Halloween Train Rides in Pennsylvania (2026)

Trains and TravelHalloween Train Rides
Written By Kelsey Cecil

Updated October 14, 2026 · 40 min read

Lancaster County's Strasburg Rail Road has turned its steam train into a 1978 whodunit about a sabotaged pumpkin carving contest, and it is the only ride in Pennsylvania this October that sets out to make kids jump. Everything else on the list leans the other way: of the 13 rides still running after Oct 14, 12 are daytime or late-afternoon pumpkin and costume trips, including two on a heritage trolley outside Pittsburgh. If you are comparing states, our state-by-state map of Halloween train rides has the rest.

Most of the action is in the southeast and south central counties, where Lancaster, Berks, Chester and Dauphin each have a ride under two hours from Philadelphia or Harrisburg. Central Pennsylvania has the steam heavy hitters (East Broad Top and Everett), the Northern Poconos have Honesdale's riverside patch train, and the northwest has one long Saturday morning in Oil Creek State Park.

Below, every ride lists only the dates left on the calendar, what is actually included, and what the railroad has and has not said about strollers, costumes and parking. Where a railroad has not posted something, we say so instead of guessing.

The short version

Oct 17 and 18 is the busiest weekend, with eight of these rides running at once.

Watercolor of a red train car on a cliffside track heading into a dark tunnel
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

Look inside the book

A dark tunnel, a brave corgi. Bring Rally along.

In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi rides into a dark tunnel, gets a little scared, and comes out to a big bright light and happy cheers. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to a Pennsylvania pumpkin train.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Compare every Pennsylvania Halloween train side by side

Every ride on this page in one table: type, dates left, the lowest posted ticket price, ride length, who it suits and whether tickets are still on sale. Tap a ride for the full details.

RideTypeDates leftTicketsLengthBest forStatus
The Haunting of Pumpkin Junction at the Strasburg Rail RoadRonksHauntedOct 16 to Oct 31 (7 dates)From $37.10About 70 minutesAges 8 and upOn sale
Pumpkin Patch Express on the Stourbridge LineHonesdalePumpkin and costumeOct 17 to Oct 24 (3 dates)From $35About 2 hoursAll ages, toddlers welcomeOn sale
Pumpkin Patch Express Boo Bash on the Stourbridge LineHonesdalePumpkin and costumeSun Oct 25From $40About 2.5 hoursAll ages, toddlers welcomeOn sale
Pumpkin Patch Express on the Middletown and Hummelstown RailroadMiddletownPumpkin and costumeOct 17 to Oct 25 (4 dates)From $7Not postedAll ages, toddlers welcomeOn sale
Pumpkin Patch Train on the Wanamaker, Kempton and SouthernKemptonPumpkin and costumeOct 17 to Oct 25 (4 dates)From $1845 minutesAll ages, toddlers welcomeOn sale
Pumpkin Patch Train Ride on the Everett RailroadHollidaysburgPumpkin and costumeSat Oct 17From $19About 1 hourAll ages, toddlers welcomeOn sale
Halloween Train on the Oil Creek and Titusville RailroadTitusvillePumpkin and costumeSat Oct 24From $21About 3 hoursAll ages, toddlers welcomeSelling out
Halloween Special on the West Chester RailroadWest ChesterPumpkin and costumeOct 24 to Oct 25 (2 dates)From $1590 minutesAll ages, toddlers welcomeOn sale
Pumpkin Trains on the Allentown and Auburn RailroadKutztownPumpkin and costumeOct 17 to Oct 31 (5 dates)See railroad1 hourAll ages, toddlers welcomeOn sale
The Pumpkin Patch Express on the East Broad Top RailroadRockhill FurnacePumpkin and costumeOct 17 to Oct 31 (5 dates)From $22About 2.5 hoursAll ages, toddlers welcomeOn sale
Halloween Special with the Bellefonte Historical Railroad SocietyBellefontePumpkin and costumeSat Oct 24From $101 hourAll ages, toddlers welcomeSold out
Magic Pumpkin Trolley at the Pennsylvania Trolley MuseumWashingtonPumpkin and costumeOct 16 to Oct 18 (3 dates)From $22Not postedAll ages, toddlers welcomeOn sale
Trick or Trolley at the Pennsylvania Trolley MuseumWashingtonPumpkin and costumeOct 24 to Oct 25 (2 dates)From Kids freeNot postedAll ages, toddlers welcomeOn sale

Pennsylvania Halloween train calendar: what runs which day

Every remaining date for every ride on this page, from today through Halloween weekend. Green is a gentle pumpkin and costume ride, blue is a haunted ride. Tap a ride to jump to its details.

