Kids and Parents will love this ride on a miniature train that is a replica of a real diesel locomotive. It navigates through the scenery of Balboa Park, goes through a tunnel, and passes near another kid favorite – the Balboa Park Historic Carousel. It is located right between the Carousel and the San Diego Zoo. Rides are less than 5 minutes long so the line is usually small. Tickets are $3 per person and both kids and adults can ride the train comfortably.

Important tip, the railroad is NOT inside the zoo. Its just outside, so no zoo admission is needed to ride.Only a small fee to ride and they have a hat, whistle, and bandana you can buy as a souvenir. I do wish they had more souvenirs. But it is nice that they have this. Very special

Kids had fun ridding the train. We spent an hour here eating lunch and doing about 6 laps on the track, there was no line when we went.

I have lived in San Diego for decades and been to Balba Park and the Zoo countless times. I never knew about the miniature railroad. I was asked to join friends this holiday season. It was just fun. Its inexpensive and only takes a few minutes, but well worth doing. Everyone that went enjoyed the ride.

This train ride has been a favorite destination since I can remember. I have been taking my son on it since he was born. Its such a piece of San Diego history that is fun for the entire family. It doesnt matter how old you are, whos going to turn down a ride in a miniature train? This is a very inexpensive way to put a smile on you and your familys face.

Its a fun little train ride. More importantly my nephew loved it. We rode twice and would probably have gone all day if hed had his druthers. The people running the train were a pleasure to be around.

Great family train ride anytime of year, Christmas lights made it even more+ fun!

Fun to do if youre at the park or zoo, kids under 1 ride free otherwise its 3 bucks per person/child.

Tickets are three dollars. The train is clean and fun! We rode it twice. The kiddos loved it! They take a card or cash.

Utterly delightful fun for all ages.Having neither been a railroad enthusiast nor a model enthusiast I reluctantly toured what I assumed would be a series of exhibits targeted at children. Imagine my surprise when I found a whole whimsical universe of painstakingly and brilliantly constructed miniature worlds. The people who built and maintain these models are clearly passionate about their hobby and it shows. Walking between exhibits one finds it impossible not to be captured by the delight guiding the hands of the modellers.I was struck by the emotion in captured in the scenes of everyday life captured romantically and reminded that in a similar way a master painting is different than a photograph of the same scene. There is a deeply human element which has gone into the displays and I found them charming beyond words. Volunteers are on site to answer questions but also serve as the visible benevolent giants tending to their creations.Of course, it is still super fun for kids who often do not see physical models of anything in this digital world. An hour should be satisfactory to see the museum but it will linger in your memory much longer than that.

Came here as a youngster, brought my son, now we bring granddaughter. The scenery & statues have not changed. As much $$$ as the Zoo has youd think they would have a lot more nice animal statues on display. Needs revamping. The irony is that the Art Village is right there. Have them create some nice pieces.

Small little train that my toddler is in love with... not a bad way to spend a few minutes while at the park

Great place for Kids and Adults. The price is only $3.00. The train ride is about 5min long winding through a large figure eight track. Lots of trees to provide shade and large Animal sculptures to look out. At the End is a Tunnel thats very exciting. Overall great ride to take lots of video and pictures.My Only suggestion is to post a volenter sign. The wonderful Animal sculptures are Super dusty, Im sure a volenter wouldnt mind cleaning them. In exchange for a few free train rides.

Gorgeous place to come out and visit. The only downside is that it can get pretty crowded and people seem to always be in a rush and run into you. Other than that it was a great experience and what an amazing sight to see.

Its a fun little ride relaxing I wish it could be a longer ride but definitely fun to go on

My boys love the train ride, they are 1 and 3. Its about a 5 minute ride

My kids love riding the train whenever we stop by Balboa Park on weekends

Loved going on this trian! Very reasonably priced and the kids were entertained! I recommend buying the hat, whistle and bandana package for the kids!

Located NEXT to the Zoo, but not IN the Zoo, so no admission required, just the $3 fee! Only open weekends & holdays, but worth the wait!

A must do with kids!!

SOOO FUN !! I RODE THE TRAIN IN GRIFFITH PARK AS A KID- PASSING ON THE FUN TO MY GRANDS !!

Very nice train, great fun for kids.

Definitely worth stopping by, especially if you have young kids with you.

Great for kids! located next to the carousel and mini carousel :) and of course balboa park!

Very nice place to walk with the family

Great ride and fun for kids. We took this ride twice.

Very interesting and kid friendly

Pretty tiny. 4 minutes ride

Very decent price. Sit towards the back unless you want to breathe in exhaust fumes. I feel sorry for the conductor... They should redirect the fumes toward the ground. Breathing the fumes took away a star on an otherwise 5 star review.

The kids loving getting on the train

Fun for the kids and close to the zoo

A very fun little trip for the entire family. This train has a longer track than your average miniature train ride, and is especially fun during the holidays when their are light displays.

An old school vintage train and carousel, still in operation after all these years! A favorite of my kids, and something we enjoy very much. The carousel is amazing!

Well kempt train and comfortable. Its a fun little side trip!

My daughter and I loved it !!!

It’s not open on Fridays.

If you have kids under 5 or if you like to pretend your still 5 (which is great and thats what I did) then hop on this little choo choo and smile. Its fun!!

The are always closed

Park was nice.Train doesnt run anymore.

Old but still a lot of fun for the kids! The train and carousel are both fun for the kids!

I have found memories of riding this train with my mom when I was kid. I hope its still running when I finally go back home later this month.

Arrive and depart the zoo in style!Another treasure of the park lovingly maintained for decades.

Nice place. Price is right.

My son loves this train, its inexpensive and fun! Always a must visit for us when were in the area.

Very nice and cute experience!

Awesome...rode the train and carousel with the babies.

Loved it

Good for kid

Very crowded and hard to find parking

Kids love it.

It was fun when I was a kid

The attitude of ticket seller and train driver is really awful