Let summertime fun begin with the much-anticipated reopening of Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, located only four miles from the south gate of Yosemite National Park. Starting Jun 12, visitors can once again ride the open-air “logger” on a one-hour excursion through the Sierra Nevada. The Thornberry Museum, onsite gold panning, and Kids Depot Toy Store make it the perfect destination for your family.
This year significant aspects of the operation have been updated to ensure safety for everyone. The guidelines from the CDC, State of California, and Madera County are followed strictly at this world-class attraction.
“We have reduced the number of touchpoints,” explains Scott McGhee, General Manager of Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. “Whether it’s your first time visiting us, or you make it a regular outing, we have the staff and the safety procedures in place to help people feel confident to venture out. We’re excited to welcome everyone back as Yosemite reopens!”
The following safety protocols will be in effect at Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad:
Reservations are now required to limit the number of guests and assure safe social distancing. Trains depart daily at 9:30 A.M. and 11:00 A.M., and you can book online.
There will be health screening questions for all visitors.
Capacity is limited to 50%.
Recommending all guests wear masks.
Inside of buildings, people will be limited for safe social distancing space.
Box lunches are available to purchase online in advance.
Outdoor picnic tables allow space for social distancing or take your lunch to go.
Access to touchless hand sanitizing stations located throughout the property.
Boarding groups will receive wristbands, rather than paper tickets.
Safety barriers installed at transaction points.
Gold panning water will be treated and gold pans sanitized after each use.
There are extra cleaning and sanitization crews on-hand to ensure safety for everyone.
An air purifier will sanitize the museum displays, nightly.
Daily employee health and temperature checks.
All employees will wear masks.
—Jennifer Swartvagher
Featured photo: Yosemite National Park & Yosemite Sugar Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
Grab $200 when you pass GO and celebrate Monopoly’s 85th anniversary. In honor of the occasion, the board game is debuting a special-edition game board embellished with more than 2,000 Swarovski crystals. This spectacular version offers the usual properties, except the stripes above the names are adorned in colored crystals.
This over-the-top Monopoly game features a glass board decorated with gold and silver printing. Gold game pieces, including a new ring token made especially for this version. The Monopoly logo and Railroad symbols are filled in with silver crystals. With gold foil stamped Chance, Community Chest, and Title Deed cards and money made from vellum, this luxe edition will really be the star of your next game night.
The Monopoly 85th Anniversary Edition is available for preorder online for $499. Hurry and grab one soon, as only 500 copies were produced.
Kick off your holiday season with a visit to one of these epic Christmas light displays in and around Phoenix. There will be lights covering the Phoenix Zoo, downtown winter wonderlands and massive drive-through lights displays. Here are some of the best places to see Christmas lights in Phoenix.
Lights of the World is the largest light and lantern festival in North America brightens the Downtown Phoenix skies at the Arizona State Fairgrounds.You'll find food vendors, carnival games and 65 amazing light displays.
Glimmering displays light the way through the Phoenix Zoo this holiday season! On display are millions of lights, a three-story-high holiday tree, hundreds of glimmering light displays and lakeside music-in-motion shows.
Every winter, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess transforms into an enchanting holiday wonderland with festive decorations and over four million sparkling LED lights: Christmas at the Princess. Go ice skating and watch colorful light shows in the Enchanted Plaza.
Vertuccio Farms is going to be your must-see holiday destination for some truly amazing farm-family-fun with over two million lights. Each display synchronized to a variety of Christmas classics that will have you singing along.
Stroll the Desert Botanical Garden’s trails lined with 8,000 flickering luminaria bags, gaze at twinkling lights and admire the enchanting glow of Wild Rising creatures. Happen upon tunes from eclectic entertainment groups and cherish the time spent with friends and family during the holiday season.
Thousands of people each year visit downtown Glendale for the monumentally magical Glendale Glitters, where the enchanting Historic Downtown Old Towne and Catlin Court Shopping Districts are illuminated with 1.6 million lights over a 16-block area.
