Month: November 2009

Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum

Orange County isn’t the only home to free train rides on the weekends. The Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum offers fun and free train rides to the public.  It’s located in Griffith Park and is a must if you have little railroad enthusiasts. There are train exhibits that everyone will enjoy and every Sunday the museum operates 7½” gauge model trains for the general public free of charge from 11 am – 3 pm (weather permitting). except for the Sunday before Memorial Day and the first Sunday in October. The gate is open from 10:45 am to 3 pm. Train rides begin at 11 am. The museum is home to Walt Disney’s Barn. It’s the actual barn that was in Mr. Disney’s backyard in Holmby Hills, California. The barn is where Walt , who was a member of the Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum had his workshop and ran the switches for his home railroad. The barn is open on the third Sunday of each month and features displays of Disney, LALS and railroad related memorabilia. Guided tours are provided by members of the Carolwood Pacific Historical Society. The museum and railroad are open every Sunday weather permitting from 11am to 3pm and admission and train rides are FREE of charge. For additional information click here.

Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum
 5202 Zoo Drive
 Los Angeles, California 90027

Orange County Model Engineers- Free Train Rides the 3rd weekend of the month.

If you are looking for something fun to do with the kiddos that won’t cost you a penny and provide plenty of fun, check out the Orange County Model Engineers public train rides. Public ride days are the highlight for the club. They are conducted on the 3rd Saturday and Sunday of each month from 10 am until 3:30 pm. The club has a variety of engines and riding cars. Trains on public ride days are made up of 5 to 6 bench cars that seat 5 to 6 adults and children. Rides are free however, donations are welcome and help with the upkeep of the railroad.

A typical trip takes about 12 minutes and covers two loops of the park. Bridges and terrain variations are just part of the scenery as is the back end of the Costa Mesa Golf Course.

for directions and additional info head over here.

Night at the Museum Battle of the Smithsonian DVD and Giveaway

Last week, I had the opportunity to take my hubby and daughter to the Fox Studios in LA for a preview of the Night of the Museum, Battle of the Smithsonian DVD. It was fun to hear the director, Shawn Levy, talk about the fun extras (including a fun Jonas Brothers cherub boot camp extra- so funny!) included in the Night of the Museum DVD which will be in stores December 1st. We also were able to take pictures with the monkey from the movie. It was hilarious! I wish I could post the pictures but my scanner isn’t working. We had an unbelievable time.

I think if you’ve read my blog for some time now, know that I love a day at the museum. I loved the first movie and I actually think that the Battle of the Smithsonian is even better! It’s cute, funny and my daughter and I laughed throughout the entire movie. It’s a fun family movie that your entire family will enjoy.

There is an amazing deal going on at Walmart.com. . Basically, if you pre-order the DVD on walmart .com it’s only $9.98 AND there is FREE shipping. Since the retail value is $29.98 – it’s 20 bucks off and you don’t even have to step into a store. It would be a great Christmas present!

I also have 5 copies to giveaway! All you have to do is leave a comment letting me know your favorite museum and you are entered to win. You have until next Friday 11/27 to enter.