Here’s a family-friendly round-trip itinerary for a train trip from Salem, Oregon to Sacramento, California, designed with children in mind. This 4-day itinerary offers scenic train travel, fun activities for kids, and family-friendly attractions in Sacramento. I’ve also included both budget and luxury options for each part of the trip for a family of 4, so you can tailor your experience based on your preferences and budget. Would you like help creating the perfect trip visit me at www.DiamondTravelAgent.com and we can help you create your perfect trip.
Day 1: Train from Salem to Sacramento (Approx. 14-15 hours)
- Departure from Salem: Start your adventure by boarding the Amtrak Cascades from Salem, Oregon, to Sacramento, California. The train ride takes about 14-15 hours, with transfers in Portland and Oakland. During the journey, enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and Northern California.
- Train Amenities: Amtrak offers comfortable seating with power outlets, Wi-Fi, and a Café Car that serves snacks and meals, so your family can stay fueled for the trip.
In-Transit Activities for Kids
- Bring travel games, coloring books, and movies to keep the kids entertained. There’s also plenty of space to walk around and stretch your legs during the ride.
Lunch on the Train
- Dining: You can enjoy snacks and light meals in the Café Car or pack a picnic for the journey. Kid-friendly options like sandwiches and chips are available.
Arrival in Sacramento
- Evening: You will arrive in Sacramento in the evening. Check into a family-friendly hotel, such as The Citizen Hotel or Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown, both offering convenient locations and comfortable accommodations for families.
Day 2: Explore Sacramento – California State Railroad Museum & Old Sacramento
Morning
- Breakfast: Start the day with breakfast at a local café like Temple Coffee or The Original Pancake House.
- California State Railroad Museum: Head to the California State Railroad Museum, one of Sacramento’s top attractions. This museum is ideal for kids, with interactive exhibits on trains, a huge collection of locomotives, and fun activities like train simulators and model railroads. Your little ones will be fascinated by the scale and history of the trains.
Afternoon
- Old Sacramento: After the museum, explore Old Sacramento, a historic district with cobblestone streets, wooden boardwalks, and old-fashioned buildings. There are plenty of family-friendly activities like horse-drawn carriage rides and fun shops to visit. You can also check out the Sacramento History Museum to learn more about the area’s history.
- Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at Fat City Bar & Café or The Firehouse Restaurant, both offering kid-friendly menus in Old Sacramento.
Evening
- Dinner: Enjoy a family-friendly dinner at The Squeeze Inn or Tuli Bistro, offering a variety of dishes that both kids and adults will love.
- Evening Activity: If time allows, take a relaxing walk along the Sacramento River or visit Cesar Chavez Plaza, which has a beautiful fountain and open space for children to run around.
Day 3: Explore Sacramento – Sacramento Zoo & Discovery Museum
- Breakfast: Head to Café Bernadine or Hot Italian for a delicious breakfast before starting the day’s adventures.
- Sacramento Zoo: Start the day with a visit to the Sacramento Zoo, which houses over 400 animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, and primates. The zoo is kid-friendly, with hands-on exhibits and educational activities. Your children will love the interactive play areas and animal encounters.
Afternoon
- Discovery Museum: After the zoo, head to the Discovery Museum Science & Space Center. This museum features interactive exhibits on science, space exploration, and technology. There are hands-on displays for children, and the museum often offers workshops and activities for younger visitors.
- Lunch: Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at The Porch Restaurant & Bar or Pancake Circus, both of which offer a variety of meals for kids.
Evening
- Dinner: For dinner, visit Café Bernardo or Grange Restaurant & Bar, which offer family-friendly menus.
- Evening Fun: After dinner, take the kids to Raley Field to see a Sacramento River Cats baseball game (if in season), or explore McKinley Park, which has a playground and walking paths.
Day 4: Train from Sacramento to Salem (Approx. 14-15 hours)
- Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or at a local café like The Delta King for a great view of the Sacramento River.
- Departure from Sacramento: After breakfast, board your Amtrak train for the return trip to Salem. The return ride takes about 14-15 hours, with a transfer in Oakland and Portland.
In-Transit Activities for Kids
- Keep the kids entertained with travel-friendly games, books, and movies. The scenic train ride provides plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the views of Northern California and Oregon.
Lunch on the Train
- Dining: Enjoy snacks or light meals from the Café Car or pack a picnic for the trip. Kid-friendly snacks such as fruit, crackers, and sandwiches are available.
Evening
- Arrival in Salem: After the long but scenic train ride, you’ll arrive in Salem in the evening, concluding your fun-filled family vacation in Sacramento.
Day 1: Train from Salem to Sacramento (Approx. 15–16 hours)
Budget Option:
- Amtrak Cascades (Standard Class)
- Adult Ticket (One-Way): Approx. $60–$120
- Child Ticket (Ages 2–12, One-Way): Approx. $30–$60
- Total for Family of 4 (One-Way): Approx. $180–$360
- Meals on Board: Affordable snacks and meals in the Café Car.
- Price: Approx. $5–$15 per person
- Total for Family of 4: Approx. $20–$60
Luxury Option:
- Amtrak Cascades (Business Class)
- Adult Ticket (One-Way): Approx. $120–$180
- Child Ticket (Ages 2–12, One-Way): Approx. $60–$90
- Total for Family of 4 (One-Way): Approx. $360–$720
- Meals on Board: Premium meals and snacks in Business Class.