The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park might be the coolest place to bring the kids to see Santa. Experience a one-of-a-kind visit with Santa in the historic Maricopa Depot.
Illumination AZ is Arizona’s largest holiday, drive-thru, light show. During the mile-long drive, you will experience millions of holiday lights synchronized to your favorite holiday music. End your journey by entering Holiday Boulevard by parking your car and walking through a giant ornament.
Unlike the original game, this Disney-themed version doesn’t have Park Place, the Electric Company or B & O Railroad. Instead, look for fave character spots (from the movie) to land on.
photo: Hot Topic
The game, which is for two to six players who are eight and up, comes with one play-time board, six collectible tokens, 28 title deed cards, 16 Galactic Federation cards, 16 Aloha cards, 32 houses, 12 hotels and dice. Find the Disney Lilo & Stitch Monopoly board game at Hot Topic for $49.
Ready to take your little railroad conductors on a train ride near you? We’ve got ten local train rides to tell you about––from a quick zip on a rare, antique model G16 to a day trip adventure along the coast––that will thrill kids of all ages. Read on to see where to get on the right track for an unforgettable excursion.
The Pacific Surfliner
Kerry Cushman
Climb aboard the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner for a scenic ride that is sure to please train aficionados of all ages. The Pacific Surfliner extends from San Diego to San Luis Obispo and many SoCal spots in between. Plan a day trip to a nearby beach town or make it a car-free overnight staycation. Either way, the stunning views along the Pacific Ocean will make the journey just as fun as the destination.
Check train schedules online to plan your adventure and look for special deals and discounts.
Located right outside the entrance of the world famous San Diego Zoo, hop on board for a 3-minute ride on a model G16 (a rare antique -- there are as few as fifty currently remaining)! It’s a half-mile mini tour of the San Diego region through four acres of Balboa Park, with signs letting you know what part of town you're traveling through (such as “East County”). Cuddle up to over-sized stuffed animals who ride on the train and enjoy the view. Your little conductor will enjoy spotting zoo animal sculptures and going through a long tunnel before the train ride ends.
Hours: Fri., Sat. & Sun. (and holidays) 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Tickets: $3/person; Free/1 year and under
LEGOLAND Express Train
Beth Shea
While there's so much to see and do at this theme park, a true train enthusiast won't pass up an opportunity to ride a train, even at LEGOLAND. The LEGOLAND Express is located in Duplo Playtown and it makes two laps on a circular track through a farm with LEGO brick crops, including carrots and corn. Unlike many other LEGOLAND rides, there are no height requirements to ride the LEGOLAND Express! However, kids under 36”, must be accompanied by a responsible rider who's 36" or taller.
LEGOLAND California 1 LEGOLAND Dr. Carlsbad, CA 92009 Online: legoland.com
Although their Steam Loco is currently out of service, kids can still climb aboard the cable car or speeder train at Poway-Midland Railroad. The narrow-gauge railroad operates only on Saturdays and Sundays, making it the perfect weekend activity for your little train operators. The Depot Store sells train tickets in addition to Thomas & Friends merchandise.
While the train ride is approximately a 5 minute, 2-lap route around Old Poway Park, it's just the right amount of time to decide what to explore next. There’s something fun for everyone at Old Poway Park: good eats at the Hamburger Factory restaurant or Farmer’s Market as well as craft shows, local history and year-round family fun. Plus, it's a great place to take family photos!
Old Poway Park 14134 Midland Rd. Poway, CA 92064 Online: powaymidlandrr.org
Hours: Sat.: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. & Sun. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. CLOSED: Second Sunday of each month and from the second Sunday in December until the first weekend in January for winter break.
The COASTER is a commuter train that runs north and south along the San Diego County coast from the Santa Fe Depot in downtown to Oceanside. Plan to stop in one of the coastal communities and pack a picnic to enjoy at the beach. Or, just enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean along the route.
