Now, the USS Iowa Museum is also a great place to catch a glimpse of US maritime history through interactive exhibits. Theres also storytime for children who dig that. The Amtrak station is conveniently in walking distance of Skinner Butte Park and downtown hotels and restaurants (including many local and Asian options), so you dont have to rent a car. Few SoCal towns are better at turning the ocean into some serious family fun. Union Station, officially known as the Los Angeles Union Station, is the bustling main railway station in the city. ), scout projects are also available. Kids can also try their T-6 simulator ride! The specialty of this place, of course, is in the tours. It's known for looking like a pirate tower, and it's so different from all the California architecture around it. Danny's Farm Danny's Farm was founded by former Los Angeles Dodger (and pitching coach for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheimno matter which LA team you root for, he's got you covered!) Take a ride on the worlds shortest railway! We also rent trackless trains, which allow all of the guests to enjoy the thrill of a train ride at your event without being confined to a single track. Traveling by train is one of the most peaceful and memorable ways to experience our lovely state. Theres also an IMAX theatre for all that you want to know about the science center. Photo courtesy of VisitPalmSprings.com, Slip back in time with a visit to this historic town andits legendary Mission San Juan Capistrano. The center of the exhibit has a restored steam locomotive as well as its tender, a refrigerated boxcar, and caboose. There are interactive exhibits that everyone will quite enjoy. Park there and just walk across the street. (Los Angeles): Take I-10 east or Route 60 east or Route 91 east to I-215 . Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Beach House at Hermosa. Don't miss the Enchanted Railroad, daily story times, and the . Try all sorts of mouth-watering dishes, like loaded tacos, Thai rice, decked sandwiches, Japanese bentos, freshly baked pastries, homemade pies, hand-made pastas, ramen, decadent donuts, and other yummy treats. Travel time on the train is 23.5 hours each way. Southern California Live Steamers offer this special night train ride for the holiday season, which also serves as a fundraiser to support the free rides throughout the year. Please call for details on setup, delivery, pricing, etc. Have a blast with your kids as you build towering sandcastles, play sandy volleyball, shoot hoops at a basketball court, teach your little ones how to fish, go for a leisurely swim, or enjoy a fun round of frisbee. The exhibits are never the same so you can actually visit any number of times. Trackless train rental, Birthday party trains | SoCal It first opened in May 1939 under the name of Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal and serves roughly 1.4 million passengers each year. 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. Los Angeles, CA - Union Station (LAX) | Amtrak You can bring bikes on Amtrak, or check out Zachs Bikes for rentals. This200-year-old Spanish monument gives the family a chance to learn about their home state in the most hands-onway possible. 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. Its the worlds shortest railway but gives a peek into the rich history. Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
To begin with, theres an indoor imagination workshop. Theres an excavator tour where kids can check out what the scientists of the day are digging out of tar pits. It's located in a grassy, relaxed area of Griffith Park and happens to also be a great place to spread out a picnic. 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. Train: Amtrak
Contact us today or make a reservation online for your next event! (213) 626-1901 info@angelsflight.org Monday - Friday: 6:45 AM - 10:00 PM. Its a bright mix of history and entertainment for them. If you want to feed the likes of a sea lion, you might want to make some bookings in advance with the Animal Encounters. Take your train-loving kids to Union Station and get the opportunity to watch several state-of-the-art passenger trains passing by. Dont miss this DTLAlandmark (built in 1939!) 8039 Beach Blvd.Buena ParkOnline: knotts.com, RELATED: How to Spend a Fun 36-Hours in Buena Park, A post shared by Official Union Station LA (@unionstationla). Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS for a magical one-hour trip to meet Santa. Amtrak Tickets, Schedules and Train Routes Heres a list of activities thatll help you plan. Do you want to hear a bit of history? Description: The miniature train ride has served the public in Griffith Park since 1948. Do your kids love party highlights in which everything is set to bring wonder to their eyes, smile on their faces? 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. If you get lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a celebrity. Recommended Hotel Nearby: JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE. Several rental car companies have offices near the Amtrak station, so its easy to rent a car if desired. 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. 