Our favorite train ride with family in the Bay Area. Short, cute, no stress and cheap ($3.50 per ticket or $15 for 5). The steam train rides through redwoods, some wild flowers, a bridge, a tunnel and you can also see some good views of the bay. We also saw a deer once. You can also buy some interesting memorabilia from the ticket shop.. our personal favorite is the kids train engineer hat. There is shorter hobby train down which only runs on Sundays 12-3pm. That train is free and takes donations only. Great for kids. Parking can be an issue sometimes.

Invited and recommended by friends, it took 4 hours to walk 7.2 miles. Route: Seaview trail- Big Spring trail- Arroyo trail- Seaview trail returns to the parking lot far from Redwood Valley Railway (Tilden Steam Train). trail: Alternating shade and sun throughout, neither too hot nor too cold. There are many trail options, both short and long. There are wide concrete roads, wide dirt roads, and narrow tree-lined paths. There are several seats along the trail to rest and enjoy the view of San Francisco in the distance. At the highest point, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge on the opposite side. The air quality is poor today, so it is not clear to see. The scenery is changeable along the way, and you can also see hiking people one after another. There are also some cyclists who challenge themselves here, and this is a great choice. There are no trash cans and no toilets along the trail. Parking lot: We parked in the parking lot near the farthest by train. There are 3 car parks here. There is no space in the Tilden Stream Parking car park before 11:00. There are spots in the Tilden Stream Train Overflow Parking and another car park next to it, and there is no parking fee. Restrooms: Tilden Stream Train Overflow Parking and Tilden Stream Parking have restrooms, only Tilden Stream Parking has hand washing facilities. Tilden Steam Train The place to take the train is next to Tilden Stream Parking. You need to buy a ticket at the window opposite the entrance. Each ticket cost you $3.5. The whole journey takes about 10 minutes, and you need to wear a mask throughout the journey. Go further passing by the entrance, it is a place to take the small train, the whole journey is about 5 minutes, and it is free. The place to take the small train was built by some train lovers open to the public for free. The staff are all seniors and build the tracks and trains by themselves. Great admiration for their dedication and passionate for trains! You can spend most of the day here, the ideal place to kill the time with kids!

A great steam train experience for all ages ! Goes around the Tilden park on a 12 minute circuit. The kids love this! Tips: parking may seem to be full but know that cars leave every 15 mins or so. There are no refreshment or snack options here in case kids get hungry.

First time visiting the Tilden Steam Train and it was such a GREAT experience. There is so much available for families in the Tilden Park area, and I plan to explore more of it next visit. I only did the Steam Train and it was so much fun. My little one enjoyed riding the train through the beautiful wilderness. Tickets can not be purchased in advance so you have to buy there. The train ticket is free for children 1 years old and is $4 for everyone else. You can also purchase a family pack. The train can accommodate dozens of families and the ride is about 12 minutes. If you love the outdoors and trains, this is the activity for you. The staff was very friendly and dressed similar to the period. I can’t speak highly enough about this experience.

This is a very cute little train station with a steam train running around. The ride is around 12 minutes long and so much fun for little kids. Although we were all big people in our group we thoroughly enjoyed the ride 😀. Must visit 👍

One of the best train rides in the bay area.. it's a small 12-15min ride, as cheap as 3.5$ per person and a very cute miniature kind of train ride. Goes through the tall redwood trees, bridges, tunnels and very nice view all through the ride. Kids definitely love this train and is worth every penny.

I am short of words to describe the experience. I would say it brings out the kid inside me. Lovely place for kids and adults alike if you're into little toy steam trains. There's something about it that makes you happy. I wouldn't be overstating it if I say it's magical. It's something you have to feel on your own.

Good experience for kids, the train ride is about 12 to 14 minutes and goes through the redwoods. There is a tunnel along the way. Miniature buildings are artistically displayed in the tracksides. Parking lot and restrooms are on site. You can purchase tickets right there.

It's really amazing. Be it a kid or a grown up ,you will literally love this place . "You are sitting on a steam train going through tall redwood trees"😃 The ticket is $4.00 for 2 years+ . There is a family ticket for $16 for 5 person. So if you are 5 person group then you are saving $4. You might need extra jacket since its always a little more cold there . Parking is a little small but that's not an issue since they have extra parking a little ahead . Be a little careful with kids while the train is moving since its open as you can make out from the pic of the train .

Nice cost effective family experience for little kids; we brought our infant baby. Fun even for the big kids (mom and dad). The wait was not bad at all for the weekend. Check their weekday and seasonal schedule. There are toilets available that could use some frequent servicing. But they weren't bad vs the woods 😆 I would return.

This is a great place to take the family and little ones to, for a fun and inexpensive outing. The parking is free and there's no fee to enter. There are two different trains you can ride, the miniature train which is free and about an 8 minute ride. Then there is the other train that's a little bit bigger and costs $4/person, which is about a 12 minute ride. Kids under 2 are free.

If you don’t have any plans or are not able to make reservations for any train rides around the area due to your tight schedule. Get on this cute Xmasy 🎄 🎅🏻 open train ride along the redwoods for your little ones under 5 for a freaking cheap price. Don’t think twice, just go for it. You’ll also get a glimpse of Santa along the forest ride.

Steam trains and wonderful views. Was not too busy. The ride is about 15 minutes long. Nice experience for kids and plenty of places for great photos

It was a perfect experience we had, we even loved more than our toddler! It was a nice ride lovable moment with the family. You must try, its super safe and enjoyable and the staff was very friendly. The maximum waiting was 20min, if you have kids with you just keep their bags and stroller in the car and carry them to the train to be comfortable. Highly recommended

Tickets were $4 (for adults) and the train ride was decently long (about 15 min). Such a cute experience. The train cars are small and clearly intended for younger riders, so families and children may really enjoy the experience. Adults can still fit comfortably. The trains are actual steam trains and can get a bit loud or smelly when going in the tunnel, so be aware of that. Seeing the sunset from the train car was so fun! Would definitely ride again.

