Metrolink Matters Metrolink’s Family Rail Trips offer easy, affordable and entertaining family journeys across Southern California that feature fun learning activities for kids
Looking for a fun activity this summer the whole family can enjoy that helps kids learn more about the history and culture of Southern California? Moms and dads can embark with their families on Metrolink’s new Family Rail Trips — safe, affordable summer adventures featuring family-friendly train trips especially designed to help children of all ages explore the history and beauty of the region—and learn a little about each destination along the way.
The downloadable curated itineraries feature fun stops along different Metrolink lines—each with educational facts and learning opportunities to enrich the experience for everyone.
Plus, with Metrolink’s affordable fares such as Kids Ride Free Weekends and the 5-Day Flex Pass, you can create fond family memories aboard our safe, comfortable trains with no “are we there yet?” questions or extra hassle.
The program officially kicks off with three exciting itineraries: one in Los Angeles and two in Orange County, where you can choose to wind your way from the shores of San Juan Capistrano to the scenic San Clemente Pier or explore the history and eateries of Burbank and partake in family fun activities, like golfing and hiking.
Start with “Creature Time” in Orange County, and head over to Zoomar’s Petting Zoo, where kids can get a hands-on experience feeding guinea pigs and rabbits. Then visit The Ocean Institute to learn about marine life in Dana Point, and maybe do some whale watching.
Meanwhile, the LA-based itinerary, “Game for it All,” features The Batcade, which offers an excellent opportunity to have a conversation about the science of baseball. The more “outdoorsy” families can follow a guide on how to enjoy an easy hike at Wildwood Canyon Park (which is home to hundreds of species of wildlife and native plants).
Metrolink’s trains offer essentially anything families might need for a daytrip or an unforgettable Saturday adventure. There are clean tables perfect for propping up the kids’ coloring books, as well as enough space onboard for bikes, picnic baskets, surfboards (everything you’d need for an unforgettable day out) and window seats perfect for playing a friendly game of “I Spy.” There’s even an interactive worksheet for kids to use throughout their journey to record what they experience.
On these Family Rail Trips, you’ll also learn tips on how to easily use the trains, key safety information, and fun facts on Metrolink. You’ll be dodging the steadily increasing traffic of the freeways and avoiding all parking fees as your children watch the scenery zoom by and enjoy the adventure.
And most important of all, we’ve implemented numerous safety protocols to ensure your family will have peace of mind riding our trains, including antimicrobial air filters, mask requirements, two hand sanitizers on every rail car, and an electrostatic sprayer to mist hospital-grade disinfectant throughout train cars, including touchpoints and hard-to-reach places. We also developed an online tool called “How Full is My Train?” that enables you to check the capacity in each car, to ensure there is enough space for physical distancing.
Riders who are part of Metrolink’s SoCal Explorer loyalty program can take advantage of special package deals and discounts on food, activities, accommodations and more while they travel, offered by Metrolink’s program partners (visit socalexplorer.metrolinktrains.com to sign up today).
Join the conversation on summer fun using #FamilyRailTrip on Metrolink’s social media channels. It’s a fantastic kickoff to an affordable, educational summer adventure — and accessible (sans traffic) with the train.
Download our family friendly itineraries, here and begin the fun, today.
