Centurion Miniature Steam Train
Ride charming miniature steam trains through a scenic park, perfect for family fun and picnics. A hidden gem for affordable adventures!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and get parking
Centurion Miniature Steam Train
Best Time
Beat the crowds and get parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride charming miniature steam trains through a scenic park, perfect for family fun and picnics. A hidden gem for affordable adventures!
"This was an amazing family experience. Tons of fun for a really affordable price."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast on Sundays! Arrive early or be prepared for street parking and a short walk.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
Bring your own food, drinks, and picnic blanket for a budget-friendly and enjoyable meal.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Miniature Train Rides
Various tracks within the park
Experience the thrill of riding on charming steam, electric, or diesel miniature trains. A magical journey for all ages!
Picnic & Braai Areas
Sprawling park grounds
Enjoy a relaxed day with ample shaded spots under old trees, perfect for picnics or braais. Bring your own food and blankets!
Model Boat & RC Car Club
Adjacent lake and display areas
Witness impressive model boats on the lake and remote-controlled cars in action. A fascinating display of hobbyist passion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sunday Funday Essential
Affordable Family Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast on Sundays! Arrive early or be prepared for street parking and a short walk.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
Bring your own food, drinks, and picnic blanket for a budget-friendly and enjoyable meal.
💰 Affordable Entry & Rides
Entry fee is low and often includes a ride. Additional rides are also very affordable.
☀️ Shade is Your Friend
Large, old trees provide ample shade, perfect for escaping the summer heat.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast on Sundays! Arrive early or be prepared for street parking and a short walk.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
Bring your own food, drinks, and picnic blanket for a budget-friendly and enjoyable meal.
💰 Affordable Entry & Rides
Entry fee is low and often includes a ride. Additional rides are also very affordable.
☀️ Shade is Your Friend
Large, old trees provide ample shade, perfect for escaping the summer heat.
🎈 Great for Parties
The venue is popular for birthday parties, offering a fun and unique celebration space.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Centurion Miniature Steam Train for its incredible value and family-friendly atmosphere. The affordable entry, which often includes a train ride, combined with the option to bring your own food, makes it a budget traveler's dream. The charming miniature trains and spacious park grounds are a hit with children and adults alike, creating a truly enjoyable day out.
"Wow wow wow!!! This was an amazing family experience. Tons of fun for a really affordable price. My 4 year old was entertained from the minute she walked in. Got to clay paint, have her face painted, train rides and picnic for an entry fee of R30!!! That's value for money. The staff at the society and stalls were extremely friendly and so family oriented, we will definitely return again. My little one couldn't stop talking about the steam trains, the conductors are so cool and make it really fun by giving a real "Train Station" experience to the kids. Highly recommend and also, to the staff at the society, keep the service up!!"
Masturah Achmat
"The Centurion Society of Model Engineers is the place to be if you want to see grown men driving their homemade miniature trains around like they're on the Trans Europe Express. They've been tinkering with their railways since 1961, and steam has been chugging through the former Verwoordburg since 1985. The grounds are enormous. A large park for small trains. Usually closed on Saturdays, but you can simply rent the venue for a (child's) birthday party. Complete with a picnic and family overload. No problem. Trains run, kids, and parents relax or at least pretend to. DIY romance and plenty of space to let loose. If you don't have fun here, you've probably been an adult for too long."
Tilman Benecke
"This is the place to be for a family day of fun. Bring the kids, the oumas and oupas, the friends and the loved ones and enjoy an amazing day outdoors. Lovely lawns to have a braai or a picnic, for the kids (old and young) to play games and just chill in the sun on a cool winters day. Lovely big old trees for shade in the hot summer months.
The trains are amazing. We did rides on steam, electric and diesel trains. The experience leaves you with a smile and a happy heart. The track is much longer than I expected. With bridges, tunnels and turns.
For the peckish, freshly made pancakes and a food truck awaits.
Entrance fee only R30 per person, this includes your first train ride. From there a ride is R15 per person. Loved every minute"
Verushka Jacobs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Centurion Society of Model Engineers is located behind Out Insurance head office in Centurion. It's easily accessible by car. Parking can be limited, so arriving early is recommended.
Yes, there is parking available on-site, but it can fill up quickly on busy Sundays. Car guards are often present to assist.
Information on public transport is limited, but it's generally recommended to travel by car for ease of access and to transport picnic items.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is typically around R30 per person, which often includes one train ride. Additional rides are usually R15 per person.
The miniature steam train usually operates every Sunday from 9 am to 3:30 pm. It's always a good idea to check their social media or website for any schedule changes.
Tickets are generally purchased on arrival. It's a walk-in attraction, but arriving early is advised for parking and to enjoy the day without rush.
Children older than 2 years typically pay an entry fee. The rides are suitable for all ages, making it a family-friendly destination.
🎫 compass Onsite Experience
Enjoy miniature train rides, have picnics or braais, explore the park, and watch model boat and RC car displays. Some events may also offer face painting or clay painting. +1
The train rides are approximately 10 minutes long and cover a track with bridges, tunnels, and turns.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic spot for kids with engaging train rides and plenty of space to play. +1
Yes, bringing your own food for picnics or braais is highly encouraged and makes for a very affordable day out. +1
Basic facilities are available, including restrooms and tuck shops for drinks and snacks.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a tuck shop selling cold drinks, sweets, and ice creams. A food truck and pancake stall are also often available.
Limited braai spots are available, and it's a popular activity for families. +1
You can bring your own picnic, use the braai facilities, or purchase food from the on-site tuck shop, food truck, or pancake stall. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the charming miniature trains in action, happy families enjoying picnics, and the picturesque park setting. The model boat lake also offers unique shots.
Definitely! The vibrant atmosphere, cute trains, and natural surroundings make for wonderful family photo backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the trains, the park offers plenty of space for kids to run around, and the option to bring your own picnic or braai means you can tailor the food to picky eaters and keep costs down.
💰 Budget Travelers
Even additional train rides are affordably priced at R15 per person.
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Miniature Trains
The society has a long history, with steam running through the grounds since 1985, showcasing a dedication to the hobby. For enthusiasts, seeing these meticulously crafted and operated models is a treat. The variety of trains ensures there's something to capture everyone's imagination, from the classic puff of steam to the quiet hum of electric power.
These rides are a significant part of the appeal, offering a sense of adventure and nostalgia for both kids and adults. The short, engaging duration of each ride is perfect for keeping young attention spans focused, while the overall experience provides a fantastic opportunity for families to bond and create lasting memories.
A Perfect Picnic and Braai Destination
For those who enjoy grilling, limited braai spots are available. This adds another layer of family-friendly activity, allowing groups to combine a fun day out with a traditional South African braai. The combination of train rides and the ability to self-cater makes it a highly versatile destination for a family outing.
The spacious lawns also provide plenty of room for children to play games and simply enjoy being outdoors. This emphasis on a relaxed, self-sufficient day out, coupled with the unique train rides, creates a wholesome and enjoyable atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
Community and Hobbyist Hub
The venue is also a popular choice for birthday parties, especially for children. Renting the space allows for a unique and memorable celebration, combining the fun of the trains with a private party atmosphere. This aspect highlights the venue's role as a community asset, facilitating joyful events.
Established in 1961, the society has a rich history, and its grounds have been a place for steam to chug through since 1985. This longevity speaks to the passion of its members and its enduring appeal to families and hobby enthusiasts alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit