Sonoma TrainTown Railroad - chiba,japan
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Sonoma TrainTown Railroad

4.5
·1k reviews·Sonoma, United States

A charming quarter-scale railroad offering scenic rides, a miniature town, petting zoo, and classic amusement park attractions.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends, mornings

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdMedium
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Sonoma TrainTown Railroad - chiba,japan

Sonoma TrainTown Railroad

Best Time

Weekends, mornings

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming quarter-scale railroad offering scenic rides, a miniature town, petting zoo, and classic amusement park attractions.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"It's a pretty cool place for kids, even though they only have five rides besides the train, it's a magical place."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Park Admission & Parking

Enjoy the park grounds and parking at no cost! Only pay for rides and train tickets.

💰 Train Tickets Separate

Train tickets are required for the ride and must be purchased at the counter.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Scenic Train Ride

The Scenic Train Ride

Quarter-scale railroad

A 20-minute journey through tunnels, over bridges, and to a charming miniature town with a petting zoo.

Instagram+1
Lakeview Miniature Town & Petting Zoo

Lakeview Miniature Town & Petting Zoo

Stop on the train route

Explore child-sized buildings and feed adorable farm animals. Don't forget your quarters!

Instagram+1
Mine Train Roller Coaster

Mine Train Roller Coaster

Amusement park rides

Don't underestimate this coaster; it's a thrilling ride for all ages!

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Planning Your Visit

Book Train Tickets in Advance

While park admission is free, train ride tickets are separate and can't be bought online. Arrive early or expect queues, especially on weekends. Consider buying ride tickets too, as they are needed for the train and other attractions. Reddit

Quarters for Animal Feed

Bring plenty of quarters if you plan to feed the animals at the petting zoo in Lakeview. This is a highlight for many, and having quarters ensures a fun interaction for the kids. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekends, mornings
Why
Beat the crowds and heat
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays (seasonal)
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I almost cried for her 🥹😰😍 #traintown #sonoma #napa #rollercoaster #mom #MomsofTikTok #family #whattodo #fun
@alexandra_lourdes
19.9K likes • 174.4K views

🎯 Free Park Admission & Parking

Enjoy the park grounds and parking at no cost! Only pay for rides and train tickets. Instagram+1

💰 Train Tickets Separate

Train tickets are required for the ride and must be purchased at the counter. InstagramReddit

Heading to Sonoma for a fun outing and taking the kids? Make sure to stop by @sonomatraintown while you are exploring! TrainTown features a quarter scale railroad on 4 miles of track. Each train trip lasts 20-minutes and goes through tunnels, over bridges and makes a stop in Lakeview- their miniature town and petting zoo. In addition to the train, they offer six amusement rides. 🚂 General admiss...
goldengatemoms
31 likes • 1.7K views
📍Sonoma TrainTown Railroad, Sonoma 🚂The train ride in the heart of Sonoma is a 20-minute journey through woods, tunnels, and over bridges. 🏘️Stop at the Town of Lakeview to explore the child-size buildings (parents: watch your heads!) 🦙Feed the animals. Don’t forget quarters for the animal food! Bonus points if you bring extra quarters to share with other families who didn’t know; you’ll be an...
railfanfam
3K likes • 167.5K views

🪙 Bring Quarters for Animals

Essential for feeding the goats, sheep, and alpacas at the petting zoo. Instagram+1

☀️ Ride Towards the Front

For shade on the train, try to sit in a car towards the front. Reddit

Sonoma TrainTown Railroad 🚂🚂 The Sonoma TrainTown Railroad is a tourist railroad and 10 acre amusement park in Sonoma, California. RIDES: Air Scooter, Iron Horse Carousel, High Iron Ferris Wheel, Locomotion Scrambler, Mine Train roller coaster. CROWD: Family- friendly, good for kids. TICKETS: Train trip tickets $9.25(twenty minutes journey on 4 scale miles of track. Includes tunnels, bridges, p...
agnuk.n
14 likes • 235 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Park Admission & Parking

Enjoy the park grounds and parking at no cost! Only pay for rides and train tickets. Instagram+1

💰 Train Tickets Separate

Train tickets are required for the ride and must be purchased at the counter. InstagramReddit

🪙 Bring Quarters for Animals

Essential for feeding the goats, sheep, and alpacas at the petting zoo. Instagram+1

☀️ Ride Towards the Front

For shade on the train, try to sit in a car towards the front. Reddit

🧒 Perfect for Young Kids

Ideal for children aged 7 and under, offering a magical experience. TikTokReddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Sonoma TrainTown Railroad, calling it a 'magical place' for young children and a delightful experience for all ages. The scenic train ride and charming miniature town are consistently praised, though crowds and wait times on weekends can be a drawback. The Mine Train roller coaster also receives unexpected positive mentions for its thrill.

"Absolutely love the place. Kept seeing on Instagram so finally decided to go there and it is a pretty cool place for kids. Even though they only have five rides besides the train but for little kids it's a magical place. We as adults definitely enjoyed the train ride which was probably the best part of the whole place. Love that they have little towns and houses and lakes made so you can get an idea of how it feels to be on a real train. Also you have to go there and buy tickets. you cannot buy them online. Train tickets are separate from the ride tickets and they want coupon tickets which you have to purchase from the counter"

Wish Kane

"We had such a great time with my toddlers. The main train was a bit crowded but the ride was long enough to help forget about the almost 15 min waiting time. Last but not least the stop at the mini farm and village felt like a bonus. We loved it ! Plan quarters if you want to feed the animals."

