The northwest corner of Griffith Park is the destination for train enthusiasts and curious kids. Travel Town, open all week, is a “railroad petting zoo” full of historic rail stock like an 1880 Southern Pacific locomotive and an 1881 Union Pacific caboose that also does a good job explaining how the railroads helped build Southern California. Kids clamor to come here again and again to ride a miniature train for two loops around a half-mile of track.
Lovers of things that go choo-choo should be sure to visit the park on a Sunday, when the neighboring Los Angeles Live Steamers section is open for railheads. The whimsy extends to the museum’s “buildings,” which are actually restored full-size train cars like the bright red 1929 Santa Fe Steel Caboose (which houses the caretaker’s residence) and the 1956 Union Pacific Sleeper Car (where official meetings are held).
LALS train rides are from 11am to 3pm every Sunday, except for the Sunday before Memorial Day and the first Sunday in October. There’s a $4 suggested donation for train rides. Travel Town is open from 10am 5pm daily. Travel Town entrance is free, plus a $4 ticket for train rides.