Train Adventures in Los Angeles For Your Train Nut
Railroad Museum Will Wow Train Nuts Big and Small
If you have a train nut in your household, you need to take them to Travel Town Museum in Griffith Park in Los Angeles. Train lovers can climb aboard passenger cars or step into the Driver’s seat in real life trains. The best part? This train lover’s paradise is free!
While it’s called a “museum,” this isn’t your run of the mill, quiet stodgy museum. This park environment is loaded with real trains that your train lovers can enter, as well as an indoor museum where they can check out model trains and classic cars. You can also take a miniature train ride around the park for a small fee.
Travel Town has become one of our favorite picnic destinations. There are a few picnic tables throughout the park, but plan to bring a blanket to have a picnic under a tree There is a little shop next to the museum, but they mostly sell snacks and beverages, so definitely bring your own lunch, even if your lunch is a pizza or happy meal.
We have been visiting Travel Town since my 7 year old was 18 months old and while he isn’t as much of a train nut, he still enjoys a trip there. We change it up for him since he has already been there, done that and create little scavenger hunts for him. My 3 year old is obsessed and can truly spend all day in the Steam Engine looking out the window.
Travel Town can get really busy in the afternoon, so if you want to do the miniature train and you have an impatient toddler who can’t stand waiting, you may want to divide and conquer. My husband usually buys the train tickets and waits in line while the boys and I explore trains. He texts us when he’s near the front of the line so my crazy 3 year old doesn’t pitch a fit watching everyone else getting on the train.
Dine In A Real Train Car at Carneys
If want to make your visit a special train day, have lunch or dinner in an old train car at Carneys Restaurant in Hollywood. While they don’t have a specific children’s menu, most of the menu is kid friendly. They serve up casual food such as burgers, hot dogs, quesadillas, salads and fries.
While the burgers are good, the best part about Carneys Restaurant is that you are in an actual train car. My kids love it!
The Details:
5200 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles
Hours:
Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
8351 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles
PH: 323-654-8300
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – Midnight
Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. – 3 a.m.
Holiday or Seasonal Train Adventures
If your kids are like mine and can’t get enough of trains, you should definitely explore some of the holiday train rides in December. They also offer other seasonal adventures to try.