Begin by planning a trip by checking out the COASTER's online schedule. It should be noted that fares vary from start-to-end zone. For example, an adult round-trip fare from downtown San Diego to Oceanside (through 3 zones) is $13. Kids under age 6 ride for free with a fare-paying passenger.
A club of railroad hobbyists called the Chula Vista Live Steamers run miniature steam and diesel engine trains on various weekends. No train fare is required, but donations are greatly appreciated. The miniature trains typically run on the second weekend of the month from noon-2:30 p.m., but be sure to check the schedule and online calendar in advance.
Your rail buff will be on cloud nine at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum located in Campo, East County San Diego. The Golden State Limited rides through the back country scenery of San Diego County and along the Mexican border, crossing the Campo Creek Viaduct and entering into International Tunnel #4. It's a 12-mile round trip ride that lasts about 45 minutes. You can also treat your train fan (age 6 and up) to a cab ride in the locomotive with the engineer by making reservations in advance for $40 for a round trip. Only two riders are allowed in the cab at one time.
After your train ride, visit the train museum and view a large collection of steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars and cabooses.
You'll board this trackless train on the mall’s level 3 near the Dining Court. After your train ride, your little engineer will be thrilled to shop the nearby Totally Thomas’ Toy Depot stocked from floor to ceiling with Thomas & Friends toys, games and art supplies! If you need to find a limited-edition Thomas train or a perfect birthday surprise for your train collector, this is your store.
Westfield North County 272 East Via Rancho Parkway Escondido, CA 92025 Online: westfield.com/northcounty
Train hours: Mon.-Sat.. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sun. noon- 7 p.m. Tickets: $4/per person/per ride. Kids 6 months and younger are free.
Catch this trackless train on the first floor of the mall near Macy’s. After your train ride, the whole family will enjoy the nearby John’s Incredible Pizza Co. featuring a tasty all you can eat buffet, rides, games and attractions. And pay a visit to the Disney store upstairs, where your little ones will love to see their favorite characters including Mickey Mouse, the Disney Princesses, Pooh and so many more.
Westfield Plaza Bonita 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd. National City, CA 91950 Online: westfield.com/plazabonita
Train hours: Mon.- Fri. noon to 8 p.m. Sat. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets: $4/per person/per ride. Kids 6 months and younger are free.
After scoring deals at nearby Disney Store and Kate Spade outlet, it's time to reward your patient train crew with a well-deserved train ride on a mini steam locomotive replica: The Choo Choo Express located right off center court between Aeropostale and Calvin Klein. Tickets cost $3 per train ride and $2 for an adult to accompany a kiddo (and kids under 3 must be accompanied by an adult). At the end of your ride, head to the Disney Store Outlet, Baby GAP, Carter's and OshKosh B'Gosh to shop.
Don't forget that this outlet mall is close to many other family favorite attractions in the area including The Flower Fields, LEGOLAND and Museum of Making Music.
Carlsbad Premium Outlets 5620 Paseo del Norte Carlsbad, CA 92008 Online: premiumoutlets.com
You don’t have to lace up the hiking boots to enjoy the fall colors. Climb aboard a 100-year-old steam engine for an adventure the whole family can enjoy. Sit back, relax and enjoy the rollicking of the railroad as it steams up a mountain or chugs across a bridge. Fans of Thomas the Train and The Little Engine That Could will love peeping the fall colors as they shout “choo choo” to the clickety clack of the track. Read on for the best scenic train rides near the DMV.
You can choose your family adventure on these turn-of-the-century locomotives. Plan a mid-day, 2.5-hour ride or an all-day excursion. Chug up to West Virginia’s third highest point for an epic view. Some trains offer lunch, dinner or concessions, and all the routes have gorgeous trees rolling by your Littles’ window seat. The trains stop at scenic sites where your little passengers can stretch their legs and enjoy the foliage up close.
