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Folsom Valley Railway

4.6 (17 reviews)
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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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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

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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.

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Handy Family Park - The bathrooms are accessible and at the bottom of the path, closer to the parking lot at Handy Family Park.

Handy Family Park

4.5(12 reviews)
2.7 mi

Adj: Hilltop Handy Family Park with a Happy View…read more This is one of Folsom's hidden gems in our books. We visit Folsom to meet friends and to explore and do nature-type activities as well as shopping and discovered Handy Family Park on one occasion. Handy Family Park is apparently one of Folsom's most elevated parks. Set on a hilltop, it's a lovely neighborhood park. Though it's smaller compared to regional parks, it's actually pretty big, it's just that it's atop a hill so not all of the space is usable for sports courts, but all of it is scenic and most of it is recreational space. You can reach this park by taking the E. Bidwell exit on Hwy 50, and then it's a really quick drive past the Costco and the In-N-Out, then take Scholar Way, and it's at 1560 Cavitt Dr. You can't walk directly into the park from the parking lot b/c you have to go UP to the top of the "hill", so you can either take the stairs or there's a longer path/ramp for ADA accessibility. Thankfully, the bathrooms are at the start of the park/bottom of the stairs so those who need to use the restrooms can get to them without going into the park. Once you climb up, you're rewarded with an amazing overlook of several neighborhoods and the rolling hills of Folsom. I've only been here in the daytime, but I imagine that it'd be extra beautiful after dark when the lights shine and sparkle all over for a night view. The park offers a lighted baseball field, a huge soccer field, a basketball court, open fields for free recreation, and multiple walking pathways that wind around for a nice stroll throughout the park while you get a nice panoramic view no matter which way you look. In addition to the amenities above, there's a barbecue with a couple of picnic tables under a covered pavilion at the edge of the hilltop so it's really a nice place for a picnic or little party. There's also a couple of kids play structure (one for bigger kids and one for the littles). My kids enjoyed playing here and running around when they were younger, but we still like coming here whenever we're in Folsom b/c Handy Family Park got such a scenic view and it's usually not too crowded. It is always a great place to bring our own picnic and hang out as a family in "nature" not too far from all the conveniences of civilization.

Do not come to this park after dark, because there are RATS in every place you step! They tend to…read morebe under the bid blue shaded tables! The RATS will also be in the big blue garbage cans! (WARNING they love In-Out French fries!) Good park during the daytime!

Photos
Handy Family Park - You can walk all around the park on paved walkways.

You can walk all around the park on paved walkways.

Handy Family Park - Here's the ADA ramp for coming up to Handy Family Park.

Here's the ADA ramp for coming up to Handy Family Park.

Handy Family Park

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Black Miners Bar Recreation Area - Chilling

Black Miners Bar Recreation Area

4.5(114 reviews)
1.0 mi

Hours: 6 AM-9 PM daily Entrance/Parking Fee: $10…read moreKayak/Paddle Board Rental Hours: 9 AM-6 PM weekends https://www.lakenatomapaddlerentals.com/ Solos: 1st hr $20, each hr after $15 Tandem (2 people): 1st hr $30, each hr after $20 I had a very hard time finding info about this lovely spot, so there you go. Hope it helps! Entrance is accessible from Greenback Ln with $10 fee required per vehicle. 2 Parking lots available - 1 closer to boat launch area and another further lot that's more convenient for picnic areas and tables. Plenty of tables and area for lots of families to enjoy some water festivities! Have a big party or just want to lock down a few tables? Highly advise to come early. If you just need some space to place your mats down, it should be just fine. Incredible trails alongside the water for walking, jogging, and bike riding. Dogs are welcome but just make sure you pick up after them (I noticed a good number of dog poop near the water edge). Want to take a dip? Feel free! Quite cold but more than welcome to. Biggest reason why we came here? To see how the Kayak Rental system worked. Scan the QR code or visit the site to book your rentals and sign waivers. I was told they rented daily by a worker (young ones) but their online reservations just show weekends and random Wednesdays.. so good luck. Honestly Rental prices are higher than another spot we've been to, but this spot was much closer to home and easier to access. Price for convenience! We didn't go kayaking on this particular day but definitely plan to return with our own paddle board/Kayaks since it just makes sense to invest and go whenever we want versus rent a few kayaks with high rental feels. Who wants to return within 1 hr?! No way, you gotta stay out in the midst of nature for at LEAST a few hours! Pathway Tip: Walking or jogging? Stay on your left. Biking? Stay on your right. Standard Placer County rules. Great spot for families whether you want to picnic, swim, paddleboard, kayak, go for a nice walk, jog, or bike along gorgeous river waters scenery. Have fun!!

Went out to Black Miners Ravine to get on the paddleboard and just decompress a little. This time…read moreof year out there is hard to beat... good vibes, calm water, and a chance to shut the brain off for a bit. Nothing super exciting in this review, just one of those peaceful days you appreciate more as you get older lol. Now fair warning... that water is COLD cold when you first step in but once you're out there it's worth it. Even the ducks were just cruising around being friendly and minding their business. Sometimes you don't need much, just a board, some fresh air, and a little quiet.

Photos
Black Miners Bar Recreation Area - It's tranquil on the lake no matter who's around. Best $125/yr gym/bar, ever. Go alone or go with friends. Poppy Pass - buy one.

It's tranquil on the lake no matter who's around. Best $125/yr gym/bar, ever. Go alone or go with friends. Poppy Pass - buy one.

Black Miners Bar Recreation Area
Black Miners Bar Recreation Area - Fourth of July 2023 - somehow I forgot that everyone and their brother gets out on the lake for  this holiday. LOL!

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Fourth of July 2023 - somehow I forgot that everyone and their brother gets out on the lake for this holiday. LOL!

Livermore Community Park

Livermore Community Park

4.5(17 reviews)
2.1 mi

I'll put it at top of review but not a fan of the challenge system they have in place at Pickleball…read morecourts with no posted rules. Even at 8:15-8:30 PM on a weekday you can't see play more than one game before people start going up to you saying you can't stay on the court for yourself winner stays. Then they queue up and all and I watched someone just finish a game and queue but we were waiting a lot longer and there were complaints by not even the queue people who let us go ahead of them because some people were calling us out and getting upset that we didn't put our paddles in the board. Good (12) Pickleball Courts but they have exploded in popularity and you have to wait a long time or play later and later now. If it was just me, I'd wait later to play or go on off hours but friends rather go at certain times. Folsom should build more.

My fiancé, my daughter and I decided to check out this amazing park before heading to work one…read moremorning. And I must say this is quite the park, from the beach volleyball courts, to the large sand box with a large playground, with a zip-line, slides, swings and all! I would highly recommend visiting this local park, we'll definitely be back and will be bringing my volleyballs I passed down to my daughter from my days of playing volleyball in school! Any parent and child are sure to have fun at this park, just take a look at the little tour I put in the videos!

Photos
Livermore Community Park - Pitch and Catch

Pitch and Catch

Livermore Community Park - Grassy area

Grassy area

Livermore Community Park - Nick Andreotti at football practice with the Jr. Bulldogs   @idarrenclark

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Nick Andreotti at football practice with the Jr. Bulldogs @idarrenclark

Folsom Valley Railway - zoos - Updated May 2026

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