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    Folsom Valley Railway

    4.7 (18 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

    Folsom Valley Railway Photos

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    Cassandra B.

    Cute little train ride. It was the first time bringing my little one and he loved it. It was longer than expected too which was a plus. You start towards the front of the grass area then it runs parallel to the back side of the zoo sanctuary and loops around. My only complaint is pricing went up and it has not been updated anywhere except when you are in person to pay. Their website says $3 per person but it's actually $4 now. Plus they charge a $1 surcharge if you pay with card...

    Love this vintage sign, a bargain to ride!
    Rachelle P.

    All aboard! It's become a fun weekly tradition for my fiancé, my daughter and I to climb aboard this little train, conveniently located next to the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, Folsom Public Library, the Friends of Folsom Library and Veterans Memorial inside Folsom City Lions Park! For ages 2 and up tickets are just $3.00 a piece, meaning it cost just $9.00 for the 3 of us, definitely a bargain for us parents and the ride lasts about 10 minutes round trip! It's a blast for all ages, you'll enjoy the scenery of Folsom City Lions Park as you ride! And don't forget to pack a lunch to eat at one of their picnic tables located next to this historic Train Station! I would HIGHLY recommend paying a visit to this local train, why not make a whole day out of it, with so many things to do all in 1 park, honestly I think it's one of the best/affordable things Folsom has to offer for families alike! We continue to come back, as well as recommend it to our friends, family and visitors! In fact we may just pay a visit this morning if we have time! The train operates February-September, weather permitting, closed only in January for maintenance! *Fun Fact: This 12 inch gauge railroad is the only one in the US, in fact it's 1 of 7 mini replica steam powered railroads in CA! SYOY! :-)

    This is the only remaining 12-inch track railway still in operation!

    We had a great time riding the Folsom Valley Railway! It's powered by a diesel locomotive and has plenty of open-air seating. People of all ages can ride the train, which runs smoothly and comfortably. Would recommend for everyone and plan to come back again and again with our infant granddaughter.

    Train ride at the Zoo
    Stacy M.

    Always have a blast on this mini real life steam engine! Kids are now 5&7 and have been enjoying this since they were babies. Tickets are only $3 a piece and 2 and younger are free. Entire ride takes only 5-10 minutes and it's a great activity to do before we hit up the zoo. Be sure to check in in their hours before you go as they are closed certain days, and hours vary depending on the season. Also good to know if it gets too hot during summer hours, the train also closes so be sure to check out their website. The man who runs the train is AMAZING, patient, kind, helpful to get little ones in and out of the train and a great photographer who is always happy to give photo tips and will offer to take your family photo- no charge! Worth every penny!

    John D.

    "I hear the train a comin'; It's rolling 'round the bend"-- Johnny Cash, "Folsom Prison Blues" Located inside the Folsom City Lions Park, the Folsom Valley Railway (FVR) has been running the last 12-inch gauge railroad in the US since 1970. The FVR is also one of only seven miniature-scale replica steam-powered railroads still in public operation. I found this place while looking for something to do with my 4-year-old while we visited relatives here in Folsom. We....errrr....he is a huge fan of trains. So, this seemed like a perfect way to kill some time. Here are the details: Parking- There is plenty of street parking available, if you can find it. Otherwise, there are two free parking lots: the primary one by the library and zoo, and there's an overflow lot also available by Rodeo Park at the end of Stafford St. Once you're parked, just follow the signage and enjoy. Train Ride: Cost- The ride cost is $3/person--cash, or credit (with a 75¢ processing fee). Duration- The website claims that the ride is 10 minutes long, but I actually timed it -because, I'm awesome!- and from opening whistle to final whistle it was just under 6 minutes (5:53.24, if you must know). Length- The track is, purportedly, 3/4-mile long, and unfortunately, I didn't pack my survey-grade GPS unit with me, so I'll have to take their word for it. Employees- There seemed to be only one gentleman running the whole show; he was the ticket booth operator, ticket checker, Train Engineer, and maintenance. He was a really nice guy who was working his butt off to ensure a nice time was had by all. He's also a former photography teacher, so don't be afraid to ask him to take a pic of you--and if you're really nice he might even show you a trick, or two, with your phone. The FVR was cool, but the ride was way too short and not as good a value as others we've been on; Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad (Los Gatos) and McCormick-Stillman (Scottsdale) are still the cream of the crop, but the FVR is still solid choice. I'd give it a 3-star, but my son would definitely give it a five--so we'll split the difference. All aboard!