Melanie McHich

"Best place ever. Fun for all ages, seriously. The train ride was excellent and we loved the stop in the little town. And, the roller coaster is no joke! Don't discount it 😀

The conductor Sam was very helpful and ensured everybody's safety throughout the day.

Who doesn't love a good train!"

David Sopkin

What People Like

Charming train ride
Miniature town & petting zoo
Fun for young kids

What People Dislike

Weekend crowds & waits

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Sonoma TrainTown Railroad is located at 20264 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476. It's about a half-hour drive from Discovery Kingdom and easily accessible by car. Parking is free and readily available. Instagram+1

Yes, parking is free and available on-site, making it convenient for visitors. Instagram+1

The train rides are noted as being handicap accessible, suggesting good accessibility throughout the park for strollers and wheelchairs. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Park admission and parking are free! You only pay for the train ride and individual amusement park rides. Instagram+1

Train tickets are approximately $9.75 per person for ages 12 months and older. Babies under 12 months ride free. Instagram+1

No, train tickets and ride tickets must be purchased at the counter upon arrival. It's recommended to buy them early to avoid long waits. Reddit

Regular hours are typically Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and they are often open on Labor Day Monday. Check their official schedule as hours can vary seasonally. Instagram

Yes, train tickets are separate from tickets for the other amusement park rides like the Ferris wheel or roller coaster. You'll need coupon tickets for each. Reddit

🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience

The train ride is a 20-minute journey on a quarter-scale railroad that winds through tunnels, over bridges, and stops at the miniature town of Lakeview. Instagram+1

Besides the train, there are several other rides including an Air Scooter, Iron Horse Carousel, High Iron Ferris Wheel, Locomotion Scrambler, and the Mine Train roller coaster. Instagram

At Lakeview, you can explore charming child-sized buildings and visit the petting zoo to feed animals like goats, sheep, and alpacas. Instagram+1

Yes, it's considered a magical place for young children, especially those aged 7 and under, who love trains. TikTokReddit

It can get crowded, especially on weekends. Wait times for the train and rides can be long, so arriving early is recommended. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While specific dining options aren't detailed in most social media posts, it's common for amusement parks like this to have snack bars or concessions available. It's always a good idea to check their website or call ahead for the most current information. Instagram

Information on outside food is not readily available. Many family-friendly attractions allow picnics, but it's best to confirm their policy beforehand. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the charm of the vintage trains, the whimsical miniature town, and the joy on children's faces during the train ride and at the petting zoo. The roller coaster also offers dynamic shots. TikTokInstagram

Mornings generally offer softer light and fewer crowds, making for more relaxed photo sessions. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide beautiful lighting. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Young Children

Sonoma TrainTown Railroad is a dream destination for families with young children, especially those aged 7 and under. The free park admission and parking make it an accessible outing. The 20-minute train ride is a highlight, offering a magical journey through tunnels and to a miniature town with a petting zoo. Instagram+1 The smaller scale of the rides and the overall atmosphere are perfectly suited for little ones, ensuring a fun and memorable experience without being overwhelming. TikTokReddit

Key tips for families: Bring plenty of quarters for the petting zoo, consider riding towards the front of the train for shade, and arrive early on weekends to avoid long lines. The Mine Train roller coaster also offers a bit of thrill that older siblings might enjoy. Reddit

💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers

To maximize your budget, focus on the free park entry and the iconic train ride, which is often cited as the best part of the experience. You can also enjoy exploring the miniature town and the petting zoo (though feeding animals requires quarters). If you're traveling with a group, consider sharing ride tickets or prioritizing the train experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Train Ride Experience

The heart of Sonoma TrainTown Railroad is its quarter-scale, old-timey train. This 20-minute journey is more than just a ride; it's an immersive experience that transports visitors through a scenic route. The track spans four miles, taking you through tunnels, over bridges, and offering glimpses of the surrounding landscape. Instagram+1 Many visitors, including adults, find this train ride to be the highlight of their visit, appreciating the effort put into creating a realistic and charming railway adventure. Reddit

During the ride, the train makes a special stop at Lakeview, a meticulously crafted miniature town. This stop allows passengers to disembark and explore the charming, child-sized buildings. It's a unique opportunity to step into a storybook setting and capture some memorable photos. The attention to detail in Lakeview adds another layer of enchantment to the overall experience, making it a truly special outing for families. Instagram+1

Amusement Park Rides for Little Ones

While the train is the main draw, Sonoma TrainTown Railroad also offers a selection of amusement park rides designed to delight younger visitors. These include classics like the Iron Horse Carousel, the High Iron Ferris Wheel, and the Locomotion Scrambler. For a bit more thrill, the Mine Train roller coaster is a surprisingly fun and engaging ride that even adults have praised. InstagramReddit

These rides, combined with the train and the petting zoo, create a well-rounded amusement park experience for families. The park's focus on a smaller scale makes it less overwhelming for young children, allowing them to enjoy the attractions at their own pace. It’s a place where imaginations can run wild, and the joy of a simple amusement park day is amplified. TikTokReddit

Planning Your Visit: Tickets and Timing

Understanding the ticketing system is crucial for a smooth visit. While park admission and parking are free, you'll need to purchase separate tickets for the train ride and each of the amusement park rides. These tickets are typically bought at the counter, and online purchase options are not available. InstagramReddit This means that during peak times, especially on weekends, you can expect queues for tickets. Reddit

To make the most of your day and minimize wait times, it's highly recommended to arrive early, particularly on weekends. The park generally operates from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, though hours can vary seasonally. Instagram Bringing quarters is also a key tip, especially if you plan to feed the animals at the petting zoo, a popular activity that adds to the overall charm of the experience. Instagram+1

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