The Pacific Surfliner train stop in San Juan Capistrano is worthy of a little exploration as the train station here is a rare beauty. There are huge modern art galleries in the Ahmanson building. Each guest will take home a keepsake sleigh bell in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. If you like to go around a water body in a boat, this is the place to be in LA. It is a historical landmark and features six island platforms, a stunning architectural design, onsite dining choices, and several public art murals. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Figueroa, Unbound Collection by Hyatt, 16027 Yarnell StSylmar, CA 91342(818) 362-8711. This is also a great place to induct your kids into art. There are indoor and outdoor spaces to entertain people of all ages. You can bring bikes on Amtrak, or check out Zachs Bikes for rentals. It's known for looking like a pirate tower, and it's so different from all the California architecture around it. Book your Amtrak train and bus tickets today by choosing from over 30 U.S. train routes and 500 destinations in North America. The Southwest Chief departs daily from L.A. in the early evening and arrives in Albuquerque 16.5 hours later. 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. Its a good place for the family to spend some quality time and bond with each other. 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. For the return trip to L.A., you choose a Pacific Surfliner or Coast Starlight train. Hooray! Bond with your children while participating in educational tours, interacting with the wildlife, and shopping for souvenirs. 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 In Chicago, there are many museums, live music venues and attractions to explore, including the Willis Tower Skydeck, Navy Pier and Wrigley Field. The Shark Lagoon has over 150 sharks and a few penguins that you can get close to and even touch. promotions and other partner offers EVERYDAY DISCOUNTS Savings for Kids, Seniors, Military, Groups and More VACATIONS & RAIL TOURS Train vacation packages throughout North America MULTI-RIDES & RAIL PASSES USA Rail passes, . Public train rides are a suggested donation of $4.00 per person. The train arrives around 8 p.m., and theres various transportation options in the city once you arrive at the Seattle Amtrak Station. Take the kids to bring them into a real-life fairytale. Plus, these elevators have glass walls and come with a stunning view. Photo by @lizpalkamedia Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association, Inc. Perris - Runs daily November 20 - December 28, 2022, Orange - Runs daily November 25 December 23, 2022, Griffith Park - Runs daily November 25, 2022 - January 6, 2023, Torrance - Friday & Saturday, December 16 & 17, 2022, Long Beach - Saturdays & Sundays in December 2022, Campo - Fridays & Saturdays, November 25 - December 18, 2022, Young Gates - Kids Online Personalized Classes. 1418 Descanso Dr. La Caada Flintridge, CA 91011. Santa Barbara is about 3 hours away from Los Angeles on the train, making the beautiful city an easy one-night getaway, or stay longer to really experience the area. It is on 12 acres of land and has fountains and green space that promises a pleasant evening. There are three art galleries and a huge botanical garden. Southern California. If you ever end up in a situation like that, theres no place better than The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites in downtown Los Angeles. Theres tons of room for your children to put their imagination to work. If youre looking to extend your quick trip a day or two, there are countless hotels with cool pools the whole family will love. Located on Wilshire Boulevard, the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum is famous for its ice-age fossil site. The railcar collection has three historically significant cabooses and two Union Pacific Lounge cars available to the public. ; railway opens from 11a.m.-5p.m. Open: Daily, 10a.m.10p.m. LOS ANGELES - A high-speed bullet train connecting Southern California to Las . Hop aboard and take a little journey on the railway for a scenic train ride in SoCal, as these are the types of experiences that are wonderful to savor. 1418 Descanso DrLa Caada Flintridge, CA 91011. 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. Irvine Park Railroad takes children and adults through historic Irvine Regional Park. 20264 Broadway, Sonoma, CA | 707.938.3912. You could also head to Trails Cafe and enjoy a picnic-style meal with pastries and sandwiches. 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. Visit Thomas at the Southern California Railway Museum (formerly Orange Empire Railway Museum) 2201 South A Street Perris, CA 92570 . Be sure to check out the wine tours and shuttles. 