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    6 days ago

    So fun. Quick. Kids will want to ride multiple times! We spent a good amount of $ there but well worth it!

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    11 years ago

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    10 years ago

    $3 each for me and my 11 months old so $6. The ride is awesome in so many ways. The conductor has a huge personality

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    Ask the Community - Folsom Valley Railway

    What are your days open and hours?

    Thu Fri Sat Sun 09:00 - 3:00

    Do we need to buy tickets online or can we pay cash there?

    for small groups you can buy them at the train station

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Folsom Valley Railway

    From the moment we arrived, he was excited just seeing the train, and once we got on, he was completely hooked.

    Mentioned in 11 reviews

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    Nimbus Fish Hatchery

    Nimbus Fish Hatchery

    4.7(123 reviews)
    4.7 mi

    We enjoyed visiting this really neat, fun, educational, & free experience in a lovely nature area…read more We found ample parking in the lot on a Sunday morning. Park at the far end from the lot entrance to be situated closer to the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is small, but clean, organized, & packed with lots of facts & information. Some areas offered hands-on experiences. They also had coloring sheets for kids. Giant fish heads offer a listening experience teaching about the Chinook Salmon & Steelhead Trout. We enjoyed wandering around. Restrooms are available & were maintained. Just watch out for some spiders on the ceiling above. We went out to the hatchery early enough to get to scoop up some free fish food by the gate with available containers. It ran out while we were still there. It was a very cool experience to see the fish go into a feeding frenzy! Do keep the gate closed, which is posted on a sign. Some people weren't being attentive. There are observation points & a lovely trail to walk along the river with some informative signs here & there. It was so pleasant to take in the pretty, peaceful scenery & watch birds. We hope to return to see more action with the salmon & trout from November to February. Do check their website for up-to-date visitor information as they close the facility to the public after Memorial Day until Labor Day & times may be subject to change.

    Fun place for a weekend family outing!…read more Great for kids, and plenty of open space, parking, and fresh air to run around and let the kiddos explore. They host plenty of family friendly educational events, including tot-time story time every month. Plenty of school outings/field trips come here, but they are open to the regular public to explore and observe. They are attached to the American River Hatchery, which has plenty of spawning pens where you can closely observe the fish and occasionally feed them (until the food runs out). Highly recommended!

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    Shadow Glen Family Stables

    Shadow Glen Family Stables

    4.7(235 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    Family-owned & operated
    41 years in business

    Shadow Glen Riding Stables was hands down the best field trip we have been on in years!…read moreAs a 3rd-grade teacher, I cannot say enough good things about Terry and the wranglers. They were welcoming, patient, knowledgeable, and made every student feel included. Our students had an incredible opportunity to learn about ranch and farm life, tractors, horses, foals, farm animals, hay, and the daily responsibilities of caring for a ranch. The hands-on experiences were the highlight of the day. Students were able to groom horses, interact with animals, ask questions, and gain a real appreciation for agriculture and animal care. Terry and his team kept the students engaged from beginning to end. What made this experience even more special was Terry Howard's generosity. Shadow Glen donated approximately three hours of their time at no charge to educate three classes of Center Joint Unified School District students. That level of community support is truly appreciated. Our students are still talking about the trip, and the adults had just as much fun as the kids. It was an outstanding experience from start to finish.

    I must admit so was a bit anxious about riding, since I hadn't really been on a horse except…read morebriefly as an adult and also as a child. However, the horses were very well behaved and easy to handle. Big shout out to Cheryl, our wrangler, who made it fun with her cheerfulness and experience. My husband and I both enjoyed our rides and wouldn't mind going again. It's so relaxing being out in nature on a horse. Recommend whether it's your first time riding a horse or you are a seasoned rider!

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    Shadow Glen Family Stables - The best way to get a view of the world - between a horse's ears!

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    Granny Mays Strawberry Farm - Use your basket's holes wisely!

