Halloween Train Rides for Kids in Northern California
All aboard for spooky (and not-so-spooky) Halloween fun! This fall, combine Halloween festivities with a fun family train ride on one of Northern California's historic railroads. Make your reservations now for a train ride this October that you and your kids will never forget.
Note that most of these rides require advance reservations and tickets may be limited due to the ongoing COVID situation. Some popular events have been canceled again for 2021 but all train rides listed here are taking place unless otherwise noted.
Western Railway Museum Pumpkin Patch Festival
5848 State Highway 12
Suisun City, CA 94585
(707) 374-2978
www.wrm.org
The Western Railway Museum in rural Solano County holds its celebrated Pumpkin Festival every Saturday and Sunday from October 15–30. Ride a vintage electric express train to the pumpkin patch at Gum Grove Station for pumpkins, tractor rides, games, music, a hay fort, a pumpkin launcher, and pumpkins for sale, of course. Admission is $23 for adults, $19 for seniors 65+, and $18 for children 2–14. Admission includes museum entry, unlimited train rides, picnic area use, and parking. Reserve your tickets and learn more at www.wrm.org. Read all about our visit to the Western Railway Museum.
Thomas and Percy's Halloween Party, Roaring Camp Railroads
Roaring Camp Railroads
5401 Graham Hill Road
Felton, CA 95018
(831) 335-4484
www.roaringcamp.com
Dress up for Halloween with favorites Thomas and Percy for a 20-minute train ride, entertainment, and fun filled activities for the entire family. Guests will also enjoy a variety of Thomas & Friends themed entertainment, including storytelling and video viewing, temporary tattoos of Island of Sodor friends, arts and crafts, a pumpkin patch, the opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt, and more. Weekends, October 15–30. Tickets: $25; advance tickets highly recommended. Reserve tickets and learn more at www.roaringcamp.com
Track or Treat Train Ride, California State Railroad Museum
California State Railroad Museum
111 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-5995
www.californiarailroad.museum
The California State Railroad Museum's new Track or Treat Train Ride takes place weekends from October 8–30, and trains depart from the Central Pacific passenger station on Front Street in Old Sacramento at 10 am, 11 am, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 3:30 pm. Each weekend, the train ride will have a special theme, including Superheroes & Villains; Pirates & Princesses; Witches, Wizards & Ghosts; and Outer Space. Tickets: $24 adults and $14 youth 2–17, or $14 and $9 for museum members. Upgrade to first-class tickets ($34 adults, $24 youth) for refreshments and a chance to experience the mad scientist laboratory! Learn more and order tickets at www.californiarailroad.museum
Skeleton Starlight, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
10501 Reservoir Rd.
Jamestown, CA 95327
(209) 984-3953
www.railtown1897.org
Join Railtown 1897 in the Gold Country this October for a haunted excursion on the old Sierra Railway, where you will be accompanied by their resident skeleton crew! This evening ride behind an old steam locomotive will journey to a deserted Western ghost town, where you will be joined by a coven of local witches who hand out delicious Halloween treats to friendly passengers! Rides take place October 8, 15, 22, and 29. Trains depart at 6 pm and 7:30 pm. Tickets: $25 adults, $15 youth 3–17, free under 3; $20 and $10 for members.
Pumpkin Patch Express, River Fox Train
18095 County Road 117
West Sacramento, CA 95691
(800) 866-1690
www.riverfoxtrain.com
This two-hour experience in rural Yolo County is fun for kids of all ages. Each ticket includes a train ride, time at the private park, trick-or-treating, fun activities, and a pumpkin for every ticket holder. Kids will receive a trick-or-treat bag to decorate while on the train. All train ride seating is open. Kids and parents are encouraged to dress up and join in the costume contest. Light snacks and beverages, including beer, wine, and mimosas, available for purchase. Tickets: $49 adults, $29 children 3–13, $10 children 2 and under. www.riverfoxtrain.com
Pumpkin Express, Skunk Train
299 East Commercial Street
Willits, CA 95490
(707) 964-6371
www.skunktrain.com
This fall, take a train ride into the redwoods to a magical pumpkin patch wonderland. Enjoy seasonal treats on the train, and when you arrive you'll have the opportunity to explore the pumpkin patch and the nearby redwoods, take photos, and choose your very own pumpkin to bring back on the train with you. Tickets: $59.95, $94.95 VIP, $10.95 for dogs, free for infants 2 and under. More info and tickets at www.skunktrain.com.
Halloween Limited, Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
56001 California 41
Fish Camp, CA 93623
(559) 683-7273
ymsprr.com
Experience a Halloween railroad adventure near Yosemite! Rides take place October 29–31. Goody bags are provided for all costumed guests and trick or treating is offered in the shops. Experience includes dinner which is served at 5 pm. Train boards at 6 pm for a ride down to the loop for an outdoor spooky storytime. Limited seating due to social distancing. $40 adults, $20 children. Learn more and reserve tickets at ymsprr.com.
Pumpkin Patch Steam Trains, Virginia & Truckee R.R.
166 F Street
Virginia City, NV 89440
(775) 847-0380
www.virginiatruckee.com
While it isn't in California, Virginia City is only about an hour's drive east of Lake Tahoe! Daytime trains run on Saturdays and Sundays October 15, 16, 22, and 23; dusk trains depart at 5 pm on October 15, and 22. Trains leave from the original 1870 depot for a scenic ride through Nevada's Comstock Lode country. Adults $20, kids $15, toddlers $8, toddlers sitting on parents with no pumpkin are free. Learn more and order tickets: www.virginiatruckee.com
