Griffith Park Train Ride for Kids – 2025 Guide

A classic LA family experience on the Griffith Park & Southern Railroad

The Griffith Park & Southern Railroad has been delighting families since 1948, making it one of Southern California's most beloved miniature train experiences. Located in the heart of Griffith Park, this charming 1-mile loop takes kids and parents through scenic landscaping, past a Western town facade, and alongside the Los Angeles River. It's a perfect introduction to trains for toddlers and a nostalgic ride for parents who remember visiting as kids themselves.

Quick Facts

• Ride Length: ~10 minutes
• Cost: $3.50/person
• Best Ages: 1–8 years
• Parking: Free lot

2025 Schedule & Hours

Regular Season (Sept–May) Weekends & Holidays: 10am–4:30pm

Summer Season (June–August) Daily: 10am–4:30pm

Holiday hours may vary. The train closes during rain and extreme heat.

Tickets & Prices

Tickets are $3.50 per person (cash or card). Children under 18 months ride free when held on a lap. No advance reservations—just show up and buy tickets at the booth. Lines can get long on weekend mornings, so consider arriving right at opening or after 2pm for shorter waits.

Best Age Range

This ride is ideal for kids ages 1 to 8. Toddlers love the gentle movement and train sounds, while preschoolers enjoy spotting the Western buildings and tunnel. Kids over 8 may find it a bit short, but it's still fun as part of a bigger Griffith Park day. The open-air cars mean even babies can enjoy the breeze.

Stroller-Friendly Details

The station area has paved, flat paths making it easy to navigate with a stroller. You'll need to park your stroller at the boarding platform—there's a designated area, but it's not supervised. Consider bringing a compact stroller or baby carrier for the ride itself. The nearby picnic areas and pony rides are also stroller-accessible.

Parking & Map

Address: 4400 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Free parking is available in the main lot. On busy weekends, arrive before 10am or expect to circle for a spot. Overflow parking is available along Crystal Springs Drive (watch for signs). The train station is a short, flat walk from the parking lot.

What Kids Love Most

• The train whistle at departure—toddlers go wild for it
• Passing through the tunnel (a brief, exciting dark moment)
• The Old West town facades—perfect for imaginative play
• Waving at other families on the parallel track

Nearby Family Spots

Make it a full Griffith Park day by combining the train with these nearby attractions:

• Travel Town Museum – Free outdoor train museum with vintage locomotives, just 5 minutes away
• Pony Rides – Right next to the train station
• Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round – Historic carousel nearby
• LA Zoo – 10-minute drive within the park

FAQ

What is the Griffith Park train schedule for 2025? The Griffith Park & Southern Railroad operates year-round on weekends and holidays from 10am to 4:30pm. During summer (June–August) and school breaks, the train runs daily. Extended holiday hours apply during Christmas season. Always check the official website for the most current schedule as hours may vary.

How much does the Griffith Park train ride cost? As of 2025, tickets are $3.50 per person for the train ride. Children under 18 months ride free when held on a lap. Cash and cards are accepted. The ride lasts about 10 minutes and loops through a scenic mile of track.

Is the Griffith Park train stroller-friendly? Yes! The boarding area is accessible and strollers can be parked nearby while you ride. The station area has paved paths. However, strollers cannot be taken on the train itself—you'll need to fold and store them or have someone watch them.

Where do you park for the Griffith Park train? Free parking is available in the lot at 4400 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles. The lot fills up on weekends by mid-morning, so arriving before 10am is recommended. Additional overflow parking is available along Crystal Springs Drive.