Ronks: The Haunting of Pumpkin Junction at the Strasburg Rail Road

Best for: Ages 8 and upFrom $37.10About 70 minutesDates left: Oct 16 to Oct 31

This is Pennsylvania's one true haunted ride for 2026, and it is built like a family mystery play in three acts. It is set in 1978: someone has sabotaged a pumpkin carving contest, and the story opens on an outdoor Town Square Stage, moves onto the steam train for a 45-minute round trip to Paradise, and wraps with the reveal back on the stage.

The railroad is upfront that kids should expect loud sound effects, dark moments and a few jump scares, and it recommends the show for ages 8 and up. Cast members move through every coach, so there is no quiet car to hide in. Before boarding there is fall-festival time with a bounce house and skee-ball, which is the easy part for younger siblings.

The Haunting of Pumpkin Junction at the Strasburg Rail Road at a glance

Type
Haunted ride: Haunted night mystery ride, recommended ages 8 and up
Dates left
Fri Oct 16, Sat Oct 17, Sun Oct 18, Fri Oct 23, Sat Oct 24, Sun Oct 25 and Sat Oct 31 (the railroad says there is no show on Fri Oct 30)
Tickets
No dates shown as sold out on the railroad's event page as of Oct 14; live ticket inventory was not readable, so check the ticket page
Times
7:00 PM departure; check in by 6:00 PM, fall-festival fun 6:15 to 6:40 PM, pre-show on the Town Square Stage at 6:45 PM, finale on stage around 8:00 PM
Ride length
About 70 minutes for the full show, including a 45-minute round trip to Paradise, PA
What's included
Three-act mystery show (stage, train, stage), pre-boarding fall-festival activities such as a bounce house and skee-ball, cast moving through every coach
Price
Adults 12+ $47.70 online ($45 cash at the box office); kids 2 to 11 $37.10 online ($35 cash); under 2 free on a parent's lap
Ages and scare level
Recommended for ages 8 and up; the railroad warns of loud sound effects, dark moments and a few jump scares
Costumes
The show's costumes, music and props are all 1970s, and family-appropriate 1970s outfits are welcome
Strollers
The railroad's FAQ says strollers may be brought onto the property; it does not say where they go on board, so check the operator site
Parking
Free parking close to the station; during special events the railroad may use remote parking with a free shuttle
Where
East Strasburg Station, 301 Gap Road, Ronks, PA 17572

Tickets on the railroad’s site (opens in a new tab)

Honesdale: Pumpkin Patch Express on the Stourbridge Line

Best for: All ages, toddlers welcomeFrom $35About 2 hoursDates left: Oct 17 to Oct 24

Up in the Northern Poconos, the Stourbridge Line leaves Honesdale at 4:00 PM and runs along the Lackawaxen River to a pumpkin patch layover. Kids pick a pumpkin to take home, and the operator's homepage mentions pumpkin bowling and outdoor games at the patch, with cider and donuts for sale.

The whole trip is about two hours, so a 4:00 PM start brings you back near dusk this late in October. That makes it a nice in-between choice for a child who wants a little end-of-day glow without anything spooky. Note that one tourism listing calls this the Hawley train, but the address and the booking system both say Honesdale.

Pumpkin Patch Express on the Stourbridge Line at a glance

Type
Pumpkin and costume ride: Late-afternoon pumpkin train, not scary
Dates left
Sat Oct 17, Sun Oct 18 and Sat Oct 24
Tickets
None of the remaining departures flagged sold out in the booking system as of Oct 14; online booking closes 2 hours before departure
Times
4:00 PM
Ride length
About 2 hours round trip, including the layover at the pumpkin patch
What's included
A pumpkin for each child to take home, photo spots, pumpkin bowling and outdoor games; cider and donuts are sold separately
Price
Adults $40, children $35 (a tourism listing gives the child range as 3 to 12), infants free
Ages and scare level
No minimum age stated; nothing on the operator's page suggests scares
Costumes
The operator has not posted a costume policy for this ride, so check the operator site
Strollers
No stroller policy posted; check the operator site
Parking
Not stated by the operator; check the operator site
Where
Stourbridge Line station, 812 Main St., Honesdale, PA 18431

Tickets on the railroad’s site (opens in a new tab)

Honesdale: Pumpkin Patch Express Boo Bash on the Stourbridge Line

Best for: All ages, toddlers welcomeFrom $40About 2.5 hoursDates left: Oct 25

The Boo Bash is the Stourbridge Line's one-day costume version of its pumpkin train, running Sunday, Oct 25 at 3:00 PM. The operator invites families to dress up their little ghouls and goblins, holds a costume contest, and sets up a petting zoo run by Brookvalley Farm LLC at the patch.

