Address: 1421 Iowa Ave, Riverside, CA 92507
Free Train Rides Every Month!
Free train rides are provided to the public on the second and fourth Sundays of each month.
- Trains run from 10 AM-3 PM.
Overview
Hunter Hobby Park, located in the city of Riverside, is home to the Riverside Live Steamers. This nonprofit organization offers free rides to families and kids, on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. The trains operate from 10 AM-3 PM. The duration of the rides last somewhere between 10-15 minutes, as the train circles the park. Train enthusiasts and families will love riding on these miniature steam powered trains. The railroad at Hunter Hobby Park is 7.5″ gauge which differs from the 1/8 scale of most miniature trains that you will see. Guests may get back in line after riding and are welcomed to enjoy as many trips on the train as they would like.
One of the great things about taking a ride on these trains is the great experience and the caring and enthusiastic attitude from the volunteers. While all rides are free, this volunteer group runs solely on the generous donations from those who visit. All donations keep the trains up and running and are greatly appreciated. In addition to the miniature train rides, the park also offers a great train themed playground and tons of lawn space. To learn more about the history of the Riverside Live steamers you can follow the link below
Amenities
There is a free dedicated parking lot directly in front of the train station. Restrooms are available on the other side of the tracks just before the playground. A fabulous playground is a short walk from where the trains depart.
Scout’s Story and Trip to Hunter Hobby Park
As the New year has arrived, my wife and I have been looking for train related activities to involve our daughter Scout in. Although trains were never my thing when I was younger, Scout, is absolutely obsessed with them. She spends a ton of time playing with her wooden magnetic train toys. If she’s not doing that, she’s watching train videos on youtube or doing something else train related. For some time now, my wife and I have wanted to take Scout on an actual train. For the past 5 months Scout has been fighting a battle against stage 4 cancer. Scout was diagnosed with yok sac tumors in her liver and pelvic region on August 18th of 2022. Public places or crowded spaces, such as trains, just aren’t safe for her as she receives chemo and her body battles to stay healthy.
This is where these outdoor miniature trains have become such a delightful alternative for us. Starting early in the morning, has generally helped us to avoid any major crowds and to allow Scout to stay safe. Trains. We arrived a little before the train rides started and the park was empty. We decided to let Scout play on the train themed playground before we lined up for the train rides. Scout was so excited and was frozen as we rode around the park. Every time we arrived back at the start, she immediately asked to go again. This was not just an incredible experience for Scout, but for my wife and I as well. These miniature train rides are so amazing and are such a great service that the volunteers do for the community and the kids by offering them.
January 8, 2023
