Nothing could be more fun than a train-inspired Halloween celebration for all the family. Due to the Covid crisis, many of the USA’s top heritage trains are not running their famous Halloween days out but many are still going ahead so here’s our pick of six of the best ghoulish Halloween train adventures.
Halloween train trips in California
The Southern California Railway Museum will be open for business again on 31 October so hop on board with your family to support this worthy business. For Halloween the Museum will feature spooky decorations on the trains and trolleys, and visitors can enjoy Halloween themed music on the mainline train rides. Your kids are also invited to dress up in their Halloween outfits and join the special Halloween themed Photo Scavenger Hunt or Chalk Art Contest for a chance to win some spooky prizes.
Dates: 31 October
Ticket Prices: Admission to the grounds is free, train and trolley ride prices are $12 for adults; $8 for children
Halloween train trips in Connecticut
The Connecticut Trolley Museum celebrates the history of the region’s long-gone trolley services. During Halloween season kids can enjoy the Pumpkin Patch special where they can ride the trolley to the pumpkin patch and pick out one for Halloween.
Dates: Runs daily 4 times a day throughout October
Ticket Prices: $13 per ticket
Georgia
The St. Marys Railroad is a heritage freight carrier that serves the local region around St. Marys. In recent years the public have been able to ride on the trains and one of the their most popular excursions is the ‘Halloween Express’ which takes place during late October. Expect some spooky surprises and things that go bump in the night on board.
Dates: Runs various dates throughout late October
Ticket Prices: Adult, $17.00; child (aged 3-12) $11
Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Railway Museum based in Oklahoma City is a popular destination for families who are interested in the state’s railroad history. This October they will be running a special Halloween Train. The train will be decked out in Halloween style and they will also be a best costume contest for children and adults
Dates: 30-31 October
Ticket Prices: Adult, $12; child (aged 3-12) $5; kids under three ride free
Pennsylvania
The New Hope & Ivyland Railroad is best known for its steam locomotives and vintage railroad cars. During October the company offers families the chance to try a ‘Trick or treat’ or ‘Haunted Halloween’ 40-minute train journey. The content onboard can be frightening for younger children so your kids need to be over 13 to enjoy this.
Dates: Throughout October
Ticket Prices: Adults and children, $49.99
Texas
The Historic Jefferson Railway runs vintage trains on a 3-mile journey through the Big Cypress Bayou in Jefferson, Texas. Throughout October they will be running the ‘Halloween Express’ on a gas-powered antique narrow-gauge train. As well as enjoying the spooky ride you may also see a ghostly spirit or Bigfoot emerge from the swamplands of East Texas.
Dates: 17, 24, 31 October
Ticket Prices: Adults and grown up children, $12; children on laps, free
In the UK? We also rounded up the most exciting British Halloween train trips that the kids will love, from themed steam train trips to spooky fright nights…