Each child picks a pumpkin and gets a small surprise, and there are outdoor games and photo spots. At about 2.5 hours, it is the longer of the two Honesdale options, so plan snacks. One small wrinkle: the booking description still says October 26th from a past year, but the date you can actually book is Sunday, Oct 25.

Pumpkin Patch Express Boo Bash on the Stourbridge Line at a glance

Type
Pumpkin and costume ride: Daytime costume and pumpkin train, not scary
Dates left
Sun Oct 25
Tickets
Not flagged sold out in the booking system as of Oct 14
Times
3:00 PM
Ride length
About 2.5 hours
What's included
Pumpkin pick for each child, a small surprise per child, petting zoo by Brookvalley Farm LLC, costume contest, outdoor games and photo spots
Price
Adults $45, children $40, infants free
Ages and scare level
No minimum age stated; it is pitched at little ghouls and goblins
Costumes
Costumes encouraged, with a costume contest; no restrictions stated
Strollers
No stroller policy posted; check the operator site
Parking
Not stated by the operator; check the operator site
Where
Stourbridge Line station, 812 Main St., Honesdale, PA 18431

Tickets on the railroad’s site (opens in a new tab)

Middletown: Pumpkin Patch Express on the Middletown and Hummelstown Railroad

Best for: All ages, toddlers welcomeFrom $7Dates left: Oct 17 to Oct 25

Twenty minutes from downtown Harrisburg, the M&H Railroad runs a single 11:00 AM pumpkin train from its red brick station on four October weekend dates. Kids pick a pumpkin from the railroad's own patch, and there is an autumn photo setting.

This is the gentlest ride on the list by design: the railroad's brochure says kid-friendly costumes are welcome, but nothing scary please. Two things to know before you book. Lap-held children under 2 pay a $7 fare here rather than riding free, and reservations are required, so you cannot just show up. The railroad has not posted a ride length, and a deep booking link was not found, so start at the railroad's homepage.

Pumpkin Patch Express on the Middletown and Hummelstown Railroad at a glance

Type
Pumpkin and costume ride: Morning pumpkin train, no scary costumes
Dates left
Sat Oct 17, Sun Oct 18, Sat Oct 24 and Sun Oct 25
Tickets
Sold-out status not posted; check the operator site
Times
11:00 AM; the brochure asks you to arrive early to finish check-in
Ride length
Not posted; check the operator site
What's included
Pick a pumpkin from the railroad's patch, autumn photo setting
Price
Adults 12+ $24, children 2 to 11 $19, lap-held under 2 $7
Ages and scare level
No minimum age; the railroad asks that costumes not be scary
Costumes
Kid-friendly costumes are welcome, but nothing scary, per the railroad's brochure
Strollers
No stroller policy posted; check the operator site
Parking
Gravel lot at the station; ADA parking and restrooms at the gift shop and passenger station
Where
M&H passenger station, 136 Brown Street, Middletown, PA 17057

Tickets on the railroad’s site (opens in a new tab)

Kempton: Pumpkin Patch Train on the Wanamaker, Kempton and Southern

Best for: All ages, toddlers welcomeFrom $1845 minutesDates left: Oct 17 to Oct 25

In the Berks County hills, the WK&S runs a 45-minute train to its Great Pumpkin Patch, and every rider picks a pumpkin, grown-ups included. Back at Kempton Station there are pumpkin decorating kits, and kids collect a treat from the costumed WK&S witches.

At $18 for adults and children alike, and $2 for kids 2 and under, it is one of the better values in eastern Pennsylvania, and there are four afternoon departures each day. The railroad's FAQ is worth reading first: there are no restrooms on the train, the snack shack is cash only, the coaches are not ADA accessible, and your online confirmation is not your boarding pass, so stop at the ticket office when you arrive.

