. Theres also storytime for children who dig that. The birthday boy was excited to take many rides on the train! **In February: California Baby & Kids Expoin the OC Fair Grounds & Event Center. Aseaside townfull of SoCal charm, Oceanside makes it easyto make a day of it, whetheryou want to hit the beach or not. Dont miss this DTLAlandmark (built in 1939!) 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 scenery from the train is one the main reasons to book this rail trip. If I were you, Id camp out in the lobby all afternoon. Theres plenty of activities that make it quite happening. If you love mountain vacations, Idyllwild is for you. We have proudly called Griffith Park home since 1954. Confirm details with organizer. From there plan for a live music or dance event if you happen to be around during the annual Las Posadas festival. 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. 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. The second floor is called the Labyrinth. Visit the Bay Area with an Amtrak trip to Oakland on the Coast Starlight. This is the largest used (and new) books and records store in all of California. There are three art galleries and a huge botanical garden. If your little girl (or boy) is like Detective Amy Santiago (from the TV show Brooklyn Nine-Nine) then youre headed for a treat. The little ones can also check out the splash pad in the summers and a playground that will remind you of Dr. Seuss books. Experience the fun and history of railroading at Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum in Griffith Park. There is a zoo, harbor, wharf, bike path, coastal park and historic mission to explore. Passengers must be at least 31 tall to ride. For the return trip to L.A., you choose a Pacific Surfliner or Coast Starlight train. Recommended Hotel Nearby: SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills. San Francisco was first. In Chicago, there are many museums, live music venues and attractions to explore, including the Willis Tower Skydeck, Navy Pier and Wrigley Field. So its pretty easy to note all the family activities happening around here. Venice Beach is a sandy coastline featuring a bohemian vibe. Open 10 a.m. 3:30 p.m. on thefree public ride days(weather permitting); donations are welcome. 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. If you love space and astronomy, this is a fantastic choice. . We are not affiliated with Amtrak.com. The train arrives around 8 p.m., and theres various transportation options in the city once you arrive at the Seattle Amtrak Station. Los Angeles, CA 90027. It is on 12 acres of land and has fountains and green space that promises a pleasant evening. Hope your business is prosperous this year so you get to put BIG smiles on small people more often. The Los Angeles State Historic Park is back in business after being closed for three years. You just must. Its a Chinatown park that went through an impressive $20 million remodeling that you must check out. Trains arrive in the evening and return to L.A. in the morning, so booking accommodations in the city for two nights is best in order to have a full day in Oakland (or San Francisco). It also has music, audiobooks, DVDs and craft and science kits. The Amtrak Surflinercan make a nice day trip of it, andDowntown Disney is still a good destination. Angela is the staff writer for Only in Your State - Southern California. One of the most historic things in town is the Castaneda Hotel next to the Amtrak station. Descanso Gardens. 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. Top attractions includeSandia Peak Tramwayfor panoramic views of the area,Indian Pueblo Cultural Center,National Museum of Nuclear Scienceand thePetroglyph National Monument. Theres plenty of parking, plus a concession stand, snack bar and a gift shop, as well as a small space-flight simulator and the nearby Griffith Park pony and wagon rides. Welcome To The Trackless Train Los Angeles FUN-Tastic Trackless Trains, Game Trucks, Go-Karts, Carnival Rides & Inflatable Rentals for Party Kids! 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. Train: Amtrak The Bob Baker Marionette Theater is a historical childrens theater company that debuted in 1963. Railway trains and trolleys operate every weekend. Union Station, officially known as the Los Angeles Union Station, is the bustling main railway station in the city. 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. 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. 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. San Diego has something for everyone, plusgood weather to guarantee you wont get rained out. Parents, theres a little something for you too. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor! Know before you go: Passengers must be at least 34-inches tall to enjoy the ride. He saw it in the dark before I even did. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramwayis temporarily closed, but considerstrolling around the cityshistoric downtown, which is full of cute shops and good food. 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. It opened in 1960 and welcomes about 10 million tourists annually, making it one of the most popular attractions in LA. It was never meant to be a permanent fixture but its funny how plans work out, isnt it? Located inside Balboa Park, inside the Casa de Balboa Building. The morning arrival means you can start enjoying the nearby lakes, rivers and waterfalls early in the day. Providing fun for kids, however, can sometimes be a challenge for parents and caretakers. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, 5200 Zoo Drive next to the 134 Freeway at the Forest Lawn Drive exitLos Angeles, CA 90027(323) 662-4253. Theres also winding walkways, huge lawns and rolling hills for you to plan your day. There are huge modern art galleries in the Ahmanson building. But in all seriousness, it is a work of art, this book store. Their newest exhibit, Out of the Vault: Items from Our Collectionincludes decades-old locomotives made of pewter and brass. 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 T-6 Simulator Ride at Griffith Park & Southern RR, Click here more info on our separate locations. Simply because you dont want to miss the experience of watching over 11,000 animals and more than 50 exhibits. Take a memorable ride on, Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA, You can view over 200 historic railway cars and locomotives on display at this museum. Making your party and event reservations at. 