Visit to experience a day of family fun, exploring the large grounds, and riding the trains and trolleys that helped create the Southern California we know today. They are committed to protecting the over 100 species of marine creatures that are placed here. If you're a fan of wineries, check out Briar Rose Winery for a sweet fairytale experience in Temecula. This tourist hotspot is an animal lovers dream. So its pretty easy to note all the family activities happening around here. Its the one that traveled to space 25 times from the 1990s to 2011. to request a date for your next special event. Its a bright mix of history and entertainment for them. *Train is wheelchair accessible. Open: Sun. It was a real sight to see. Train Party is the largest trackless train provider in Southern California. (highlight, copy and paste the items below right into your e-mail): Thanks a million for the timely, friendly and professional service. Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, 750 Depot St, Campo, CA 91906, USA. Aseaside townfull of SoCal charm, Oceanside makes it easyto make a day of it, whetheryou want to hit the beach or not. If you're near the Inland Empire, head to the University of California in Riverside and head to the Botanic Garden. 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. Visit the Kidspace Childrens Museum which is a favorite among the young ones. So thank you very much. 4400 Crystal Springs Drive (Near Los Feliz & Riverside) Los Angeles, CA 90027 (323) 664-6903 Hours 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Open 10 a.m. 3:30 p.m. on thefree public ride days(weather permitting); donations are welcome. Theres also winding walkways, huge lawns and rolling hills for you to plan your day. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. Youll spend two nights on the train and arrive in Chicago in the late afternoon, with views of deserts, mountains and the Great Plains along the way. Dont miss the Griffith Observatory while youre here. Theres an indoor area for them to lose themselves in activities and also an outdoor one where they can educate themselves about the environment. Also See:Kids Activities: Santa MonicaThings to Do in Long Beach with KidsThings to Do with Kids in Orange County. It continues to offer rides to guests today. Photo courtesy of VisitPalmSprings.com, Slip back in time with a visit to this historic town andits legendary Mission San Juan Capistrano. The museum also operates a railway where visitors can ride on the historic trains and trolleys that helped shape Southern California. 317 S BroadwayLos Angeles, CA 90013(213) 359-6007. Located on Wilshire Boulevard, the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum is famous for its ice-age fossil site. It's a fun way to see the area and it's something the kiddos will surely enjoy. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Top attractions includeSandia Peak Tramwayfor panoramic views of the area,Indian Pueblo Cultural Center,National Museum of Nuclear Scienceand thePetroglyph National Monument. Just visit AmtrakVacations.com or call 1-800-268-7252 to learn more about our unforgettable rail journeys. Theres a computer zone for kids who arent old school. All aboard the Kidsguide Express! This is an event where the streets are temporarily open for everyone to bike or walk or skate or dance. **In February: California Baby & Kids Expoin the OC Fair Grounds & Event Center. The Bob Baker Marionette Theater is a historical childrens theater company that debuted in 1963. It also has music, audiobooks, DVDs and craft and science kits. 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. 888-501-4FUN (4386) All aboard the Kid's Party Express - whooo whoooo! Yes, Im talking about Los Angeles, the second-largest urban region in the United States. Let us know if your family comes across any new places we should add to our list! Open, Monday, 2/20 for Presidents' Day from 10 - 4pm. What are the best day trips in Southern California? Also includes a hand car on display from 1881 called Velocipede. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramwayis temporarily closed, but considerstrolling around the cityshistoric downtown, which is full of cute shops and good food. most daysCost per ride: Free with admission (tickets start at $53, but you can find discounted tickets here). Some of them are guided in case you want to make the most of your time here. When booking your tickets, you can choose between a Pacific Surfliner or Coast Starlight train (the Coast Starlight has roomettes and bedrooms if you want privacy). 1. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Westin Pasadena. Free public run days are the first Sunday and the third Saturday of each month (weather permitting). Take an adventure to any of our over 200 EXPLORE destinations across Southern California, and the kids ride completely free - no ticket needed! Its the one-stop shop for all your needs. "We bring the thrill of a train ride to your . Choo-Chooride into wonderland on our StoryBook Train rental and chug your way into family fun and adventures. It offers several engaging events throughout the year, guided tours, a gift shop, and more. The major landmarks in Southern California are so well known that they'd probably be recognizable throughout the country, but there are lots of great things to do once you've seen the big things already. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Beach House at Hermosa. 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. Then, one of the most fun things to do with kids in Los Angeles is taking them to this museum. Due to the 6.5 hour train commute and one daily Coast Starlight train, youll need to stay overnight at least one night. Heres a list of activities thatll help you plan. The scenery from the train is one the main reasons to book this rail trip. Related: Southern California with Kids Fun Things to Do. Get the chance to view animals like bald eagles, prairie dogs, ring-tailed lemurs, squirrel monkeys, boa constrictors, ravens, North American porcupines, bobcats, sugar gliders, pythons, and so much more. This museum is an undiscovered gem for Southern California families. Theres an excavator tour where kids can check out what the scientists of the day are digging out of tar pits. Pick up some churros at Olvera Street and head towards Avila Adobe, the oldest home in LA. Call the Foundation: (323) 668-0104. You could also go for storytime but be sure to check out the timings in advance. 7 Best Train Ride Day Trips To Take from Los Angeles. Almost 34 hours away from L.A. on the Coast Starlight train, Seattle is a cultural urban getaway with many attractions and activities to explore. It's such a sweet place that you'll want to stay all afternoon. Consider planning your trip around theAlbuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which is a top event in the fall. Where to go for the day? There are huge modern art galleries in the Ahmanson building. 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It is one of the best kids activities in Los Angeles. There are bright pink benches that will lift your spirits and theres drought-tolerant landscaping that will grab your attention. Travel Time: 2 plus hourseach way, Breakwater Way Beach in Oceanside. Even better, there are two different daytrips to be had there. 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. Exhibits include 1902 Southern Pacific Steam Locomotive, 1949 Topeka and Sante Fe Caboose, and more. Public train rides are a suggested donation of $4.00 per person. Every day is an opportunity to create new stories. Griffith Park and Southern Railroad brings back its popular Santa train ride this year. Because of this, we DO NOT cancel and provide you with a $25 guarantee that we will be at your event. Its for people of all ages and even the toys here are educational. Check theirevents pagefor special train rides throughout the year. The 1/3-scale train is located in the foothills of Orange and is open daily (weather permitting, excluding certain holidays). Kids ride free! 2201 S. "A" Street, Perris, CA 92570 2023 Southern California Railway Museum. Full of restaurants, bars, shops, and shows, this part of the city makes it easy to amble away the day wandering its sunny streets. Park there and just walk across the street. For train-crazy toddlers, make sure to catch appearances by Thomas and Percy, and a special Christmas-timePolar Express Train Ride. Contact Us. The evening ride is gentle and timeless, and just the right size for kids and their parents to take in the festively decorated mile of track. The train at Griffith Park & Southern Railroad travels over one mile of track, across a bridge, through a forest and the Old Western Town. Theres Tiny Tot Tuesdays which adds a little zing to the experience. You can also rent a bike to pedal through its length and view occasional live entertainment from street performers, like musicians and jugglers. Thats where we come in! Griffith Park Train Rides - family fun since 1948 You can easily walk to a light rail stop or to downtown, plus Lyft and Uber are options. Theres tons of room for your children to put their imagination to work. If you're looking for the coolest attractions in Southern California, we've got you covered! Have a Great Year!, ~ Kasey from Abundant Living Family Church, Learning Curve International Brand Legal Copy. The view from the train as it travels through the charming beach in Del Mar is breathtaking. Amtrak Train Vacations - All Inclusive Packages & Deals Originally opened in 1901, Angels Flight the world's shortest railway has given more than 100 million rides on its hillside track. Find an Amazing Petting Zoo near Los Angeles for Animal Fun - MommyPoppins 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. The morning arrival means you can start enjoying the nearby lakes, rivers and waterfalls early in the day. Located in Griffith Park, Travel Town is an outdoor museum with a large collection of locomotives and rolling stock from Southern California. The Amtrak Surflinercan make a nice day trip of it, andDowntown Disney is still a good destination. 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. 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 first opened in May 1939 under the name of Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal and serves roughly 1.4 million passengers each year.