Good-for-Kids Rating

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Sonoma TrainTown Railroad Description

Family-run for more than 40 years, TrainTown has a wonderfully hokey quality that's a refreshing contrast to chain-run water parks and other amusements. The scale model train criss-crosses a ten-acre property, circling a lake and passing through scale-sized farms, scenery, and the town of Lakeview along the way. There's also a merry-go-round, ferris wheel, airplain kiddie ride, swings and a small arcade with games. Gaily painted and old-fashioned, TrainTown has a goofy celebratory feel that always puts a smile on everyone's face, including mine because of the reasonable prices. Snacks like popcorn and hotdogs are available onsite, or you can bring a picnic. My kids' favorite activity is climbing around the three historic full-sized caboose cars dating from the 1930s. Be sure to check out our other Sonoma vacation ideas.

Kid Tips

Toddlers & Pre-K: TrainTown is designed with kids from stroller to school in mind. Toddlers will feel perfectly proportioned in the miniature town, while older kids will still relish the rides.

Pre-Teens & Teens: TrainTown may feel too young for some kids age 12 and up, especially if they've entered the "this is uncool" phase. If you have younger kids and older ones, let the older kids skip the rides and hang out eating, playing in the arcade, and poking around the historic rail cars while younger kids take the full tour.

Planning Notes

Crowded on sunny weekends. Unlike many amusement parks, TrainTown isn't typically a mob scene, but it's pretty typical to have to wait for one or two go-rounds before you get on the train if it's a sunny weekend. You can beat the rush by going at 10 a.m. when the park opens, or late in the day around 3 or so when younger kids have headed home for naps.

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