Skip to Content

30+ Train Parks and Railroad Museums Near Orange County

30+ Train Parks and Railroad Museums Near Orange County

Train parks and railroad museums in Orange County are all around. These are all the play places for train lovers that I can think in and near Orange County, CA.

Whether you like to see big locomotives up close, far away, play on them, ride on them — I’ve got the parks for your family.

Please comment if I am missing any! I think the list is pretty comprehensive thanks to your help!

If you are looking to actually take a train trip in Orange County, I have a post about Train Trips for Orange County Locals that you might want to check out for ideas.

*Don’t think I need to say it – but I’ll say it anyways: If it’s you against the train, the train’s gonna win. Be safe and stay off the tracks!

Train Parks in Orange County

Over the years, these are the train parks I've collected on the blog. Some have regular trains that happen to pass by their location and others just have a train-theme on the playground!

More Orange County places to go for train lovers

Orange County Model Engineers (Goathill Junction) in Costa Mesa, CA (Orange County) – this is very popular with families. Also known as OCME to those who visit often.

Castle Peak & Thunder Railroad (backyard model railroad based on Disneyland) with periodic open houses. I first saw this on my friend Jill’s blog (Sandy Toes & Popsicles). Her post has tons of photos and tips.

Orange County theme parks with train rides

  • Disneyland Big Thunder Mountain
  • Disneyland Railroad
  • Disneyland Casey Jr. Circus Train
  • Disneyland Tram and Monorail (I think those count, because the train lovers I know love them, too!)
  • Knott’s Berry Farm Calico Railroad Train Ride
  • Adventure City Express Train

Christmas Trains in or near Orange County

More Southern California places to go for train lovers

These are other spots outside of Orange County which readers recommended.

Originally published in June 2010.

Mia

Monday 9th of July 2012

When my kids were small they loved to go to the heritage park in Santa Fe Springs... it is a really nice place for children who love trains ... http://www.santafesprings.org/library/heritage/default.asp

Michele

Wednesday 11th of July 2012

Thanks for the tip, Mia.

CCS

Wednesday 28th of March 2012

Have you been to Goathill Junction in Irvine or the Riverside Steamers in Riverside at Hobby Hunter Park. You have to check the dates - because they are basically only certain Sundays of the month but they are minitature trains that you can ride for FREE! They do ask for donations. Great fun for little boys that love trains.

Mel

Thursday 17th of February 2011

My boys love trains. Even though we live a couple blocks from the train tracks, they still get excited everytime we see one. We'll have to remember this post next time we are in So. Cal.

Comments are closed.