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For generations, trains have captured the imaginations of children and adults alike, and here in Sonoma County, the love of locomotives is still very much alive! From miniature railroads to scenic train rides, there’s no shortage of train-themed adventures waiting to be explored.
Whether you’re looking for opportunities to spark wonder, learn local history, or make some unforgettable memories, you’re in the right place! This guide is your ticket to the best family-friendly train and railroad experiences Sonoma County has to offer.
All aboard! Next stop — adventure!
Don’t Miss Dino Trax!
Mark your calendars for Dino Trax at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, our annual train-themed event with a prehistoric twist!
Learn More>>>
1. Howarth Park Train Station
Tucked inside one of Santa Rosa’s most beloved parks is the Howarth Park Train Station. This delightful miniature train takes you on a quarter-mile ride through Howarth Park, chugging through oak tree groves and around Lake Ralphine.
Little ones and caregivers can climb aboard train cars pulled by a small locomotive modeled after the historic C.P. Huntington. The ride is smooth, steady, and great for infants, toddlers, and kids of all ages. In fact, children 12 months and younger can ride for free!
Howarth Park is a 138-acre community space with a number of activities and attractions. Guests of all ages enjoy the carousel, petting zoo, pony rides, paddle boats and fishing on the lake, and plenty of walking trails and picnic spots. It’s a great family-friendly destination for a train adventure and outdoor fun!
2. Sonoma TrainTown Railroad
Sonoma TrainTown Railroad has been entertaining Sonoma County families for decades. This beloved amusement park is located in the town of Sonoma and was founded in 1958 by Stanley L. Frank.
TrainTown is built around a quarter-scale steam train that carries riders on a scenic 20-minute journey through 10 acres of evergreen forest. You can also enjoy multiple carnival rides, including a mini train coaster, as well as a petting zoo where you can feed the animals. The park also features an impressive assortment of real antique cabooses and other locomotives.
Plus, admission and parking at TrainTown are free for the whole family! You can buy tickets for individual rides, attractions, and food.
3. Redwood Empire Live Steamers Interactive Museum
The Redwood Empire Live Steamers Interactive Museum is a local non-profit that offers free miniature train rides at Youth Community Park in Santa Rosa. It’s run entirely by volunteers who have dedicated countless hours to building, maintaining, and operating a stunning collection of scale-model locomotives, some of which are powered by real steam!
On the first weekend of each month from May through October, families are invited to come ride the miniature railroad as it loops through the park. Rides are free, and the club operates on donations. Check their schedule in advance, as open-ride days are only offered on specific dates and are subject to change.
We’re especially proud to call the Redwood Empire Live Steamers a valued partner of the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. During our special train-themed events, the Live Steamers offer miniature train rides as part of the festivities! It’s always a guaranteed highlight for visitors of every age.
4. The SMART Train(Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit)
The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit, known locally as the SMART train, is a wonderful way to introduce kids to the experience of riding a commuter train while also exploring Sonoma County.
The rail currently runs 48 miles through diverse and scenic stretches of the North Bay, from Windsor down to Larkspur. With big windows and comfy seating, you can enjoy a front-row view of the rolling hills, farmland, and charming stations and depots at every stop. And the system is growing! Future extensions are planned for Healdsburg and beyond, eventually stretching the passenger rail service all the way to Cloverdale.
Another amazing feature of the SMART train is that anyone 18 and under rides for free, making it an incredibly accessible resource for families!
5. Northwestern Pacific Railroad Museum
You can make your SMART train adventure even more exciting by hopping off at the Santa Rosa Downtown Station. Just steps off the platform, the rich history of Sonoma County trains is waiting to be discovered at the Northwestern Pacific Railroad Museum!
The museum is located inside the California Welcome Center, a beautifully restored 1900s train depot located in the heart of Santa Rosa’s Historic Railroad Square. Inside, you’ll find historical artifacts, photographs, and an interactive train display.
The Northwestern Pacific Railroad Museum is sure to be a fascinating stop for anyone interested in the story of how railroads shaped Sonoma County and the greater region. It’s also a wonderful way to connect a love of trains to local history!
6. Train Exhibits and Events at The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County
Here at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, we love trains because they offer so many amazing learning opportunities. Trains introduce kids to concepts like movement, cause and effect, and early engineering ideas. They can also spark a broader curiosity about how things work, geography, and history.
That’s why locomotives show up in a big way at the Children’s Museum. From interactive train-themed exhibits to immersive railroad experiences, there’s something for every little conductor to explore:
Science and Imagination Railroad
This large-scale model railroad is a standout centerpiece of our Science and Imagination Gallery, featuring 250 feet of train tracks suspended from the ceiling. Make sure to head up to the mezzanine for an eagle-eye perspective on the whole layout. While you’re up there, you’ll also have a front row seat to Jesse’s Train Station!
Ongoing maintenance generously provided by Redwood Empire Garden Railway Society and Lee Brown, owner of Hunter’s Train Depot.
Jesse’s Train Station
Modeled after a real train station in Petaluma, Jesse’s Train Station offers an up-close look at how the Science and Imagination Railroad operates. Watch as the train rolls in, comes to a stop, and sets off again along its route through the Museum.
Nearby, you can step inside a replica passenger car and watch video footage shot from the train’s own point of view! As the train continues its journey, it winds through a detailed miniature Sonoma County town filled with buildings and townspeople. The immersive video and rhythmic sounds of the tracks enhance the sense of movement and help bring the experience to life.
Jesse’s Train Station is generously sponsored by Herb Williams in memory of his son Jesse Williams.
Mini Train Town
Mini Train Town invites kids to explore how trains connect and move down railroad tracks. Little ones can guide wooden train cars through a city, navigating tunnels and winding tracks designed to help them practice fine motor skills and coordination.
As they play, model trains from the Science and Imagination Railroad travel along suspended tracks directly overhead.
Mini Train Town is generously sponsored by the Codding Foundation.
Our train exhibits are just the beginning. Throughout the year, we also host special train-themed events that bring even more railroad magic to life. One of our biggest and most anticipated events is Dino Trax, a train and dinosaur-themed event for kids of all ages!
All Aboard for Dino Trax! The Ultimate Train and Dinosaur Adventure
Mark your calendars for Dino Trax at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, our annual train-themed event with a prehistoric twist!
From rumbling rails to Mesozoic trails, Dino Trax is an immersive adventure full of hands-on exploration and imagination-fueled fun for the whole family. Get up close with real-life reptiles, ride a miniature train, and explore interactive play zones filled with fascinating discoveries waiting to be unearthed. With plenty more surprises waiting around every corner, this is one adventure you don’t want to miss!
Dino Trax is a multi-day event typically held in May.
