1 / 3Southern California Live Steamers
📍 Old Torrance, CA
Volunteer-run 7.5-inch gauge miniature railway in Wilson Park, Torrance. Rides last 15–25 minutes on live steam, diesel, and electric locomotives. Children must be at least 32 inches tall. Operates first Sundays and third Saturdays monthly.
Came here after visiting the Lomita Railroad Museum for a free little half-day outing. What a great experience for adult and kids alike! We got to see and ride a variety of trains, including a steam engine that actually goes “choo-choo”. Can’t believe all this was free and run by volunteers. Loved it so much that we just had to donate. Note that they are open on the FIRST SUNDAY and THIRD SATURDAY of every month, but NOT both first & third Sat & Sun. Also note that riders must be at least 32” inches tall. I recommend coming early before they open to grab a good parking spot and picnic nearby. The park gets busy on weekends. When we got here about 40 minutes before opening, the adjacent parking lot was almost full, and there was already a line at the locked gate to the train station. The only downside was the restroom situation. The closest restrooms are in the blue/white building across the parking lot, but those have NO DOORS (seriously?!) and were pretty dirty. Not sure if there are better ones elsewhere around the park.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with train-enthusiast children over 32 inches tall who can plan around a twice-monthly schedule. The donation-based model and volunteer operators give the experience a genuine, community-built quality absent from commercial attractions. Arrive 30–40 minutes early to secure parking and avoid a long wait.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →69 Google reviews
Annie Chen Shi
a month ago
“Came here after visiting the Lomita Railroad Museum for a free little half-day outing. What a great experience for adult and kids alike! We got to see and ride a variety of trains, including a steam engine that actually goes “choo-choo”. Can’t believe all this was free and run by volunteers. Loved it so much that we just had to donate. Note that they are open on the FIRST SUNDAY and THIRD SATURDAY of every month, but NOT both first & third Sat & Sun. Also note that riders must be at least 32” inches tall. I recommend coming early before they open to grab a good parking spot and picnic nearby. The park gets busy on weekends. When we got here about 40 minutes before opening, the adjacent parking lot was almost full, and there was already a line at the locked gate to the train station. The only downside was the restroom situation. The closest restrooms are in the blue/white building across the parking lot, but those have NO DOORS (seriously?!) and were pretty dirty. Not sure if there are better ones elsewhere around the park.”
Natalya B
2 years ago
“Donation based. Friendly staff. Ride is about fifteen minutes. Child must be at least 32 inches. Infants not allowed. Two year old toddler really enjoyed it. We went on three times. Older children and just adults were present and also enjoyed it. Free parking available. Only noticed adjacent park bathrooms. Open only first Sunday 11-3 and third Saturday 12-3.”
Sean Son
2 months ago
“Donation based model trains you can ride. My kid loves it. We come every chance we can when our schedules line up with their twice a month days they operate. It’s a narrow sit on top train I usually donate 10 dollars for each ride for the two of us since that’s about what it costs at the Griffith park train ride as well.”
W B
3 years ago
“Wilson park has a train station tucked in the corner. It currently only rides the first Sunday and third Saturday of the month but I highly recommend it if you have a kiddo who likes trains or rides! The volunteers working there are so nice and the line went by super quick! Can’t wait to go again!”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Southern California Live Steamers operates a 7.5-inch gauge track through Wilson Park using live steam locomotives, diesel engines, and electric trains. Rides run 15–25 minutes. Children under 32 inches and infants are not permitted for safety. The operation is volunteer-run and donation-based. Free parking is available at the park.
