Tom’s Farms is a great place for the little ones in Corona

This steam locomotive replica chugs around Tom’s Farms in Corona, California. Photo by Mark Eades

I had never visited Tom’s Farms in Corona before, but when I found out it had a train with a replica steam locomotive it was time to stop by.

I did it on the same day I paid a visit to the Orange Empire Railway Museum. I stopped by in the morning and had breakfast.

The breakfast was fresh, I had French Toast. After breakfast, I walked around the 10-acre facility and checked it out.

This large rooster is at Tom’s Farms. Photo by Mark Eades

Sure enough they had a small train. It looks like a smaller steam-powered locomotive, but it is just a replica. Rides are $2. The train goes through a covered “Amish-style” covered bridge, then takes a loop on the other side of the dry stream bed and returns. There are a few full-scale animal statues that can be seen on the ride on the other side.

There is a large cement pond in the main area, with a fountain, plenty of outdoor seating and lots of shade trees.

Some of the other attractions at the small entertainment center include a merry-go-round, a tractor ride for small children, a shooting gallery, and a place where kids can pan for objects – but not gold.

A grizzled prospector sits on a bench near the Merry-Go-Round at Tom’s Farms. Photo by Mark Eades

Besides the one restaurant, which serves country style breakfast and burgers for lunch, there is a Mexican restaurant, an ice cream and popcorn shop, an order your own pizza food stand, and a candy store.

None of the restaurants have waiter service. You order and take the food to the table. Some alcoholic beverages are served in the pizza food stand.

Other shops include a wine and cheese store, a home furnishings store, and a farmer’s market.

It’s a nice stop over for those with kids, and is also a great place for groups to meet and have breakfast before setting off for the desert and points beyond. I met my friend there, and we traveled together to the Railway museum.

Don’t go expecting Disneyland or even Knott’s Berry Farm, though the food is a lot cheaper. But for small kids, it’s a great place to stop off, particularly if the drive out from the OC or LA has all ready started driving them or their parents a little nuts.

One of the things for kids and parents to do is the shootin’ gallery at Tom’s Farms, a family entertainment zone with restaurants, shops and a few rides and attractions. Photo by Mark Eades

Tom’s Farms is located just west the I-15 freeway, south of the 91. You exit Temescal Canyon Road and it’s right there.

Read about a privately owned live steam scale model railroad here.

Maybe Disney related trains and historic railroads are more your speed.