Children are mesmerized by trains. When it comes to watching trains my son can't seem to get enough. Why not take the family on a day trip to visit a train? There are all shapes and size trains to view and ride. Below is a list of trains around the San Francisco Bay Area that are great to view or ride.

1. Redwood Valley Railway, Berkeley, CA (kid size train)

The train ride takes you on a 12 minute excursion around Tilden Park with views of the valley and the bay below. Most of the train cars are open but there are a few covered ones.

Visit on Sunday to see the Golden Gate Live Steamers and take a free train ride from noon to 3pm on a Golden Gate Live Steamer.

Location: South end of Tilden Park, at the intersection of Grizzly Peak Blvd and Lomas Cantadas Rd in Berkeley, California. (510) 548-6100

Tickets are $2 per ride, cash, no credit cards are accepted.

2. Amtrack to Sacramento (full scale train)

What to see when you get there: Train Museum in Old Town Sacramento Contact Amtrak to get the schedule and fees.

3. Roaring Camp Railroad in Felton, CA (full scale train)

Two trains to choosee from: Santa Cruz beach train or narrow-gauge steam through the Redwood groves. The narrow gauge takes you up Bear Mountain through towering redwood groves. Trip is about one hour. Second Train takes you from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk up the San Lorenzo River Gorge to Roaring Camp. This trip is 3 hours.

(831) 335-4484

4. Sonoma Train Town, Sonoma, CA (kid size train)

From Sept. thru May, the park is open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays until June 1, when it opens every day through Labor Day. Our hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

$4.25 for Train Rides

5. Nut Tree in Vacaville, CA (kid size train)

A family can spend an hour or spend a day to play. From the Nut Tree Village to the Theme Park it is a place where all generations can share a fun and relaxing time together. (707) 448-6411 for the Theme Park

Located on the corner of I-80 and Nut Tree Road

6. Oakland Zoo, Oakland, CA (kid size train)

Founded in 1922, the Oakland Zoo has been located in its current Knowland Park location since 1938. The Zoo is home to more than 440 native and exotic animals. An adjoining children's ride area features a roller coaster. There is also a train and sky ride. You'll find the Oakland Zoo on the grounds of the 525 acre Knowland Park, off Highway 580. The Zoo is open daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

7. San Francisco Zoos Little Puffer Train, San Francisco, CA (kid size train)

There's also a children's zoo, a family farm, a fascinating Lemur Forest, and a Koala Crossing. Kids can interact with some of the animals, ride the magnificent Dentzel Carousel, or climb aboard the Little Puffer train for a trip around the lovely zoo grounds.

8. Jack London Square, Oakland CA. (full scale trains)

Train watching is free! All kinds of trains roll in and out of this area all day long.

9. Niles Canyon Train, Pleasanton, CA (full scale train)

The Historic Niles Canyon Railway runs from Sunol to Niles and back, offering departures and arrivals from both towns on most Sundays throughout the year. April and May, the trains run more often for the "Wild Flower" specials. The trip takes about half an hour and takes you on a journey through Niles Canyon. Round trip plan on spending about two hours total. The Pacific Locomotive Association has railroad equipment on display and alternates between steam and diesel locomotives on the Sunday runs.

Location: SUNOL DEPOT 6 Kilkare Road From I-680 Pleasanton Exit onto Hwy 84 West Go west one mile to Sunol Right turn onto Main Street Continue on Main St. past Kilkare Rd. Sunol Depot is on the right Seating is first come first server. Donations are requested $5 for children age 3 through 12, $8 for Seniors and $10 for everyone else.

10. Skunk Train in Willits, CA (full scale train)

The Skunk line runs 40 miles from Fort Bragg on the coast to Willits. Along the way, the tracks cross some 30 bridges and trestles and pass through two mountain tunnels.

11. Kennedy Park - Train Ride and Petting Zoo in Hayward, CA (kid size train)

Kennedy Park concessions are open during school vacations, weekends and most holidays from 11:30a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weather permitting. Children ages 12 months and older AND accompanying adults must have tickets for the Merry-Go-Round, Triple Pines Ranch, Bounce and the Train. Tickets can be obtained at the snack bar on or before the date of use. For more information, call the snack bar at (510) 670-7275.

Location: 19501 Hesperian Blvd. Hayward, CA 94541

$1.50 a train ride