Pumpkin Patch Train on the Wanamaker, Kempton and Southern at a glance

Type
Pumpkin and costume ride: Afternoon pumpkin patch train, not scary
Dates left
Sat Oct 17, Sun Oct 18, Sat Oct 24 and Sun Oct 25
Tickets
All 16 remaining departures were bookable as of Oct 14
Times
1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00 PM
Ride length
45 minutes
What's included
A pumpkin for every rider at the Great Pumpkin Patch, decorating kits at Kempton Station, a treat from the WK&S witches
Price
Adults $18, children 3 to 11 $18, children 2 and under $2
Ages and scare level
No minimum age stated
Costumes
The railroad has not posted a costume rule for this train; check the operator site
Strollers
No stroller policy posted; check the operator site
Parking
Plenty of free parking next to the station
Where
Kempton Station, 42 Community Center Dr, Kempton, PA 19529

Tickets on the railroad’s site (opens in a new tab)

Hollidaysburg: Pumpkin Patch Train Ride on the Everett Railroad

Best for: All ages, toddlers welcomeFrom $19About 1 hourDates left: Oct 17

The Everett Railroad's steam-powered vintage train makes an 8-mile round trip out of Hollidaysburg, with a 20-minute stop at the pumpkin patch where cider and cookies are served. Every ticket comes with a pumpkin to take home, and a First Class upgrade adds table service and seasonal snacks.

Only Saturday, Oct 17 is left, with four departures. The railroad's own FAQ says this ride frequently sells out, so treat it as a book-now trip. Restrooms are on every car and at the depot, with portable toilets at the patch. The cars are not ADA accessible (three steps with handrails), and the railroad asks for closed-toe shoes for the patch.

Pumpkin Patch Train Ride on the Everett Railroad at a glance

Type
Pumpkin and costume ride: Daytime steam pumpkin train, not scary
Dates left
Sat Oct 17 only
Tickets
Remaining Oct 17 departures were bookable as of Oct 14; the railroad says this ride frequently sells out
Times
10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM; arrive 30 minutes early
Ride length
About 1 hour round trip (8 miles) with a 20-minute pumpkin patch stop
What's included
One pumpkin per ticket, cider and cookies at the patch, steam-powered vintage train; First Class adds table service and seasonal snacks and drinks
Price
Adults $25, seniors $23, youth $19, under 2 free, First Class $40
Ages and scare level
No minimum age stated
Costumes
No costume policy posted; check the operator site
Strollers
No stroller policy posted; check the operator site
Parking
Complimentary parking near the station for ticketed passengers
Where
Everett Railroad station, 244 Pullman Drive, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648

Tickets on the railroad’s site (opens in a new tab)

Titusville: Halloween Train on the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad

Best for: All ages, toddlers welcomeFrom $21About 3 hoursDates left: Oct 24

Despite the name, the railroad says plainly this is a family-friendly event and not a haunted train ride, so it is listed here as a costume ride. It runs once, Saturday, Oct 24 at 11:00 AM, for about three hours through Oil Creek State Park, and the usual Oil Boom history narration is dropped for this kids' run. Children 12 and under get treat bags.

Booking is old school: phone (814-676-1733), email or fax only, with a cutoff at 2 PM the Friday before. The railroad warns that anyone selling e-tickets for this event is running a scam. First Class is already sold out. The coach cars have limited heat, so dress for a cold northwest Pennsylvania morning.

Halloween Train on the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad at a glance

Type
Pumpkin and costume ride: Daytime family Halloween train, not haunted
Dates left
Sat Oct 24
Tickets
First Class sold out as of Oct 14; Coach not marked sold out
Times
11:00 AM; arrive at least 1 hour early
Ride length
About 3 hours
What's included
Scenic ride through Oil Creek State Park, treat bags for children 12 and under, Halloween atmosphere
Price
Coach: adults $27, seniors 60+ $25, children 1 to 12 $21, under 1 free (Coach only); First Class $47 (sold out)
Ages and scare level
All ages; the railroad says it is not a haunted train ride
Costumes
Everyone is encouraged to wear a Halloween costume, but it is not required
Strollers
No stroller policy posted; check the operator site
Parking
Not stated by the railroad; check the operator site
Where
Perry Street Station, 409 S Perry St, Titusville, PA 16354

Tickets on the railroad’s site (opens in a new tab)

West Chester: Halloween Special on the West Chester Railroad

Best for: All ages, toddlers welcomeFrom $1590 minutesDates left: Oct 24 to Oct 25

The closest ride to Philadelphia is a 90-minute trip from West Chester to Glen Mills and back through the Chester Creek Valley, with a layover at the 1880s Glen Mills station and picnic grove. Kids get treats during the ride, and the railroad pitches it to families and little ones who want the season without the scares.

Costumes are welcome, and the railroad's examples are superheroes, fairies and friendly pumpkins. There are only four departures, noon and 2:00 PM on the last weekend before Halloween. One pricing detail parents notice: babies 9 to 23 months need a $15 toddler ticket. The Glen Mills stop sits next to Red Brick Winery, if the grown-ups are curious.

