Kids Train Ride

Parents who have embarked on a road trip with children can attest to the stress and frustration that can come with the experience. Next time, leave the hassles and headaches behind and take the train instead! The sights and sounds emanating from these huge, fascinating machines will captivate your kids and provide the whole family with an unforgettable experience. Sacramento parents looking for unique, kid-friendly travel ideas can choose from several rail vacation options in California and beyond. We’ve put together your best bets for rail travel, so pack your suitcase and plan your next kids train ride:

Visit Yosemite by Train

YOSEMITE TRAIN ADVENTURE

Travelers from all over the world visit Yosemite to enjoy the awe-inspiring, natural beauty that this National Park has to offer. The park’s close proximity to the Sacramento area makes it an ideal destination for families. Plan your next family getaway to Yosemite aboard the relaxing, eco-friendly railways. Families can choose from one-, two- or three-day trips aboard the San Joaquin train. Overnight trips include hotel accommodations, transfer through the Gold Country Hills, park entrance fees, lunch, plus a guided tram tour. For more, download the excursion brochure or visit the website.

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Sierra Scenic Train Tours

SIERRA SCENIC TRAIN

Perfect for a mid-week family trip, the Sierra Scenic Train is an excellent option for a kids train ride. Riders enjoy views of the magnificent Sierra Nevada Mountains while traveling in comfort and style. The 3-day, 2-night family-friendly Sierra Scenic train experience departs on select dates, includes round-trip rail transportation from Sacramento to Reno, and is inclusive of meals while on the train. There are several package options, which include hotel accommodations and special coupons for discounted meals, entertainment and more. Train seating is reserved and trips include historical narration, strolling minstrels and on-board entertainment. For complete information, visit the Sierra Scenic Train website.

Visit Sequoia National Park by Train

SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK

Kids will marvel at the sight of giant Sequoia trees, enormous mountains and crystal-clear streams during a family rail adventure to Sequoia National Park. Available Memorial Day to Labor Day, this adventure starts aboard the San Joaquin train and includes transfers, two-nights of hotel accommodations, and park entrance fees. The trip also includes transportation on the Sequoia Shuttle’s Giant Forest Route. For information, itinerary or booking, visit the excursion website.

Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium by Train

MONTEREY OVERNIGHT TRAIN HOLIDAY

Leave the highway behind and take the train on a family-friendly seaside escape. Visit Monterey with an inclusive holiday that includes a visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, shopping and eateries at famous Cannery Row. This Monterey train holiday includes train travel on the Coast Starlight, transfers, hotel accommodations, admission to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, plus a self-guided walking tour of 40 historic Monterey Buildings. To learn more or to book your holiday, visit the tour website.

Explore Santa Barbara on the Train

SANTA BARBARA BY TRAIN FOR KIDS

Book your family’s next trip on a scenic adventure to Santa Barbara. Kids will have a blast in this sunny beach-side city, while parents will appreciate the breathtaking views and fabulous shopping. The adventure includes train travel, hotel accommodations and a narrated open-air trolley tour. To learn more, visit the Santa Barbara by Train website.

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Take a Train Tour to Hearst Castle

HEARST CASTLE TRAIN ADVENTURE

Take a family trip to magnificent Hearst Castle and tour the spectacular property overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the gardens, terraces, pools, and guesthouses that once served Hollywood stars and members of elite society. This inclusive trip starts aboard the Coast Starlight train and includes transfers, hotel accommodations, sightseeing tour of the coastline, boxed lunch, admission to Hearst Castle and a movie screening om the castle’s theater. To learn more, or to book your Hearst Castle Family Train Adventure, visit the website or download the brochure.

Tour the Pacific Northwest by Train

PACIFIC NORTHWEST KIDS TRAIN RIDE

Families will enjoy scenery, adventure and the great outdoors with a train adventure to the Pacific Northwest. Trains depart from Sacramento, and families can choose from several destinations including Southern Oregon, Portland, Seattle, Victoria, BC or Vancouver, BC aboard the Coast Starlight. These trips include train travel, transfers and hotel accommodations at the selected destination. Trip enhancements can be added to any adventure. For booking and itinerary information, visit the excursion website.

Custom Kids Train Ride

CUSTOM KIDS TRAIN RIDES

Create your own adventure with Amtrak’s family vacation planning tools. Amtrak makes family trip planning a breeze– families can relax and enjoy the journey by taking the train on their next family vacation. Amtrak offers rail service to over 500 destinations, venturing through big cities, small towns and everywhere in between. To learn more or to plan your next vacation by train, visit the Amtrak Family Vacation webpage.

Kids Train Rides

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PLANNING YOUR NEXT VACATION BY TRAIN

Vacations aboard the rails are perfect for kids of all ages. Younger children stay amazed by the mighty rail cars, while older kids enjoy the freedom to explore the train and make new friends. Parents enjoy the relaxing experience without the worry of highway travel. When planning your next family adventure, consider taking the train instead of the highway, and create unforgettable memories with your children.

Looking for a one-day kids train ride near Sacramento? Check out our listing of places to go.