A Summer Full of Fun at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Summer at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum means more than just trains. It means a season packed with family-friendly events worth getting out for. Here’s what’s coming up.
Summer Kick Off Family Day
Celebrate the start of summer with a full day of hands-on activities, crafts, train play tables, and a scavenger hunt through the museum. It’s the kind of afternoon where you show up for an hour and somehow lose the whole day – in the best way.
The lineup includes a toy train play table, themed crafts, photo opportunities, a temporary tattoo station, a summer scavenger hunt with an exclusive limited prize for those who finish, and bubbles in the museum garden. All activities are included with museum admission, and the whole day is made possible thanks to sponsor First 5 San Diego.
📆 Saturday, June 13 | 11 AM – 4 PM
Father’s Day Special Tours
Executive Director Michael Warburton is leading exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of the museum – free with admission. Three tour times are available, offering a look at the collection and exhibits that go well beyond the standard visit. A low-key but genuinely thoughtful way to spend part of the day with dad.
If your dad appreciates craftsmanship, history, or just a good look at how something remarkable comes together, this is the kind of thing he’ll still be talking about over dinner. The detail that goes into these layouts has to be seen to be believed.
📆 Sunday, June 21 | Tours at 11:30 AM, 1 PM & 3 PM
Thomas Family Day
A full day of Thomas the Tank Engine-themed fun for young train enthusiasts and their families. Full activity details are still being announced – keep an eye out for updates closer to August.
The museum’s immersive layouts and hands-on atmosphere make it a natural fit for a day like this. Even if your little one is just getting into trains, the experience tends to make a lasting impression.
📆 Saturday, August 15 | Times to be announced
See you there!
Whether you’re heading out for a special event or just making the most of a summer Saturday in Balboa Park, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum has something on for the whole family this season.
📍 1649 El Prado, San Diego
ℹ️ Find more details here
See you there, San Diego!