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. Thanks for sharing! Whether you want to see Central Perk from Friends or backlots and soundstages, this is where its all at. It is located between the Music Center and City Hall. Open daily, 6:45 a.m. to 10 p.m., including weekends and holidays. Mitchell Museum of Western Art. The Lorikeet forest has beautiful birds and you can feed them. San Francisco was first. The second floor is called the Labyrinth. In the spring you will see blooms in every direction, in the winter theres camellias and theres majestic oaks all through the year. 317 S BroadwayLos Angeles, CA 90013(213) 359-6007. Visiting wineries is the top thing to do, and there are more than 200 to choose from. This is for the whole family to have a chill day out in San Pedro. Venice Beach is a sandy coastline featuring a bohemian vibe. Take the kids on a pony ride where they get to choose the pace. Los Angeles, CA 90027 Mail Stop #: 663 Download files: Travel Town Map - Griffith Park Map. Travel Town Museum Foundation From there plan for a live music or dance event if you happen to be around during the annual Las Posadas festival. We are not affiliated with Amtrak.com. Kids Ride Free on Weekends | Metrolink Donations are welcome, but not required. 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. The railway has made several appearances in film and television, includingLa La Land (2016)andThe Muppets (2011). For the more adventurous crowd, theres whitewater rafting on the Klamath River or choose from several mountain bike trails. Spread over 120 acres, there are a few gardens to its credit. It boasts hand-painted vignettes, state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, and more. Which hidden gems should I visit in Southern California? 900 W Exposition BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90007. 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. on the Christmas train rides below that run from Thanksgiving weekend until Christmas. The kids are also allowed on a virtual helicopter tour on whats called the Zamboni machine. One hour further up the coast from Eugene on the train, Portland is full of great street food, breweries, unique restaurants and formal gardens. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Westin Pasadena. Take an adventure to any of our over 200 EXPLORE destinations across Southern California, and the kids ride completely free - no ticket needed! 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. I didnt think this day would come. It features food stalls selling local and foreign delicacies and various engaging events throughout the year. 35 hours Daily Departure. 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. Experience the fun and history of railroading at Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum in Griffith Park. If you're looking for the coolest attractions in Southern California, we've got you covered! OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Some of them are guided in case you want to make the most of your time here. And if you're planning to head out with family, there are a ton of fun things to do with kids in Los Angeles. The morning arrival means you can start enjoying the nearby lakes, rivers and waterfalls early in the day. Its the one that traveled to space 25 times from the 1990s to 2011. Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Quinta by Wyndham Santa Clarita Valencia, 4949 York BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90042(213) 250-9995. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Luxe City Center Hotel, 700 Exposition Park DrLos Angeles, CA 90037. Los Angeles ranked as the second major U.S. metro area people are leaving, according to data. Due to the 6.5 hour train commute and one daily Coast Starlight train, youll need to stay overnight at least one night. Here are a few of the best spots Angelenos can get to easily by rail and still be home by bedtime. Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
There are bright pink benches that will lift your spirits and theres drought-tolerant landscaping that will grab your attention. While in the area, non-Disney options includeskateboardingat Vans skatepark, taking flight at a SwingIt Trapeze lesson, andwandering through the reopened Bowers Museum. Do your children love all things train-related? Theres also a non-profit tutoring center that will warm your heart. The birthday boy was excited to take many rides on the train! Angels Flight Railway goes from Hill Street and Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill. Recommended Hotel Nearby: SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills. If you stay in Oakland, check out the Oakland Museum of California, Oakland Zoo, Chabot Space & Science Center, Childrens Fairyland theme park and the local food scene. I will definitely recommend to our family and friends. | Fun Factory Parties Trackless Train rentals for kid's birthday parties! I really appreciate doing business with "good businesses". Take a little day trip to experience these charming train stations and enjoy a pleasant ride. . So its pretty easy to note all the family activities happening around here. This is a perfect addition to your Thomas the Train theme party. Come visit us every week and ride our trackless train: Tuesday's we are at Manhattan Beach Farmers Market! Plan to stay at least two nights, as the return train to Los Angeles departs in the morning. 4400 Crystal Springs Drive (Near Los Feliz & Riverside) Los Angeles, CA 90027 (323) 664-6903 Hours 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Train Ride Tickets Tickets are available for purchase in-person at both locations Adults $4.00 Children (17 and under) $3.00 Seniors (over 60) $3.00 Value (20+ tickets) $3.00 T-6 Simulator Ride at Griffith Park & Southern RR $5.00 Hours Griffith Park & Southern Railroad Dates Open Daily Summer & Fall hours (March to November) 10am - 4:30pm /5pm 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. Create long-lasting memories with your family by spending the day under the sun, on the soft sand, or in the cool water at Venice Beach. HOME | traintown Restrictions apply,see websitefor full details. There are a few hotels and Airbnbs you can walk to from the Amtrak station, and you can use Uber or Lyft to get around so a car rental isnt required. I felt ecstatic. Kids Ride Free Weekends provides families an affordable way to take a weekend day trip to explore Southern California destinations. 7 Best Theme Parks Near Los Angeles Open: Daily, 10a.m.10p.m. 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). Every art form has a bunch of underrated artists whose work we do not recognize in our lifetime. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sunset Tower Hotel, Related: Free Things to Do in Los Angeles, CA. You are also allowed to watch while the staff feed the sharks. You sit on top of it, straddling the train car, as opposed to inside it. But in all seriousness, it is a work of art, this book store. Departures start as early as 6 a.m. and as late as 9 p.m. Great for the whole family, Grover Beach is a small community with a great beach, dunes nature preserve, winery, escape room, ATV rentals and more. Trackless train rental, Birthday party trains | SoCal More details to come. Find an Amazing Petting Zoo near Los Angeles for Animal Fun - MommyPoppins If youre in town at the time, do not miss it. If you are looking for party services for your kids, we have everything you're looking for. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites. Privacy Policy, By signing up to Tinybeans newsletters you agree to our Terms and '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. 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. 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. In the warmer months, you can also visit one of the citys beaches or take a bike ride along the Lakefront Trail. 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. Lets go! Also See:Kids Activities: Santa MonicaThings to Do in Long Beach with KidsThings to Do with Kids in Orange County. Open 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on the free public ride days (weather permitting); donations are welcome. Their newest exhibit, Out of the Vault: Items from Our Collectionincludes decades-old locomotives made of pewter and brass. Theres a computer zone for kids who arent old school. Luckily for us, it runs every day from 6:45 am to 10 pm on weekends and holidays too. CTA city trains, Metra commuter trains, water taxis and Lyft/Uber are easy ways to see the sights, so you dont need to rent a car. The Polar Express Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic childrens story on board a real train. Idyllwild is another fun spot to drive to for a day or a weekend. This place on Hollywood Boulevard gives you a peek into cinema from the 1920s. Please make sure to include the ALL of the following information in your e-mail(highlight, copy and paste the items below right into your e-mail): I would like to thank you for the use of the train during our Christmas Eve Production. But the best part is the space shuttle Endeavour in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion. The children will love walking around and exploring this natural beauty. Passengers must be at least 31 tall to ride. Your email address will not be published. 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. Southern California to Las Vegas bullet train one step closer to reality Do your kids love party highlights in which everything is set to bring wonder to their eyes, smile on their faces? Los Angeles Live Steamers & Railroad Museum | Los Angeles Parties are meant to be entertaining, enjoyable and exciting for everyone involved. The mini theme park also has carnival games, panning for gold, hand-cranked mining buggy, and carousel. EVENT FAQ PHOTO GALLERY REVIEW & TIPS. There are two train cars that are over 100 years old. Train Party is the largest trackless train provider in Southern California. Visit website for upcoming events. Hill St. Los Angeles, California 90071. You can also try our T-6 simulator ride, a fun adventure for all ages! Please visit https://socalthepolarexpressride.com/faqs/, or contact Rail Events at https://socalthepolarexpressride.com/contact/ or (702) 357-3526 for additional information and tickets about this event. Photo courtesy of Visit Oceanside, Our celebrated neighbor to the southSan Diego is an ideal quick trip by train. 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. 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.