- Price: Approx. $10–$25 per person
- Total for Family of 4: Approx. $40–$100
Day 2: Arrival in Sacramento & Exploring Old Sacramento
Budget Option:
-
Hotel Accommodation: Stay at family-friendly hotels like Best Western Plus Sutter House or Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown.
- Approx. $150–$250 per night
- Total for 1 Night: Approx. $150–$250
-
Old Sacramento Waterfront: Explore the historic district and take in the fun attractions. Admission is free for most outdoor activities.
- Cost: Free (except for optional activities like museums or rides)
-
California State Railroad Museum: Learn about the history of trains, a fun and educational experience for kids.
- Adult Ticket: $12
- Child (Ages 6-17): $6
- Total for Family of 4: Approx. $36
-
Lunch: Enjoy a casual meal at a family-friendly restaurant like Joe’s Crab Shack or The Firehouse.
- Approx. $10–$20 per person
- Total for Family of 4: Approx. $40–$80
Luxury Option:
-
Luxury Hotel Accommodation: Stay at The Citizen Hotel or Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, both offering upscale family-friendly services and amenities.
- Approx. $300–$500 per night
- Total for 1 Night: Approx. $300–$500
-
Private Tour of Old Sacramento: Book a personalized, private tour of the historic district and learn about its history.
- Approx. $200–$400 for family of 4
-
California State Railroad Museum (VIP Experience): Skip the lines and enjoy a more in-depth guided tour of the museum.
- Approx. $100 per adult, $70 per child
- Total for Family of 4: Approx. $340
-
Lunch at Fine Dining: Enjoy lunch at a high-end restaurant like The Grange Restaurant & Bar.
- Approx. $50–$100 per person
- Total for Family of 4: Approx. $200–$400
Day 3: Exploring Sacramento – California State Capitol & Sacramento Zoo
Budget Option:
-
California State Capitol Museum: Explore California’s government history.
- Admission: Free
-
Sacramento Zoo: A fun day for kids with more than 500 animals from around the world.
- Adult Ticket: $12
- Child (Ages 2-17): $8
- Total for Family of 4: Approx. $40
-
Lunch at a Family Restaurant: Enjoy an affordable meal at places like Boudin Bakery Café or The Soda Fountain.
- Approx. $10–$20 per person
- Total for Family of 4: Approx. $40–$80
Luxury Option:
- Private Guided Tour of California State Capitol: Experience an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the State Capitol with a personal guide.
- Approx. $300–$500 for family of 4
- VIP Experience at Sacramento Zoo: Enjoy private, guided animal encounters and behind-the-scenes access.
- Approx. $200–$400 for family of 4
- Lunch at Fine Dining: Enjoy a gourmet meal at Tower Café or Grange Restaurant & Bar.
- Approx. $50–$100 per person
- Total for Family of 4: Approx. $200–$400
Day 4: Train from Sacramento to Salem (Approx. 15–16 hours)
Budget Option:
- Amtrak Cascades (Standard Class) (One-Way)
- Adult Ticket: Approx. $60–$120
- Child Ticket: Approx. $30–$60
- Total for Family of 4: Approx. $180–$360
- Meals on Board: Affordable meals in the Café Car.
- Approx. $5–$15 per person
- Total for Family of 4: Approx. $20–$60
Luxury Option:
- Amtrak Cascades (Business Class) (One-Way)
- Adult Ticket: Approx. $120–$180
- Child Ticket: Approx. $60–$90
- Total for Family of 4: Approx. $360–$720
- Meals on Board: Premium meals in Business Class.
- Approx. $10–$25 per person
- Total for Family of 4: Approx. $40–$100
Total Estimated Cost for Round-Trip (Family of 4)
Budget Option:
- Amtrak Train Tickets (Round Trip): Approx. $360–$720
- Hotel Accommodation (1 Night): Approx. $150–$250
- Activities & Meals:
- California State Railroad Museum & Sacramento Zoo: Approx. $76
- Meals: Approx. $120–$160
- Total Budget: Approx. $706–$1,206
Luxury Option:
- Amtrak Train Tickets (Business Class Round Trip): Approx. $720–$1,440
- Luxury Hotel Accommodation (1 Night): Approx. $300–$500
- Luxury Activities & Meals:
- Private Tours & VIP Experiences: Approx. $740–$1,200
- Meals: Approx. $200–$400
- Total Luxury: Approx. $1,960–$3,960
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This 4-day itinerary is tailored to ensure both a budget-friendly and luxury option for a fun-filled family trip to Sacramento. Whether you’re looking for educational experiences or outdoor fun, there are activities for everyone! Let me know if you’d like any more details or adjustments to the itinerary!
Family-Friendly Highlights of the Trip
- Amtrak Cascades Train: A comfortable and scenic train ride, ideal for families.
- Sacramento: Visit top family attractions like the California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento Zoo, Discovery Museum, and Old Sacramento.
- Interactive Experiences: Kids will love the interactive exhibits at the Railroad Museum and Discovery Museum.
- Outdoor Activities: Explore parks like McKinley Park and take a stroll along the Sacramento River.
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This round-trip itinerary offers the perfect blend of scenic train travel and kid-friendly activities in Sacramento. With museums, zoos, parks, and interactive exhibits, it’s an ideal trip for families looking to explore the area. Let me know if you'd like any changes or need more details!
Did you enjoy this post? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Is there a dream trip or destination you’d like me to write about? Share your ideas below, and let’s make travel inspiration a two-way street!
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Did you enjoy this post? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Is there a dream trip or destination you’d like me to write about? Share your ideas below, and let’s make travel inspiration a two-way street!
