Southern California Live Steamers Train Rides, Nov 1

On the first Sunday of every month, a small railroad hidden in a Torrance park fires up its locomotives and lets the public climb aboard. November's run lands on Sunday, Nov. 1, and it is one of the more charming things to do in Los Angeles County if you have kids, a soft spot for old machinery, or both.

When: Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026 (public run days are normally 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM) Where: Charles H. Wilson Park, Torrance Cost: Free, with donations welcome

What to expect

Southern California Live Steamers (SCLS) is a nonprofit run entirely by volunteers. Its trains are one-third scale, built to carry real passengers on a loop of track through the tree-lined park. Riders sit on the cars, the engineers keep things moving at a relaxed pace, and the whole circuit takes you past picnic lawns and mature trees.

The club has a long history. According to Local Anchor, it dates to the 1940s, counted Walt Disney and animator Ollie Johnston among its early members, and settled at Wilson Park in 1987. Today the group describes its mission as preserving railroad history while giving families a hands-on way to enjoy it.

Public rides are free, though the club asks for donations to keep the trains running. Parents tend to treat it as an easy, low-pressure morning or afternoon: no tickets to buy, no reservation to chase for a regular run day.

Plan your visit

Public train days run on the 1st Sunday and the 3rd Saturday of each month, and rides can be canceled for weather or private events. Because the schedule can shift, check the club's Facebook page the morning of your trip. Times on this listing follow the club's usual schedule rather than a posted hour for this specific date, so confirm before you go.

Bring a blanket or folding chairs, since the park is a good place to stretch out between rides. Torrance's city site handles picnic table reservations if you want a bigger group setup. Wilson Park is a neighborhood park, so parking is typically on nearby streets and in park lots; arrive a little early when the weather is nice.

If you are building a weekend list, this fits alongside other LA events this weekend that ask little of you: it is outdoors, it is kid-friendly, and it costs nothing to show up. The club also hosts themed seasonal runs, including a Halloween train and holiday lights rides, which require their own reservations.

For more ideas near the South Bay, browse our arts and culture events or the family events across Southern California. If you like this one, there are plenty of upcoming events in Los Angeles worth planning around, and a first-Sunday train ride makes an easy anchor for a family weekend.