1 / 3Orange County Model Engineers
📍 Mesa Verde, CA
Volunteer-run 7.5-inch gauge railroad with nearly 5 miles of track through Fairview Park, Costa Mesa. Free rides on the third weekend of every month. Multiple scale trains, a station platform, and birthday party options available.
Great outing for kids! Every third weekend is free to ride the trains! They were running about 5 trains, with 4-5 passenger cars each train. Each passenger car held 3-5 people depending on size of the party. The train did two laps with each lap running about 5 min. Must meet a height to get on the train and no lap child's allowed on the train. There is also plenty of parking and restroom facilities. There is a little shop selling some toys and refreshments and a canopy setup to sell some grilled food. There are volunteer societies setup for kids to play with toys trains too. Not much shade on the train route so bring some sun cover, sun glasses and sunscreen!
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for train-obsessed children aged 3 and up who meet the height requirement, and for multi-generational groups where adults enjoy it as much as kids. The volunteer enthusiasm and authentic scale equipment make this feel special rather than commercial. Free entry makes it an easy monthly ritual; a donation is encouraged to keep the club running.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →172 Google reviews
mit
7 years ago
“Great outing for kids! Every third weekend is free to ride the trains! They were running about 5 trains, with 4-5 passenger cars each train. Each passenger car held 3-5 people depending on size of the party. The train did two laps with each lap running about 5 min. Must meet a height to get on the train and no lap child's allowed on the train. There is also plenty of parking and restroom facilities. There is a little shop selling some toys and refreshments and a canopy setup to sell some grilled food. There are volunteer societies setup for kids to play with toys trains too. Not much shade on the train route so bring some sun cover, sun glasses and sunscreen!”
lee wei yi 壹尾魚
9 months ago
“We went on a Sunday afternoon, and after a quick donation per person, we only waited about 20 minutes before climbing aboard. Our whole crew even got to sit together in the same car — now that’s what I call VIP service! 😎 Right before departure, the conductor gave a big ol’ shout, and off we went — chugging along just like a real train! From the scenic views to the ding-ding of railroad crossings and the clackety-clack of the tracks, it was 100% real train vibes — tracks, rumbles, and all — just fun-sized for maximum charm. 🚂✨ All aboard the imagination express! Huge shoutout to the amazing railway engineers and crew for making the magic happen — you rock! 🫡🤗”
Frank Biermann
10 months ago
“Superb experience. We came on a Saturday at noon and waited in line for 15-20 minutes before being able to all hop on the train. It went around the track twice before we were asked to hop on off. The kiddo loves trains and was more excited about seeing it than actually riding it. I think the adults in our group had more of a blast than the kiddo, but a great time all around nonetheless. Don’t forget to visit the gift shop!”
Edgardo and Marilyn Marestaing
7 months ago
“Incredible volunteers that love model trains, so they devote the third weekend of every month to host visitors of all ages for free rides on their over 1 mile track !! Please visit. We always make a donation to help this great organization !!”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Orange County Model Engineers operates the Mackerel Flats and Goathill Junction Railroad — a 7.5-inch gauge line with nearly 5 miles of track winding through Fairview Park. Rides run on the third weekend of each month, covering two laps of the track (approximately 10 minutes total). Multiple trains with 4-5 passenger cars run simultaneously. Height requirements are enforced — no lap children. A gift shop and birthday party options are also available.
