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Griffith Park & Southern Railroad

📍 Griffith Park, CA

4.5(1,507 Google reviews)👶All ages

Over one mile of miniature track through forests and an Old Western Town, plus a T-6 simulator. Holiday events include tunnel-of-lights rides and Easter Bunny appearances.

Historic miniature trainsHoliday tunnel of lightsBirthday party packagesFriendly staffPriority boardingToddler favorite
★★★★★Featured review by Naomi Chong

We threw our son’s 2nd birthday party here at the Coyote Meadow and what an amazing time we had! The venue was very nice and they provided a huge canopy for shade. Our party was later in the day so for next time I will add an extra canopy and set of table and seating that can be added to the package but I think is very worth it! I also added the train table to the package which was totally worth it!! The package came with train tickets where the conductor gave a special birthday message for our son. My son loved the train ride. The staff members were so accommodating and friendly. Thank you Griffith Park & Southern Railroad staff!!

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for families with children aged 2–7 who respond strongly to trains, holiday spectacle, and interactive birthday experiences. The venue consistently earns top marks for staff warmth during special events. Holiday tunnel-of-lights evenings require patience in the standard queue — priority boarding is a meaningful upgrade during peak season.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡Priority tickets are worth purchasing during holiday seasons — standard queues grow very long on weekends
Arriving around on a Saturday delivers a shorter wait than peak afternoon hours
🎟️Birthday packages can be upgraded with extra canopy shade and additional seating for later-day parties
🚗A souvenir shop and snack shop operate on-site — budget for these in advance

💬 What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.5

1,507 Google reviews

Magical experience for young children45%
Friendly and attentive staff30%
Great for birthdays and special events15%
Long waits during holiday season10%
N

Naomi Chong

5 months ago

We threw our son’s 2nd birthday party here at the Coyote Meadow and what an amazing time we had! The venue was very nice and they provided a huge canopy for shade. Our party was later in the day so for next time I will add an extra canopy and set of table and seating that can be added to the package but I think is very worth it! I also added the train table to the package which was totally worth it!! The package came with train tickets where the conductor gave a special birthday message for our son. My son loved the train ride. The staff members were so accommodating and friendly. Thank you Griffith Park & Southern Railroad staff!!

K

kathy haro

4 months ago

We did the Holiday Train Ride and it was so nice. 10 min ride... I defenitely recommend priority its worth the couple minute wait versus the very long line otherwise. They have a souvenir shop and a snack shop. My whole family loved it.

B

Bianca Catbagan

3 months ago

Had a great time with my family! We arrived at 7:30pm on a Saturday and only waited 20-30 mins in line. The lights were really nice and the staff were friendly. It was a magical time for my nephew too.

A

Angela Lynne

3 months ago

We took our 3 and 4 yr old grandbabies and we all loved it. Beautiful giant display of Santa was the best. God bless you for this special event weve been coming to for decades.

Reviews from Google

Overview

Griffith Park & Southern Railroad has operated miniature train rides through Griffith Park since 1948, running antique locomotives on over one mile of track through forested sections and a recreated Old Western Town. A T-6 simulator ride adds variety. Holiday events — notably the tunnel-of-lights series — draw multi-generational families.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday10:00 – 16:30
Tuesday10:00 – 16:00
Wednesday10:00 – 16:00
Thursday10:00 – 16:00
Friday10:00 – 16:00
Saturday10:00 – 16:00
Sunday10:00 – 16:30

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