8 Fun Los Angeles Train Rides & Activities

We're rounding up a list of all the best places around Los Angeles & Orange County to bring a train-loving kid! Read on to discover the Los Angeles train rides, model train displays, train restaurants and other fun experiences that parents recommend. Remember to plan ahead to catch a ride on the Polar Express, too!

What are the coolest train activities that you've found for your kids around Los Angeles and Orange County? Add your reviews below!


 

    Union Station Los Angeles

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     (2472.2 mi)

    Gina I.:  Open to the public, Union Station is the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States. Built in 1939, it has been hailed “the last of the great train stations.” Bring the kids and explore the building's beautiful architecture and historic details. They also offer tours, allowing you to explore areas like the Historic Ticketing Hall that are not generally open to the public.

    Cost: Admission & tours are FREE

    Griffith Park Train Rides

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     (2473.9 mi)

    Gina I.:  Take a tour of Griffith Park on one of their miniature trains! From The Colonel Griffith 2-8-0 Locomotive and The Freedom Train Streamliner to The Stanley Diamond and pullman style coaches, kids will love learning about and exploring the different trains as they enjoy a scenic ride. They also operate the miniature train at Travel Town.

    Cost: $2.75/ride

    Travel Town Museum

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     (2476.0 mi)

    Gina I.:  Founded in 1947, the Travel Town Museum is dedicated to preserving LA's railroad heritage. Kids have the opportunity to view several historic locomotives. There's lots to see, but not much to do, so be prepared to walk and consider packing a lunch. They also have a gift shop and offer miniature train rides through GP Rah Enterprises.

    Cost: Admission is FREE

    Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum

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     (2476.0 mi)

    Time

    Train Rides offered:

    Sun 11 am – 3 pm (weather permitting)

    Gina I.:  Founded by train enthusiasts for train enthusiasts, the Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum offers education on railroad history as well as steam, gas-mechanical and electronic railroad technology. Kids will love looking at the large model train layouts and riding their 7½” gauge model trains.

    Cost: $3 suggested donation

    Stanton Central Park

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     (2478.5 mi)

    Time

    Water features: Memorial Day - Labor Day

    Price

    Free

    Shila:  This train-themed park features a seasonal interactive water play area. In addition, two playground areas, skate park, butterfly garden, an exercise loop trail, picnic shelters and more. The splash pad water play area is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

    The Lomita Railroad Museum

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     (2480.8 mi)

    Gina I.:  Are your kids ready to take their love of trains to the next level? The Lomita Railroad Museum is your answer! Dedicated to education, the museum explores the steam-era of trains and history of Westward Expansion, along with the present and future of transportation. Kids will love checking out the 1910 Union Pacific Caboose, 1923 Union Oil Tank Car, and others as they explore the beautiful museum grounds.

    Cost: Admission is $3/ages 3-12; $4/ages 12 & up

    Carneys Restaurant

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     (2481.0 mi)

    Gina I.:  Treat your little train-lovers to some delicious eats at Carneys Restaurant. Built from a vintage Pacific Railroad passenger train, Carneys gives you the dining car experience, without having to leave the station! Their menu features your favorite American classics like hamburgers, hot dogs, fries & shakes. With great ambiance and amazing food, it's fun for the whole family.

    Fillmore & Western Railway

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     (2514.5 mi)

    Gina I.:  Home of the "movie trains," Filmore & Western Railway is the place for your little train enthusiast to get an up-close and personal with vintage locomotives. Schedule a steam train ride, charter a train, or book a weekend scenic train ride that takes you on a 3-4 hour trip through the Heritage Valley on select Saturday & Sundays.

    Cost: Tickets start at $12/child; $26/adult

Primary photo:   Lubomirkin on Unsplash

Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.