America’s oldest operating railroad is a “must ride” this fall season. Your kiddos won’t find a replica or reenactor in sight. This is the real deal. Take a 45-minute, round trip ride through the changing leaves of the beautiful Amish countryside. The best part? Your ticket purchase keeps the trains running year-after-year. Splurge on a First-Class ticket to ride in style in the Premium Car.
Hop in the 1920s passenger car or an open flatcar for a picturesque ride through Maryland farm country. The 70-minute ride is filled with beautiful fall colors and a ton of history. Your future conductor will love passing over the Monocacy River and peeping the leaves on the Catoctin Mountains. The station – where you buy your tickets – was built in the late 1800s. The train whistle blows rain or shine.
Insider tip: Be sure to stop by the Port-a-potty across the street before you board. There aren’t any bathrooms on the train.
34 West Pennsylvania Ave. Walkersville, MD 301-898-0899 Online: wsrr.org/ws/
Who wants stunning views of the leaves, a cozy train experience and family pizza night? Yes, please! The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad has all of this and more. Share a large pizza on the way, hop off at MountainView for a campfire and family games and be back at the station by 9 p.m. (just in time for bedtime). Don’t forget to snap that perfect fall photo as the train glides across the iron truss bridge.
13 Canal St. Cumberland, MD 301-759-4400 Online: wmsr.com/
Board for the leaves and ride along for the bald eagles. Your kiddo will love it as the train enters a beautiful gorge known as the Trough. This stop is home to the American bald eagle and all the gorgeous fall foliage. The eagles are known to be more active in rainy and overcast weather. Get a reservation for this perfect rainy-day activity.
Celebrate the 150th anniversary season in The Secret Valley of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Grab a ticket for the Pumpkin Patch excursion and your little pumpkin can experience all the fall fun. Soak up the autumn beauty and take home a sunny gourd for the front porch. The train cars are heated, but it can still get chilly. Throw on your favorite cozy sweater before you head out for all the family fun.
The top-hat wearing Mr. Monopoly is making way for a brand new mascot, Ms. Monopoly in the first version of the timeless board game that celebrates women’s achievements.
Not only does the new Ms. Monopoly game feature a new character, but the game itself has changed. While Mr. Monopoly is a real estate mogul, Ms. Monopoly invests in innovations all made possible by women throughout history. Instead of buying Park Place or a Railroad, players can invest in inventions like WiFi, solar heating and even the all-important chocolate chip cookies.
photo: Courtesy of Hasbro
To celebrate the launch of this new twist on a family favorite, Hasbro awarded young, female inventors and entrepreneurs with $20,580 in real money––the same amount of Monopoly money featured in the game. These prizes were given to young inventors between 13 and 16 years old to help complete their projects, all of which are intended to help others. For example, one recipient, Gitanjali Rao, a 13-year-old from Denver, created an easy to use device which helps detect lead in drinking water.
“Through the introduction of Ms. Monopoly and the money these young women have received to invest in their future projects, we want to recognize and celebrate the many contributions women have made to our society and continue to make on a daily basis,” said Jen Boswinkel, Senior Director, Global Brand Strategy and Marketing, Hasbro.
Ms. Monopoly, which is priced at $19.99, will hit stores nationwide in mid-September. You can pre-order it now at Walmart.
The LA County Fair offers way more than carnival rides and fried food on a stick—though there’s plenty of that too. As one of the largest county fairs in North America, it’s chockfull of family fun. From mini horses to giant train cars, read on for our guide to everything to see and do with kids at this year’s extravaganza.
Tickets! Get Your Tickets!
Linnaea Mallette via publicdomainpictures.net
Dates & Times: The fair kicks off on Fri., August 30 (noon to midnight) and goes through September 22. After Labor Day weekend, it's open Wed.-Sun. On weekdays, gates open at noon; while on weekends, they open at 10a.m.