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). Located on Wilshire Boulevard, the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum is famous for its ice-age fossil site. Open, Monday, 2/20 for Presidents' Day from 10 - 4pm. , Your email address will not be published. But the best part is the space shuttle Endeavour in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion. Open: Fri. through Sun., 10a.m.5p.m.,Cost: $4 for adults, $2 for children, free for children under 2, 2137 W. 250th St.LomitaOnline:lomita-rr.org. Then catch a hosted tour! Check theirevents pagefor special train rides throughout the year. If you ever end up in a situation like that, theres no place better than The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites in downtown Los Angeles. 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. The train at Griffith Park & Southern Railroad travels over one mile of track, across a bridge, through a forest and the Old Western Town. If you head to Cabrillo Beach on the weekends, you can enjoy their free guided tidepool walk. There are some activities for families, but overall, this destination is best for an adult trip. The Train Ride phone number is (323) 662-9678. . Haunted Houses, Horror Nights, and Scary Farms for Los Angeles Teens Who Like a Good Scare Free Halloween Events in Los . Take a little day trip to experience these charming train stations and enjoy a pleasant ride. Whether it is strolling or fishing, you will find a space that works out a setup of your choice. Restrictions apply,see websitefor full details. The collection of books here is across cultures and has the best treasure trove of items youve seen in a while. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Santa Monica Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels, 1600 Ocean Front WalkSanta Monica, CA 90401. There are interactive exhibits that everyone will quite enjoy. Get a shuttle from the Gold Line to the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Here, there are activities for 2 year olds and 60 year olds with the same spirit of entertainment. It was a real sight to see. 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!). 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. Prepare to be amazed as you and your little ones watch puppet shows, musicals, plays, kid-friendly concerts, and other entertaining shows. Some of the objects here date as far back as 4.5 billion years. 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?) There are many festivals, concerts and other events that you can plan a trip around. It showcases rich marine life and has many exhibits to teach you a thing or two about underwater creatures on this coast. This renowned attraction is a learning center and zoological park home to at least 100 exotic animals of more than fifty diverse species. Admission is free. The morning arrival means you can start enjoying the nearby lakes, rivers and waterfalls early in the day. This post has been updated as of May 12, 2022. 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. Train: Amtrak Theres also a climbing structure like the ant colony and an interactive greenhouse. It is extremely family friendly, it is free and a great place to chill for people of all ages. 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. Bond with your children while participating in educational tours, interacting with the wildlife, and shopping for souvenirs. 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. The locomotive is an authentic Denver and Rio Grande Narrow Gauge train that was used in the early 1900s. Depending on what they have planned, you can also get the chance to interact with puppets. This one is for us to take a good, hard look at some of the under-represented artists of color. for an up-close look at real trains in Los Angles moving people in and out of our city. 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. " The little train ride was a fun time for the little kids and the proceeds go back into the train station. We believe the best memories are created when families do fun things together. Klamath Falls is a 22-hour train trip from Los Angeles. Enjoy the San Diego countryside on a leisurely 12-mile train trip on the historic San Diego & Arizona railway. The art scene there is fantastic and well-known throughout our region. A typical train ride takes about 12 minutes and covers two loops of the park. If youre looking to extend your quick trip a day or two, there are countless hotels with cool pools the whole family will love. I didnt think this day would come. 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. This is where the magic of movies takes place. Be sure to book tickets to the Jack London Square station (there are multiple Oakland stations to choose from). The train ride is a four-minute, half-mile loop through four acres of Balboa Park, located outside the Zoos exit. 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. Right across the street is Union Station with a ton of kid-friendly stuff. Exhibits include 1902 Southern Pacific Steam Locomotive, 1949 Topeka and Sante Fe Caboose, and more. Other top attractions include the Municipal Rose Garden, Santana Row commercial district (pictured above), Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, and Happy Hollow Park and Zoo. Put those pajamas on and hop aboardThe North Pole Limited. Also inside Griffith Park, Griffith Park & Southern Railroad often runs two locomotives around a scenic track that includes a tunnel, a trestle bridge, a Wild West street scene and a corral full of real horses. Other historical park buildingsinclude a carriage barn, a windmill, adobe foundation, bird aviary, and theTongva Exhibit. We recommend booking ASAP because the Polar Express trains are a hot ticket, and tend to book up fast. It is also a designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. 800 N Alameda StLos Angeles, CA 90012(800) 698-4833. So its likely that it looks different every time you visit. Tom was very helpful and a joy to work with in our production., ~ Kasey from Abundant Living Family Church(12/28/11), "I wanted to email and say that we were very pleased with the train and conductor that attended our party yesterday. Here are a few of the best spots Angelenos can get to easily by rail and still be home by bedtime. The center of the exhibit has a restored steam locomotive as well as its tender, a refrigerated boxcar, and caboose. Wednesday's we are in Westchester Farmers Market! Recommended Hotel Nearby: Terranea L.A.s Oceanfront Resort. Plan to stay at least two nights, as the return train to Los Angeles departs in the morning. Los Angeles Live Steamers & Railroad Museum.