Cave Train
Rating
Family of 4
~$20–$32 (ride tickets per person; part of Boardwalk ride packages — combo day passes are better value; 2 adults + 2 kids)
Duration
15–30 minutes
Best Ages
2–9
About
Few rides at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk carry as much nostalgic weight as the Cave Train — a slow-moving dark ride that has been terrifying and delighting young children for decades. If you grew up in the Bay Area, there's a decent chance your parents have a photo of you white-knuckling this ride, and now you get to recreate that moment with your own kids.
The Cave Train is a classic dark-ride concept: a small train that winds through darkened tunnels past illuminated scenes, animated figures, and just enough creepy atmosphere to make young riders feel genuinely brave without crossing into actually frightening territory. The pacing is slow and the car is open, so parents can ride alongside young children and provide reassurance through any particularly dramatic scenes.
This ride is squarely aimed at younger kids — toddlers through about age 9 get the most out of it. Older kids may find it on the tame side compared to the Boardwalk's bigger thrill rides, but many tweens still ride it for pure nostalgia or to accompany younger siblings.
Practically, the Cave Train is part of the broader Boardwalk ride ecosystem. If you're planning a full Boardwalk day, the all-day wristband is almost always better value than buying individual ride tickets — it covers Cave Train along with dozens of other rides. On busy summer days, expect a moderate wait; arrive early to minimize queue time.
The nearby Looff Carousel (one of the oldest operating carousels in the U.S.) pairs perfectly with the Cave Train for a full classic-rides morning.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Limited
Nursing / Changing
Limited
Kid Meals
Not Available
Setting
Indoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Mornings or early afternoon before lines build; any weather works
Wait Times
10–25 min on summer weekends
Nearby Food
The full Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk food corridor is steps away — corn dogs, funnel cake, Marini's Candies, and pizza.
Why Kids Love It
A slow-moving train ride through darkened tunnels filled with glowing, slightly spooky scenes — the perfect amount of 'scary' for little kids who want to feel brave.
Pro Tips from Parents
- One of the classic Santa Cruz Boardwalk rides — beloved by generations of local families.
- The dark tunnel scenes can be mildly startling for very young toddlers; preview with them beforehand.
- All-day wristbands offer far better value than per-ride tickets if you plan to do multiple rides.
- The ride is slow-paced and seated — great for kids who aren't ready for high-speed thrill rides.
- Combine with other Boardwalk classic rides like the Looff Carousel for a full nostalgic experience.
What to Bring
- Boardwalk wristband or tickets
- Light jacket for inside the dark tunnel sections
- Smaller kids may want a comfort item for the darker sections
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
~$20–$32 (ride tickets per person; part of Boardwalk ride packages — combo day passes are better value; 2 adults + 2 kids)
Tips to Save
- Buy a Boardwalk all-day ride wristband rather than individual tickets — Cave Train is included and the savings add up quickly for a full day.
