1 / 6





Location
Visitor tip
Ask the knowledgeable volunteers on-site for exhibit information and context, as the display case labels are limited. They can provide detailed stories about the trains and railroad artifacts.
Visitor tip
Bring young train enthusiasts during special events like Easter weekend when the museum offers themed activities (Easter egg hunts). Check the events calendar for these added experiences.
Visitor tip
Don't miss viewing the main train layouts from the engineer's-eye perspective video ride-along—this interactive experience offers a unique way to experience the intricate details of the miniature landscapes.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Toy Train Museum
- Highlights
- 1930s-40s Lionel layout, authentic railroad artifacts, engineer's-eye view experience
- Hours
- Every Saturday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- Admission
- $12 adults, $8 seniors, $6 youth (2-12), free under 2
What visitors say
While the museum is only open on Saturdays, this is well worth the visit. With two operating model railroads, one purely toy train, the other larger layout is beautiful visually having the eye follow trains that disappear into tunnels…
Incredible toy train museum. Lots to see for train lovers of all ages. There are two large train displays with great attention to detail, and a fun brio playset for younger train lovers.
We visited during Easter weekend and they had the cutest Easter egg activity! Very nice and well maintained place. Our 6 year old is obsessed with trains and we visit museums in every city we visit! It is worth a visit! Very small but…
From 8 Google reviews
Did You Know?
- Features authentic railroad artifacts from the Santa Fe and Southern Pacific Railroad, plus an original observation car from circa 1900s
- Houses a comprehensive Lionel train collection spanning from the 1930s-1940s era, including pre- and post-war O gauge and Standard gauge models
- Operates two separate model railroad layouts across two floors with expansion into an adjacent building planned for April 2026
More Family Fun Nearby
Other venues within driving distance:

Susan Quinlan Doll & Teddy Bear Museum & Library
Children's MuseumsSanta Barbara, CA
0 miles away

MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
Children's MuseumsSanta Barbara, CA
1 miles away

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Children's MuseumsSanta Barbara, CA
1 miles away
Own this venue? Stand out from the competition.
Children's Museums listings that are Featured get seen first by thousands of families every month.
- Priority placement in search
- Photo gallery showcase
- Insider tips from visitors
- Highlighted in dedicated featured section


