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. Many of these train rides sell out early, so reserve your tickets ASAP.
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 12–27. 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 $26.09 for adults, $20.94 for children 2–14 and $18 for seniors 65+, and $12.70 for members. 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.
Haunted Train at Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Boulevard
Fremont, CA 94555
(510) 544-2797
www.spcrr.org
Head to Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont for a frightfully fun night time train ride through their haunted forest. The spooky but not scary is designed especially for children under 12 (and of course the young at heart, too). Train rides take place October 18–20 and 25–27 and depart every 30 minutes from 7–9:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 7–9 pm on Sundays. This event usually sells out; tickets go on sale on September 15 at 8 am. Tickets: $16 each for ages 3+. Find out more at www.spcrr.org.
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 12–27. Tickets: $29.95–$44.95; 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 (dates TBA) in October. Each weekend, the train ride will have a special theme, Learn more and order tickets at www.californiarailroad.museum
Skeleton Starlight, Railtown 1897, Jamestown
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
10501 Reservoir Road
Jamestown, CA 95327
(209) 984-3953
www.railtown1897.org
Join the Railtown "Skeleton Crew" for a fun evening excursion on board the Skeleton Starlight. Be entertained by resident ghouls on spookily decorated trains while favorite Halloween tunes play in the background. At the haunted village, you will be greeted by Railtown’s coven of friendly witches who will climb aboard and share their Halloween treat bags. Look out for dancing skeletons and singing pumpkins! Train rides take place Saturday October 19 and 26 at 6 and 7:30 pm. Tickets $12–$30. www.railtown1897.org
Pumpkin Patch Express, River Fox Train
18095 County Road 117
West Sacramento, CA 95691
(800) 866-1690
www.riverfoxtrain.com
Celebrate the Fall Harvest on an unforgettable train ride through the Yolo County farmland, weekends and select weekdays in October. The festivities continue at a private park with trick-or-treating, carnival-style games and activities, photo opportunities, and pumpkin patch visit, all included in the ticket price. Costumes are encouraged! Light snacks and beverages, including beer and wine, available for purchase on board. Tickets: $63.72 ages 3+, $12.22 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, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October. 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 start at $59.95; $10.95 for dogs. 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 25–27. 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. $45 adults, $25 children, $125 for "Fright Class" ages 3+. Fright Class tickets include complimentary beverages and table service for dinner. Learn more and reserve tickets at ymsprr.com.
Pumpkin Patch Express, Western Pacific Railroad Museum
700 Western Pacific Way
Portola, CA 96122
(530) 832-4131
www.wplives.org
Pumpkin Patch Express trains will take visitors to the pumpkin patch where they can select their pumpkins for purchase. (Pumpkins sold separately and not included with admission.) 2023 Pumpkin Patch Express trains will take place on Saturdays and Sundays, October 19, 20, 26, and 27. Trains will depart on the hour from 1–5 pm for the pumpkin patch; museum opens at 10 am. Super Spooky Night Trains will depart hourly on Saturday nights from 7–9 pm. Admission is $15 per car, or $10 with the donation of 3 non-perishable canned goods for the food bank. Museum members are free. Portola is located in Plumas County and is about an hour's drive north of Truckee.
Halloween 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 pumpkin patch trains run on October 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27; dusk trains depart at 5 pm on October 18 and 25. Trains leave from the original 1870 depot for a scenic ride through Nevada's Comstock Lode country. Adults $25 ($20 with no pumpkin), kids $16, toddlers $10, toddlers sitting on parents' laps with no pumpkin are free. Additionally, the railroad will run a nighttime Electric Halloween Train of Lights featuring a steam train decorated with spooky LED light. Schedule and details TBA. Learn more and order tickets: www.virginiatruckee.com.