2003 Learning Curve International, Inc. most daysCost per ride: Free with admission (tickets start at $53, but you can find discounted tickets here). From the parking lot to the outdoor space, it is a fantastic place for the family to have fun as a unit. If you love space and astronomy, this is a fantastic choice. To begin with, you will find peacocks walking around the space. Whether you want to see Central Perk from Friends or backlots and soundstages, this is where its all at. Restrictions apply,see websitefor full details. Its the worlds shortest railway but gives a peek into the rich history. Open for all ages, but most enjoyable for kids aged two and up. Youll arrive Jack London Square (pictured above), and you can walk to the ferry that will take you to San Francisco. 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. Theres also a family program with workshops on mixed media for kids of all ages, if you pick the right weekend. Details subject to change. Photo courtesy of VisitPalmSprings.com, Slip back in time with a visit to this historic town andits legendary Mission San Juan Capistrano. ", Our schedule fills up quickly, so please give us a call today at (310) 532-6223 or email us at. This spectacular attraction was featured in numerous movies and TV shows, like Greys Anatomy, Hannah Montana, Sharknado, 90210, Modern Family, New Girl, and many others. Call the Foundation: (323) 668-0104. 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Travel time on the train is 11 to 12 hours. But in all seriousness, it is a work of art, this book store. . You can also enjoy teaching your kids how to catch a fish at the pier, trying all sorts of tasty food sold by vendors, attending an outdoor concert, learning how to trapeze, watching live street performers, and so on. It is a dynamic place for families, students and teachers to inculcate a curiosity about space in the young ones. 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. If you really want to experience the great outdoors, rent a car and drive about one hour to reach the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. 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. 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. WELCOME & all aboard! If you're headed to Knott's Berry Farm, be sure grab a seat on the Calico Railroad, which has been at the park since Jan. 12, 1952. The Train Ride phone number is (323) 662-9678. . Open, Monday, 2/20 for Presidents' Day from 10 - 4pm. Visiting wineries is the top thing to do, and there are more than 200 to choose from. Which hidden gems should I visit in Southern California? The mini theme park also has carnival games, panning for gold, hand-cranked mining buggy, and carousel. There are interactive exhibits that everyone will quite enjoy. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Mama Shelter Los Angeles, Related: Things to Do in Hollywood with Kids, Related: California with Kids Top Things to Do, 3400 Warner BlvdBurbank, CA 91522(818) 977-8687. Its the one that traveled to space 25 times from the 1990s to 2011. Its for people of all ages and even the toys here are educational. If youre in the right spot, it will be raining confetti. A grand west coast train adventure, en route daily between Los Angeles and Seattle, the Coast Starlight train passes through Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and Portland. Learn how your comment data is processed. The little ones will love walking around in the desert, Japanese, Chinese and rose gardens. The museum is open the first and third Saturdays of each month. The Echo Park Time Travel Mart is a retail store that lives to provide souvenirs to keep those memories alive for a long time to come. 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. Travel through the New Mexico desert and mountains to reach Trindad, Colorado. This is a great big library with some of the rarest collections youll encounter. Travel Time: 45 minutes each way, Looking for a littlebeach life away from the crowds of LA beaches? You can also plan a picnic in the Hansen Dam Recreation Area. Descanso Gardens. Visit website for upcoming events. Choose from the many wine tours, including with SLO Safe Ride, so you dont have to drink and drive. There are seats available (so far!) During the trip, characters on each car immerse passengers in theatrical onboard entertainment just like in the film! Have a fun family outing as you enjoy a plethora of activities at the Santa Monica Pier. Valid system-wide on either Saturday or Sunday. Privacy Policy, By signing up to Tinybeans newsletters you agree to our Terms and There is a zoo, harbor, wharf, bike path, coastal park and historic mission to explore. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Embassy Suites Los Angeles Glendale, 12601 Mulholland DrBeverly Hills, CA 90210. 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. Travel time on the train is 23.5 hours each way. 