Irvine Regional Park Railroad: A Scenic Train Ride in Orange, CA

Irvine Regional Park Railroad in Orange, California, offers a ride on a 1/3-scale train that takes you through the oak trees of Irvine Park. The train leaves the station every 30 minutes or when there are enough passengers. Unlike many miniature trains where you sit on top of the cars, riders on the Irvine Park train sit comfortably inside covered train cars. A new shiny electric locomotive has replaced the old propane-powered locomotive previously used to pull passengers around the park, making your park exploration eco-friendly.

The 12-minute ride on the Irvine Park train is a unique experience that takes you past the park’s lakes and around one of the oldest oak tree groves in Irvine Park. Your conductor points out highlights along the way and briefly explains Irvine Park. The top speed is only a few miles an hour, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the view. Just before your return to the train station, you enter a tunnel. Inside the tunnel, there is time to let go with a few screams before your train trip ends.

Irvine Regional Park Railroad Seasonal Events

The Irvine Regional Park Railroad is a hub of fun and excitement! They have a calendar full of year-round events, promising endless entertainment. Let’s dive into some of the most exciting highlights.

• Anniversary Celebration: Every February, they celebrate their anniversary with $2 train rides, $2 ice cream, and $2 hot dogs. It’s like stepping back in time to 1996!
• Easter Eggstravaganza: In March, the Easter Bunny arrives in town, and you can take a train to visit him. There are also egg hunts, hay rides, and other Easter-themed activities.
• Pumpkin Patch: Come October, the Pumpkin Patch opens, and you can pick out your perfect pumpkin. They also have a corn maze, hay rides, and other fall fun. Admission to the Pumpkin Patch is free.
• Christmas Train: The Irvine Park Christmas train is a highly anticipated event. In December, the Christmas Train transports you to Santa’s Village, allowing you to meet Santa himself. The train journey is adorned with festive lights and decorations.
• Birthday Parties are popular at Irvine Park Railroad, with several events happening simultaneously. The pony rides are next to the train station, making them perfect for younger children. Alternatively, adults may prefer to rent a horse and enjoy a guided horseback tour.

And that’s only the beginning! Smaller events, such as the Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off and the OC Zoo’s Annual Egg Hunt, are held yearly. Whether you’re a fan of Easter, Halloween, or Christmas, Irvine Regional Park Railroad has something for everyone.

Irvine Regional Park Activities

Irvine Railroad is just one of the many exciting activities at this beautiful park. From paddleboat rides to pony rides and bike rentals to the Orange County Zoo, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For a fun family outing, head to Irvine Park and ride under the Oaks on the Irvine Park Railroad. If you plan a visit, you can enjoy the train ride, paddle boat rentals, bike rentals, pony rides, and even a zoo. Irvine Park is designed with families in mind, offering various activities suitable for all ages. Bring your sense of adventure and a camera to capture all the memories. Check the park’s website for hours, fees, and special events.

Getting to the Irvine Regional Park Railroad

Irvine Regional Park is a well-loved destination for families and nature enthusiasts, thanks to its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and wide range of activities. Unsurprisingly, the park has become a beloved part of the community. Irvine Regional Park Railroad’s address is 1 Irvine Park Rd Orange, California. Trains operate from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, seven days a week.

More Orange County Fun Trains to Ride

Santa Ana Zoo Train the Zoofari Express

The Santa Ana Zoo train was initially part of Santa’s Village, a Christmas-themed amusement park. When Santa’s Village closed (now open as SkyPark at Santa’s Village), the Friends of Santa Ana Zoo bought the train and most of the original track. The train was refurbished and opened at the Santa Ana Zoo in the spring of 1999. The engine was originally gas-powered when it was first installed at the zoo. However, it has been converted to electric power to make it more environmentally friendly—Santa Ana Zoo website.

Goat Hill Junction: Put a Smile on Your Face!

The trains at Goat Hill Junction run on a 7.5-inch gauge track, and the layout is quite large, with over 5 miles of track winding through Fairview Park in Costa Mesa, California. Train rides take about 12-15 minutes and cover two park loops, giving you a lovely view of the surrounding area. Volunteers operate the miniature trains at Goat Hill Junction, a labor of love. The trains run on the third full weekend of each month, from 10 am to 3:30 pm, weather permitting. Train rides are free. Visit website.

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