Balboa Park Miniature Railroad

Located in Balboa Park between the San Diego Zoo and the Balboa Park Carousel, this miniature train ride is a kid’s dream come true. My grandson was so excited when he walked up and saw what we were going to ride. Kids five and under must have an adult riding with them. Tickets are $4 each person for one ride as of April 12, 2024. The ride lasts 3-4 minutes. There are some animal statues, flowers and plants, and a tunnel to enjoy along the track. Parking is available in the small lot near the train or the zoo parking lot.

Good for the kids. $4 a head with some light displays during the holidays plus a psychedelic Wonka tunnel at the end, just about when most of the adults start reflecting on how they ended up on a miniature diesel train with two kids and grandpa plus a rucksack full of wipes and spare diapers. Staff super nice. No real wait when we went on a Friday night at 5:00 p.m.

It is a short maybe 3-4 train ride that your toddlers will love. It only costs $4.00 per person which is a small price to pay for the joy on you littles face. We paid to around twice. The staff is friendly and the location is great. (The zoo and Balboa Park are right there)

When you have train a fanatic kid, you seek out train museums. He was very excited to come and see these layouts. Many of them are a “work in progress” and look as though they’ve been worked on for years and years. Some of the layouts are just amazing. So much detail it is amazing.

This spot is again a must visit if you have kids. Just next to Balboa carousel and left side of San Diego Zoo. Tickets are just $3 per person and each round is 5 minutes total, and i would say totally worth it !! If you are going in summer, make sure to carry a cap🧢 or hat 🤠 as the track is completely open.