    Granny Mays Strawberry Farm

    4.8(65 reviews)
    5.3 mi

    I heard about this spot a couple years back from my SIL but never made the time to go. Now that my…read morethree youngest kids eat strawberries like they're candy and it was Mother's Day it seemed like the best time to go! Although, it was a bit of a drive for us coming from Sacramento/Elk Grove we were able to maximize our time there. The strawberry farm is family owned and located not too far from other businesses in the area if you wanted to find something to eat or find somewhere else to hang out afterwards. There was a food truck, Laopino, that had delicious lumpias, music, a bubble machine, plus a few games and activities to keep the little ones occupied, and shaded tables to enjoy your fresh harvests. :) Tickets are only available online. Weekend tickets are released on Thursdays at 7 pm. When choosing our date and time it shows we only had an hour to pick but really we got to take our time and enjoy our morning. I feel they show you have a one hour slot to help stagger guests in. I love how they had a little gift shop set up, another tent with fresh flowers, drinks, and beautiful cookies at the register to purchase. The strawberry fields had plenty to choose from. We saw lots of bright red ones varying from all sizes. The staff also informed us there were 6 types of strawberries being grown! My kids enjoyed only for a short while and mainly wanted to stay in the kid area. There are also plenty of photo ops on the farm too! We would absolutely return in the future. Highly recommend!

    Now an annual traditional to go strawberry picking at Granny May's Strawberry Farm. It's always so…read moremuch. Me and my girls get to walk around finding the perfect strawberries. There's a ton of photo ops. And everyone is always super nice. If you've never been, I highly recommend you check it out!

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    Granny Mays Strawberry Farm
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    Aquarium & Reptile Depot - Sand sifting starfish

    Aquarium & Reptile Depot

    3.4(418 reviews)
    7.1 mi

    I can't say enough good things about Marisol at the Aquarium & Reptile Depot. She was incredibly…read moreloving, caring, and understanding during a really emotional situation for me. My roommate left his Cory fish behind, and he seemed so lonely. I just wanted to make sure he found a good home with friends. I was honestly a crying mess, but Marisol was so comforting and reassuring. She took the time to explain everything and made me feel confident that my Cory fish would be happy here with other fish and he truly was. Seeing him settle in and look so happy meant everything to me. I also really appreciate that they allow you to surrender fish here. If you're ever in a situation where you can't afford to care for a fish anymore, or for any reason you're unable to keep him, you can bring him here knowing he'll be cared for properly and placed with other fish. Marisol's compassion and genuine love for animals (and people) truly stood out. You can tell she has such a big heart and really cares about what she does. I'm so grateful for her kindness during a tough moment. Also the facility was so clean! All the fish looked so happy! Such a great environment!! Thank you all!!!

    we started our saltwater tank 6 years ago, purchasing EVERYHTNG from setup to livestock FROM…read morehere.. we usually had bad service-- just very short and, rude-- the staff we dealt with were not educated about compatibility between fish/corals, were told 2 fish were compatible even though what i had researched, said they were great. hesitantly, we got the 2 fish and had to return one immediately for trying it ambushed other one and they refused to reimbursed up or make it right. they want mine more than caring about the animals just so disappointed after dedicating ourselves to them

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    Hagan Community Park, Dog Park, Center & Barn

    Hagan Community Park, Dog Park, Center & Barn

    4.0(82 reviews)
    9.5 mi

    We went yesterday for the train ride! Was donation $2pp. Train ride was soo cute. 15min ride…read morethrough Hagan park in Rancho. About 8min from KP international market. They have a tiny farm there, we saw 2 pigs. More animals available to interact w on Saturdays. Suggested donation $2pp. They take cash there. I thought u needed advanced tickets so bought online but it's really just whoever wants to ride can line up. https://www.svlsrm.org/ Duck pond: tons of duck and geese Water area: part of american river?? Not sure. Can fish there! Playground: With climate change, unpredictable weather, and summers with many days over 100F, would be nice if all parks in the sac area provided shade. This one has shade only over a small set of swings by a picnic area/ by the trains & barn. The main playground had shade near it but no shade over the play structures. Kids going down the slides could get burned- recommend putting up shade to avoid future liability issues. Overall a beautiful park w a good amt of shade, multiple parking lots and multiple picnic areas. Too far for us to come regularly but likely coming back for the train ride during holidays when I think they usually have a Santa there. (You need advance tix for this)

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    Hagan Community Park, Dog Park, Center & Barn
    Hagan Community Park, Dog Park, Center & Barn
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    Folsom Valley Railway - zoos - Updated June 2026

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