Gardens, Trains and ... Kids

Normally I wouldn't take preschoolers to the Conservatory of Flowers. It is a beautiful setting in Golden Gate Park, conveniently located near the Children's Playground ... but I couldn't imagine keeping my three and four year old entertained for more then 20 minutes there. I'm also not sure that the staff would appreciate an impromptu game of tag or hide and seek. 

However, add a model train in the special exhibits room, and you have the makings for a perfect day in Golden Gate Park.

A couple of weeks ago I saw an ad on PBS for The Golden Gate Railroad at the Conservatory of Flowers. My boys absolutely love trains, and my three-year old Caleb especially loves model trains.

We went on a Saturday with our friends and their preschoolers. The kids absolutely loved it. They spent twenty minutes exploring the Conservatory of Flowers, they especially liked the koi pond at the entrance. Then we went to the Special Exhibits room to see the model train. We spent an hour there.

The exhibit included San Francisco landmarks made of found objects, like computer discs, pencils and cereal boxes. The garden railroad also had earthquake sound effects, and the fog rolls in twice daily.  There are two train tables. The smaller train table has buttons the kids can push to make the train go, and to make noises.

It was difficult getting Caleb to leave. He convinced us to buy a Garden Railroad book, which he carried around all afternoon, and is still sleeping with ... Did I mention that he loves model trains?

Afterward we went to lunch at Zona Rosa's on Haight Street, an easy half mile walk. I've gone to Zona Rosa's since I was a teenager, and I still love their oversized burrito. Xander sat in the window, and waved at people as they passed on the street.

On the way back to the car we stopped at the playground for awhile. It has a wonderful cement slide down a hillside. There were plenty of boxes that the kids could use as sleds. It was a blast! Two hours later we took the kids for a ride on the Carousel, before finally making it to the car to go home.

The boys fell asleep almost right away. It was an amazing day. The Golden Gate Railroad runs through April 18. The cost is very reasonable $7 for adults and children 4 and under are free.