Goathill Junction: What to Know About This Free Train Ride in OC

If you’ve been looking for a unique, low-key, free train ride for kids in Orange County, let me introduce you to a hidden gem: Goathill Junction Railroad in Costa Mesa.

This spot offers miniature train rides on real railroad tracks inside Fairview Park—run entirely by volunteers from the Orange County Model Engineers (OCME). It’s one of those experiences that feels totally magical for toddlers and preschoolers… and honestly, pretty fun for adults too.

The catch? It only runs one weekend a month—the third Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 3:30pm, weather permitting. So you do have to plan ahead. But if you’ve got a train-loving little one (or just want something different to do outdoors), keep reading. I’ve got all the info, tips, and what to expect—including our honest review after visiting with our 2- and 4-year-old.

My Goathill Junction Train Ride Review With Kids

📍 Address: 2480 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA
🕒 Hours: 3rd Saturday & Sunday of each month, 10am–3:30pm (weather permitting)
💰 Cost: Free (donations appreciated — they help maintain the trains and tracks)
🌐 Website: ocmetrains.org

What Is Goathill Junction Railroad?

Goathill Junction is a hidden gem in Fairview Park, Costa Mesa, where families can hop on a real miniature train and go for a ride. It’s run by a group of train-loving volunteers called the Orange County Model Engineers, who’ve built nearly 5 miles of actual track through the park.

And the best part? The rides are totally free on the third weekend of every month. No tickets required. Just show up and enjoy the ride (after you wait in line).

What to Expect at GoatHill Junction

GoatHill Junction Railroad in Costa Mesa is run by the amazing volunteers of OCME (Orange County Model Engineers). It’s a laid-back, donation-based experience that’s surprisingly fun for both kids and grownups, if you know what to expect ahead of time.

🚂 The Train Ride

• Each ride lasts about 12 minutes on real railroad tracks through Fairview Park.
• The route includes a bridge, tree-lined paths, and open views—not scenic in a jaw-dropping way, but plenty engaging for kids.
• Multiple trains run at once, so the line moves fairly quickly.
• You can ride as many times as you’d like—just rejoin the line.
• Most of the park and the train ride is not shaded, so don’t forget hats and sunscreen.

📅 Schedule + Timing

• Trains run only on the 3rd Saturday and Sunday of each month from 10am to 3:30pm, weather permitting.
• Always check their website or social accounts before you go.
• Best times to avoid the biggest crowds:
  • Before 10am (arrive around 9:40)
  • After 1pm

🚸 Safety Rules to Know

• Riders must be at least 31 inches tall and able to sit and walk independently.
• No lap sitting—everyone gets their own seat.
• No cell phone use while the train is moving.
• Stay seated, face forward, and keep arms and legs inside the train.
• No standing or exiting until the train has fully stopped.

The volunteers take safety seriously—this isn’t a cutesy carnival ride, it’s a real train setup. I saw them call out a few people during our ride, and honestly, I appreciated that. It keeps everyone safe, especially with so many little ones around.

🚗 Parking + Amenities

• There’s a large dirt parking lot right next to the train station.
• There’s a small gift shop, a basic snack stand, and restrooms on-site.
• I didn’t see any food tents during our visit, though some reviews mention them—maybe it varies month-to-month.
• No real meals or restaurants here, so plan to bring your own food or snacks if you want to stay longer. There are picnic tables nearby.

A Bit of History

Goathill Junction Railroad exists because a bunch of train-loving volunteers refused to give up. Back in the late 1970s, the group that would become OCME (Orange County Model Engineers) was just looking for a permanent home where they could lay down real tracks and tinker with miniature trains. They approached several cities like Irvine, Huntington Beach, and Fountain Valley, but each plan eventually fell through.

Then Costa Mesa stepped in with open land at Fairview Park, and OCME finally had a home. Since then, the group (mostly retirees and hobbyists) has poured their time, care, and even their own money into building and maintaining nearly five miles of real railroad track. The fact that they offer free public ride days every month? Just makes it all the more special.

What’s With the Name “Goathill Junction”?

The full name is actually Mackerel Flats and Goathill Junction Railroad, and it has a pretty great backstory.

Back in the 1930s, kids from Costa Mesa and Newport Beach both went to Newport Harbor High—and let’s just say the teasing between towns was strong. Newport kids called Costa Mesa “Goat Hill” because some families raised goats for milk. Costa Mesa kids shot back with “Mackerel Flats,” referencing Newport’s fishing industry.

Those names stuck. And decades later, the miniature railroad embraced the rivalry and the local roots, naming their setup after both. These days, it’s usually just called Goathill Junction Railroad, but the full name is a little slice of Orange County history.

Tips for Visiting Goathill Junction With Kids

This place is such a fun little outing, but it’s even better when you come prepared.

Here are my top tips for visiting Goathill Junction with kids:

• Go early to avoid long lines and beat the heat. The trains start at 10am, but arriving around 9:40am helps you get on one of the first rides.
• Check the website or Instagram before heading out to make sure the trains are running. Rides only happen on the third weekend of the month, and it’s weather permitting. If you know it’s going to rain, check the website!
• Bring snacks or a packed lunch if you plan to hang out and ride again. There are picnic tables on-site but not many food options.
• Skip the stroller. The gravel lot and paths kick up a lot of dust, and there’s very little walking involved anyway.
• Wear sunscreen and hats. There’s almost no shade around the ride or the line, and it get pretty sunny and hot around the afternoon.
• Plan to ride more than once if your kids love it! Just hop back in line between rounds.
• Be ready to follow safety rules. The volunteers are firm but kind, and they will speak up if riders aren’t following directions (which I appreciate).
• Donate if you can. The rides are free, but it’s run by a nonprofit, and donations go directly toward maintaining the locomotives, wheels, tracks, and equipment, so these trains can keep running for years to come. They accept both cash and online donations.

FAQ: Visiting Goathill Junction With Kids

Final Thoughts: Is Goathill Junction Worth It With Kids?

Goathill Junction is one of those rare finds that feels magical for little kids, nostalgic for parents, and totally free—which is pretty unheard of in Orange County. It’s absolutely worth it.

It’s not flashy, and it’s not an all-day destination. But it’s charmingly low-key and ridiculously sweet. We were all smiling the entire ride.

If you’ve got a free weekend and little ones who love trains (or just need a calm, wholesome outing), this is such a great pick. I’ll definitely be back, and next time, we’re bringing lunch so we can hang out and ride a few more loops. Just don’t forget hats, sunblock, and snacks. Take the ride. You’ll be glad you went.