Cost: Admission to the fair on weekdays (Wed.-Fri.) costs $14 for adults (ages 13 and up) and $8 for kids ages 6-12. Kids 5 and under are free—woohoo! On weekends and holidays (ahem, Labor Day Monday), ticket prices jump to $20 for adults and $12 for kids ages 6-12. Be prepared to pay for parking—general parking is $15, VIP is $25, and valet is $30.
Insider Tip: Visit any participating Ralphs Grocery store Aug. 21-Sept. 22 and you can score single-day admission tickets for just $12 for adults and $6 for kids.
Let's Eat!
Laura Green
Of course, there's plenty of cotton candy, corn dogs, deed-fried everything (even watermelon) and even buffalo chicken and mac 'n' cheese in a waffle cone (yep, that's a thing). But you can also find fare that's, well, less fair-y. Past options have included vegan tacos, fruit smoothies and fresh grilled veggie flatbreads right from the farm. If none of those sounds good to your little ones, there's always the Rainbow Pop Grilled Cheese, which you can find at The Dog House for $6.50.
Insider Tip: Find more meal option that are part of the $6.50 value menu.
RailGiants Train Museum
Courtesy of RailGiants Train Museum
All aboard! Locomotive-loving kids will love a stop at this museum on the Fairplex grounds. Step inside some of the largest steam engines and diesel locomotives in the world, plus explore authentic sleeping and dining cars, and a historical train depot built in 1885. Added bonus: Kids can even blow the whistle in a giant engine!
After checking out RailGiants, chugga-chugga on over to this miniature railroad that's been a Fair exhibit since 1924. With more than 10,000 feet of operating track, it's one of the largest public garden railroads in the U.S. Choo-choo!
Farm Fun
A county fair isn't a county fair without plenty of livestock to visit and pet. At the Big Red Barn, you'll find the Rawhide Dude Ranch where kids can learn to lasso a cow, ride on rocking horses and visit the resident horse Copper and her friends.
There also the Little Red Barn, home to all sorts of miniature critters like pint-sized horses, pigs, cows and more! Get a moo-ve on!
Kiddie Carnival
Courtesy of LA County Fair
If your kids are adamant about trying out a few rides, make your way to the Kiddie Carnival (Behind the Garden Railraod) with rides specifically for the under 4-foot set. From mini bumper cars to a carousel, there's a little something for everyone.
You’ll find mountains, lakes, forests and tons of exploring options when you bring the kids to Klamath County, Oregon. We’ve rounded up our favorite activities for families to make your visit to this Southern Oregon vacation destination a breeze. Scroll through and book your stay today!
1. Zipline through the Trees
Kate Loweth
Just outside of downtown Klamath Falls, Crater Lake Zipline will get the whole family up in the trees for some extreme fun. Kids 5-12 can spend some time at Sasquatch Hollow—the kids' zipline and adventure course that will get your kid crew climbing across rope nets, balancing on bridges and zipping down ziplines. For the 10+ crew, book some time in the tree canopy where nine ziplines traverse the trees on the longest zipline in Oregon.
If you want to up your adventure in Klamath, choose a Skyak tour from Crater Lake Ziplines and you'll get lunch and an afternoon kayak tour added on to your day. Kayaking can be added on to either the kids zipline course or to the 10+ zipline experience. All the gear will be provided and a seasoned guide will take you out to the waterways of Malone Spring. As you paddle through the kayak trails of the Upper Klamath Lake wetlands, keep your eyes peeled for beavers, otters and birds that make their homes here.
Klamath Falls is a great home base for your visit to Klamath County as it is close to adventures in California like Lava Beds National Monument and also offers loads of activities and history. The Cerulean Hotel is an inexpensive option for families with big rooms that you can spread out in and a swimming pool to cool off after a hot day. Make a beeline to the Waffle Hut just behind the property for breakfast as massive liege waffles are their specialty.
Kate Loweth
The hotel also offers bike rentals if you would like to get around town on two wheels. Tour the many gorgeous murals in Klamath for some epic photo opps. Then take your bikes out to check out the Oregon California and Eastern Railroad Trail, a 109-mile rail to trail conversion built on the old railbed of the railroad. As the longest linear state park in Oregon this tail boasts trestle bridges, viewpoints and even old cabooses. The trail is open to any non-motorized traffic.