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?) Confirm details with organizer. And if you're planning to head out with family, there are a ton of fun things to do with kids in Los Angeles. Choo-Chooride into wonderland on our StoryBook Train rental and chug your way into family fun and adventures. This200-year-old Spanish monument gives the family a chance to learn about their home state in the most hands-onway possible. Plan to stay at least two nights as the return train to L.A. departs around 7:15 a.m. San Luis Obispo is a great family getaway or a wine trip thats 5.5 hours away from L.A. Do your kids love party highlights in which everything is set to bring wonder to their eyes, smile on their faces? Do your children love all things train-related? Train Party Express is a wonderful addition to birthdays, festivals and all events. 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. Train: Amtrak Related: Fun Things to Do in Los Angeles at Night. Kids can also try their T-6 simulator ride! Come visit us every week and ride our trackless train: Tuesday's we are at Manhattan Beach Farmers Market! Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Beach House at Hermosa. Hope your business is prosperous this year so you get to put BIG smiles on small people more often. 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. The kids are also allowed on a virtual helicopter tour on whats called the Zamboni machine. There are regular and temporary exhibitions here from time to time. Luckily for us, it runs every day from 6:45 am to 10 pm on weekends and holidays too. You can choose to have a picnic in the park or near the tar pits. 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 This is for the whole family to have a chill day out in San Pedro. Its a Chinatown park that went through an impressive $20 million remodeling that you must check out. And dont miss the rainbow room. Travel Time: 2 1/2 hours each way, Get out and hike the beautiful Indian Canyons in Palm Springs. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sunset Tower Hotel, Related: Free Things to Do in Los Angeles, CA. Theres also a climbing structure like the ant colony and an interactive greenhouse. Dates for the 2022 ride have been set! It is also a highly acclaimed entertainment center featuring an aquarium, a small amusement park, several shops, a video arcade, a trapeze school, and concession stands. If youre looking for things to do in LA with kids, these botanical gardens are a pretty good bet. Spread over 120 acres, there are a few gardens to its credit. The Railroad Exhibit at Heritage Park tells the story of the citys railroad history through the restoration of the Santa Fe Railway depot, tracks, and signals. 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. There is an on-site restaurant that is totally kid friendly. Its a 20-hour, overnight Amtrak trip, and youll arrive in the walkable downtown area in the afternoon. You wont be spoiled for choice here but theres more than enough to keep everyone busy. **In February: California Baby & Kids Expoin the OC Fair Grounds & Event Center. One hour further up the coast from Eugene on the train, Portland is full of great street food, breweries, unique restaurants and formal gardens. Note that destinations on the Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited route were not included because the westbound trains arrive in Los Angeles bright and early at 5:30 a.m. There is an Enterprise Rent-A-Car office nearby in case you want to explore more of the area, or use rideshare services and bike rentals to get around. Its a great location for getting out in nature with the Williamette River bike trail, Mount Pisgah natural area, McKenzie River National Recreation Trail and Skinner Butte Park. You could go on a hike towards the Hollywood sign or explore the Los Angeles Zoo and botanical gardens. Few SoCal towns are better atturning the ocean into some serious family fun. This is where the magic of movies takes place. Photo courtesy of Visit Oceanside, Our celebrated neighbor to the southSan Diego is an ideal quick trip by train. Every art form has a bunch of underrated artists whose work we do not recognize in our lifetime. 1. 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. The specialty of this place, of course, is in the tours. 888-501-4FUN (4386) All aboard the Kid's Party Express - whooo whoooo! Train Rides; School Trips & Group Tours; History & Learning. Consider planning your trip around theAlbuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which is a top event in the fall. You can easily walk to a light rail stop or to downtown, plus Lyft and Uber are options. Heres a list of activities thatll help you plan. Celebrate a special occasion with your loved ones and extended family by going on a Picnic Safari. Friends and family of all ages will enjoy a train ride in wine country. Hours: Daily, 6:45 a.m. to 10 p.m.Cost: $1 each way or if you use your Metro TAP card, it costs just .50! 1 HOUR PARTY TRAIN RENTAL = $450 EACH ADDITIONAL HOUR $225 Travel charges may apply. Its the one-stop shop for all your needs. Don't miss the Enchanted Railroad, daily story times, and the . 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!). 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. 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. 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.