Balboa Park Miniature Railroad
1800 Zoo Pl, San Diego, CA, USA
Summer Hours through Labor Day: 11:00 am - 6:30 pm daily September - mid-June - 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
$$
fun-paid-activities, outdoor-adventures
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All Aboard!!! Take a ride on the Balboa Park Miniature Railroad.
Do you have kids that enjoy train rides? If you do, you have to visit the Balboa Park Miniature Railroad located in Balboa Park next to the San Diego Zoo exit. This miniature train is a G16 model, which is a rare antique and there are less than 50 models that remain. The miniature train pulls out of the station for 3-minute rides around a 1/2 mile path of Balboa Park. However, the ride seems longer than 3 minutes!!!
This train is operated by the San Diego Zoo. You can purchase tickets at the ticket booth by the train entrance. In addition to tickets, they also sell bottled water, train conductor hats and whistles!
During the train ride, you’ll be able to see some “wild animals.” There is also a fun tunnel at the end of the ride. Finally don’t forget to wave goodbye to all the tourists walking around Balboa Park.
Another tip: Make sure you visit the Balboa Park Railroad in December as it is decorated with Christmas lights. If you go during December Nights, you’ll be able to enjoy the festival too. Make it a family tradition!
There is plenty of free parking near the zoo and the museums.
The nearest restrooms are across the street before the San Diego Zoo’s main entrance.
We definitely recommend this affordable and fun adventure, especially if you have little ones who love trains. Oh, and don’t forget to visit the carousel and butterfly rides next to the train. These are super fun too!