4. Visit the Klamath County Museum
Learn the history of this area from the railroad days to today with a visit to the Klamath County Museum. Kids are free and adults are $5 to get in. You can grab a scavenger hunt sheet from the front desk to look for all the local animals in the children's exhibit. Head to the back of the museum to see the old schoolhouse exhibit and ring the school bell. Tip: You can view the outdoor exhibits at any time without paying for admission.
5. Take in the Beauty of Crater Lake National Park
Kate Loweth
This national park is a must-visit spot when you come to Klamath County. Crater Lake was formed when Mount Mazama imploded, leaving a huge hole called a caldera which eventually filled with water to create the lake. Stop by the visitor center when you arrive to watch a short movie about the national park's history before you head out to see the sights.
Kids will be amazed to see that there's snow at Crater Lake, even in the summer! After this year's epic snowfall you'll want to check the park's website before going to see how much of the Rim Drive is open to vehicle traffic. Often the parks service will have portions of the road open to hikers even when vehicles are not allowed, which make for a fun adventure. Boat tours are typically available from early July through the end of September and trolleys provide tours once the roads are open.
Insider's tip: Don't forget that fourth graders can get their family in free here with their Every Kid in a Park pass!
Just down the road from Crater Lake you'll find the Heartline Ranch and their teepee village. Here you can tent camp or reserve one of the teepees for the night. All six teepees have a fire ring inside to keep you warm at night, a picnic table and outdoor fire ring for s'mores. Visitors with horses can stay in the RV/tent spots that come with two horse stalls.
Visit with the friendly horses at the end of the day or book some time on the trail with Cowboy Bob. Kids 8 and older can take a trail ride to hear the history of this beautiful property. There are trails for hiking, nearby streams for fishing and a small town just a short drive away if you need supplies.
Train Mountain Railroad Museum is located on over 2,000 acres of Ponderosa Pine forest in Klamath County. Here you can take a walking tour to see the largest collection of cabooses anywhere (37!).
On Saturdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Klamath and Western Railroad Inc. provides free train rides for the public on their miniature railroad. Enjoy a 20-minute ride around the property. Bonus: you can ride the train as many times as you'd like! It's a real treat for railfans of all ages.
—Kate Loweth
This trip was paid for in part by Discover Klamath but all opinions expressed belong to the author.
Does your family wish those weekend bicycle rides would never end? Soon you’ll be able to bike or hike across the United States on a 3,700 mile multiuse trail!
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has just unveiled the full trail map for The Great American Rail Trail which will cross 12 states and the District of Columbia from coast to coast. The Great American is the nation’s first cross-country multiuse trail built from existing rail trails. The route is now more than 52 percent complete and hosted by 130 existing trails.
photo: Courtesy of Rails-To Trails Conservancy
The trail starts on Washington, D.C.’s Capital Crescent Trail and ends up 35 miles outside of Seattle. Along the way riders will pass through Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Parks, Nebraska’s Cowboy Trail and the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes through Idaho’s panhandle, among others. In addition to Washington D.C. the 12 states along the route include Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and Washington state.
What makes the Great American unique, besides crossing the entire country, is that rail-trails are multipurpose—or multiuse—public trails created from former railroad corridors. The paths are flat or gently sloping, making them easily accessible and a great way to enjoy the outdoors for explorers of all ages and abilities. Rail-trails are ideal for many types of activities, including walking, bicycling, wheelchair use, inline skating, cross-country skiing and horseback riding.
photo: Courtesy of Rails-To Trails Conservancy
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy spent the past several years working with state agencies to find the best routes and connect the trails. While it will likely be decades before it is fully completed, each year more sections of the Great American will become active as it will be continuously developed. You can learn more about the initiative and pledge your support at greatamericanrailtrail.org.
