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Step aboard the Dinosaur Express at the Southern California Railway Museum for an interactive train adventure featuring Buddy the Dinosaur. Perfect for families, this ride combines vintage trains with paleontology fun near Riverside, CA.
Step aboard the Dinosaur Express at the Southern California Railway Museum for an interactive train adventure featuring Buddy the Dinosaur. Perfect for families, this ride combines vintage trains with paleontology fun near Riverside, CA.
Book with Southern California Railway Museum
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Southern California Railway Museum · Perris, California
Located in Perris, California, the Southern California Railway Museum offers a one-of-a-kind journey back in time aboard the Dinosaur Express. This family-friendly outdoor adventure is centered around Buddy the Dinosaur, the beloved character from PBS's Dinosaur Train, making it a standout destination for kids and adults alike. The experience combines the nostalgic charm of vintage rail cars with educational, interactive fun that brings paleontology and science to life. At the heart of the trip is a scenic train ride through the museum’s extensive rail yard, where guests can admire historic locomotives and classic rail cars, all while learning about the prehistoric world through lively storytelling and engaging activities. Buddy the Dinosaur’s appearances add a magical touch, captivating young visitors and igniting imaginations about the age of dinosaurs.
The Southern California Railway Museum itself is a landmark of the region’s railroading heritage, home to one of the largest collections of operational antique trains in the western United States. This makes the Dinosaur Express more than just a themed ride — it’s an immersive adventure set in a genuine historical rail environment. Visitors get to explore the sprawling grounds that showcase restored railway memorabilia, offering a deeper appreciation for the history of transportation in the area. Situated just a short drive from Riverside, the museum’s Perris location is easily accessible for day trips from larger Southern California cities.
What sets this adventure apart is its combination of educational content with hands-on fun. Kids of all ages enjoy participating in paleontology-themed crafts and meet-and-greet moments with Buddy, fostering a connection to natural history and scientific discovery in an entertaining setting. Whether you’re a local family or traveling through Southern California, this attraction provides a refreshing blend of outdoor exploration, historical insight, and interactive learning.
With the focus on familial engagement and accessible activities, the Dinosaur Express is perfect for visitors wanting a light outdoor excursion that’s both fun and enriching. The emphasis on real-life trains and dinosaur themes makes it a unique experience in the region’s landscape of attractions. This train ride brings history and science together on rails, under open skies—a memorable trip that sparks curiosity and adventure.
easy.
2–4 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels including families with young children
Yes, the experience is designed for children of all ages with engaging activities and a gentle train ride.
Pets are generally not allowed, except for service animals.
The Dinosaur Express train ride typically lasts about 30 to 45 minutes.
Yes, the museum and train accommodate wheelchairs for guests with mobility needs.
It is recommended to book tickets online in advance as the event can sell out.
There are limited vending options, so bringing snacks and water is advisable.
The Southern California Railway Museum preserves the area's rich railroading history dating back to the early 1900s.
The museum promotes sustainability by restoring and operating historic trains with eco-friendly practices and educating visitors on preserving transportation heritage.
Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, California, preserves a large collection of historic locomotives, railcars, and streetcars across nearly 100 acres of restored railyards and depots. The museum offers narrated hosted tours led by knowledgeable docents, train and trolley rides every weekend, and curated exhibits that highlight regional rail history. The museum serves as a premier location for photo and film shoots, providing diverse backdrops from vintage depots to industrial yards and an extensive roster of historic equipment. Production teams book the site for creative shoots and location filming because of its variety of authentic rail settings. Community events and specialty programs are a core part of the museum’s calendar. Annual highlights include the Antique Truck Show, KCBS BBQ competitions such as BBQ Boots and Brew, Perris Appreciation Day with free rides for residents, and the Fall Victorian Tea hosted by the Harvey Girl Historical Society. The museum’s Business Class departures and Carhouse 4 rental offer unique options for private events and special occasions. Educational offerings include the expanded Merit Badge Program with certified counselors and hands-on activities, plus the Run One Program that lets participants operate electric streetcars and locomotives under engineer supervision. The museum emphasizes safety, preservation, and historical accuracy while providing memorable, hands-on experiences for families, scouts, photographers, and event organizers. Located in Perris, the museum is accessible to Southern California communities and supports local tourism and education. Staff and volunteers maintain exhibits and coordinate bookings for tours, events, and film projects to ensure smooth operations daily.
Book with Southern California Railway Museum