Beautiful toy train experience. The ride is around 10mins. Kids will definitely enjoy it. It's so scenic and beautiful to go around mountains and in-between those large trees.

This is a hidden gem. The road heading there overlooks the city. The steam train is charming and exciting. Before you can get bored, the ride is over. It is a perfect nature, bonding, and exploring experience for young children. I think it'll also be a nice romantic date idea💜 My 2 year old son enjoyed the ride. He first sat on his dad's lap, and halfway through the ride, he insisted on sitting by himself. The ride wasn't jerky or bumpy, so he was able to sit on his own until the end of the ride. It was a magical experience for $4! Nothing can beat the price. We plan to go back and bring my elderly parents so they too can experience its charm✨️

Very sweet place to visit with friends and family. They have a nice picnic spot that overseas the mountains. Parking is free. Train cost is very reasonable. The train trip is 12-15 minutes. Highly recommended.

A fun trip for a family with kids. There are two train rides. One of them is actually free. The other one costs four dollars. these rides are run by different entities. So if you don’t wanna pay, ask them for the free train ride service.

Fun and quick trip from SF, which was ideal for me since I don't have a car and have just moved to SF. I was able to get an Uber to and from SF. I LOVE that I can go for hikes here,.see redwoods, and have a picnic even. On a beautiful summer day it's perfect. Worth the trip of you have kids or just love trains yourself (lol like us!) This one was over a long weekend (Juneteenth) sooo lots of kids, and long lines throughout the day.. but the train engineers have been announcing they're open all week on summers and weekdays are less crowded. Plan ahead if you don't like waiting in line. The train ride is about 10-15 mins. Wait time was at least 30-45mins

Great short excursion. Excellent for kids! Can't beat the price! Beautiful Redwoods!!

Wonderful steam train experience in the redwoods near Berkeley. Both adults and kids will enjoy the ride. The last ride departed at 5pm! Remember to bring a coat with you when taking the ride, it's so chilly up to the mountain. You can also enjoy the beautiful bay view on you way up and down the hills. Highly recommend this stop to all-aged train lovers.

Good experience. It's fun to ride on the steam train. Enjoyable for kids. However, we don't have kids and we still enjoyed a lot😄

The tickets are very cheap. But we had to wait in line kinda long time. I do enjoy trying this☺️. Btw they have public restroom there and free parking

This place was great. I have small children and they LOVED IT! But honestly it wouldn't matter what age you are, if you like trains you should check it out. I went on a weekday and the train was about 3/4 full. I've heard on weekend this place gets pretty busy. Luckily the trains fit a lot of people. The trains themselves are really cool. They're mini real trains! They're also steam trains so they don't smell gross as they're running. And the weather in tilden Park is so cool and mild and you're cruising along under all these shady beautiful trees. A really nice experience. And it's only $3.50 a ride per rider!

Fun for family of all ages. Saw a couple who went here on a date. They were so cute. Parking: it's free but space is limited. Three levels - one directly at the front, and the overflows must go slightly up hill. Price: $4 for single ticket, $16 for 5. Ride: There are two different trains. --Main: we rode in a cart that has a roof. Most carts are open so you can view more of the scenery. Its about a 12 minute ride that takes you through the hills and back around. We were able to see the Bay Bridge. --secondary train: I got to look at it when riding the main. It looks like you straddle on top of small cart and it takes around in a circle. Unsure if there is a price difference, but it looks like for younger kids. Restrooms: Portable at entrance. Since this location is near a trail, there is a park restroom at the higher parking lot. Recommendations: Dress warm. Entrance and waiting area is beneath a lot of trees. Heading there or back, you can get beautiful scenic shots of the Bay Bridge, Golden Gate and the surrounding cities.

Great ride for all kids, 7+70! Diesel fueled, steam powered Amazing 15" track layout, not your usual circle loop. Bridges, tunnels, multi switches for different routes. It's the real thing in 15-in track.

Very chill place. Their whole park is to scale, and the trip around the tracks has great views. The staff are all very friendly, and passionate about trains. Excellent place for your Engineer Enthusiast.

Cute little train rider through the trees that was <15 mins. We got there just before it opened on a Friday, parking was easy and we got on the first ride. My 7, 5, and 2 5 year olds all loved it, so we ended up getting another set of tickets for a second ride. It was July and oddly rained just a little, but they were really nice and wiped the train chairs down.

This little train yard area is located high in the hills of Tilden Park area. It is truly best experience for little ones and families! December is the best time to visit due to cute decorations.

Only open Sundays. It's free/donation based. Great for kids. There's another train ride that costs per ticket. Bigger train, different experience. If you like trains, this place is great!

Perfect place for children who love train rides.. There are two train rides. 1️⃣The first one is for $4 per person. 2️⃣And the second one is completely free just that we can donate are desired amount, but the second train is available only on Sunday afternoons.. ➡️Each right takes about 10 minutes ➡️Definitely take extra jacket would be colder than expected.

It's a hidden Gem for Kids and adult alike- at least for me and my wife. You have a nice old Steam Engine Railway rolling amongst big trees and some railway garages(?). We had super fun.

Friendly staff and a really fun trip. Had a look around and, of course, a ride on the train before heading off to the Botanical Gardens nearby. Enjoyed it so much we stopped in again on the way back for a second ride!