Halloween Special on the West Chester Railroad at a glance

Type
Pumpkin and costume ride: Daytime costume train, not scary
Dates left
Sat Oct 24 and Sun Oct 25
Tickets
All four departures were bookable as of Oct 14
Times
12:00 PM and 2:00 PM
Ride length
90 minutes, West Chester to Glen Mills and back with a layover
What's included
Treats for kids during the ride, layover at the 1880s Glen Mills station and picnic grove, fall foliage in the Chester Creek Valley
Price
Adults 13+ $30, children 2 to 12 $25, toddlers 9 to 23 months $15; under 9 months not listed, so check the operator site
Ages and scare level
No minimum age; the railroad says it is for families and little ones without the scares
Costumes
Come in costume, whether superhero, fairy or friendly pumpkin, per the railroad
Strollers
No stroller policy posted; check the operator site
Parking
Not stated by the railroad; check the operator site
Where
West Chester Railroad station, 230 East Market Street, West Chester, PA 19382

Tickets on the railroad’s site (opens in a new tab)

Kutztown: Pumpkin Trains on the Allentown and Auburn Railroad

Best for: All ages, toddlers welcome1 hourDates left: Oct 17 to Oct 31

The Allentown and Auburn runs a 90-minute countryside trip out of Kutztown to its picnic grove, where every passenger, not just the kids, picks a pumpkin, and each child gets a treat. There are four departures a day, and it is one of only two pumpkin trains in the state still running on Halloween itself (East Broad Top is the other).

Some honest caveats. The railroad's page lists the dates without a year (they line up with 2026 weekends, and Oct 31 is a Saturday), it does not show prices, and it says nothing about costumes, strollers or parking. Confirm all of that on the operator site before you drive out.

Pumpkin Trains on the Allentown and Auburn Railroad at a glance

Type
Pumpkin and costume ride: Daytime pumpkin train, not scary
Dates left
Sat Oct 17, Sun Oct 18, Sat Oct 24, Sun Oct 25 and Sat Oct 31 (the page lists no year; these match the 2026 calendar)
Tickets
Sold-out status not posted; check the operator site
Times
10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM
Ride length
1 hour 30 minutes
What's included
Stop at the railroad's picnic grove, a pumpkin for each passenger, a treat for each child
Price
Not posted; check the operator site
Ages and scare level
No minimum age stated
Costumes
Not posted; check the operator site
Strollers
Not posted; check the operator site
Parking
Not posted; check the operator site
Where
Kutztown Train Station, 232 Railroad Street, Kutztown, PA 19530

Tickets on the railroad’s site (opens in a new tab)

Rockhill Furnace: The Pumpkin Patch Express on the East Broad Top Railroad

Best for: All ages, toddlers welcomeFrom $22About 2.5 hoursDates left: Oct 17 to Oct 31

If you want the biggest pumpkin day in the state, this is it. A century-old narrow gauge steam locomotive pulls the train 30 minutes to Colgate Grove, and families get about an hour and a half there: a hay bale wagon ride, pumpkin decorating, mini-golf, cornhole, a bounce house, fire pits and a free photo booth. Each child ticket (ages 2 to 12) includes a pumpkin, and adults can buy one.

There is a costume contest with prizes at every departure, and the railroad encourages adults to dress up too. Unusually, it spells out stroller rules: strollers are welcome at the station, on the train and at the grove, and collapsible ones board more easily. There are restrooms, baby-changing areas and first aid at both ends. Food trucks are on site (food costs extra); the beer van at the grove is 21 and over.

The Pumpkin Patch Express on the East Broad Top Railroad at a glance

Type
Pumpkin and costume ride: Daytime narrow gauge steam pumpkin train, not scary
Dates left
Sat Oct 17, Sun Oct 18, Sat Oct 24, Sun Oct 25 and Sat Oct 31
Tickets
All remaining departures were bookable as of Oct 14
Times
10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM
Ride length
About 2.5 hours (the page also says 2 hours 45 minutes): 30 minutes each way plus about 1.5 hours at Colgate Grove
What's included
Steam train to Colgate Grove, pumpkin with each child ticket, hay bale wagon ride, pumpkin decorating, costume contest with prizes, mini-golf, cornhole, bounce house, fire pits, free photo booth
Price
Open air or coach: adults 13+ $28, children 2 to 12 $22; caboose: adults $32, children $26; under 2 free when not taking a seat, with each paying adult 18+
Ages and scare level
No minimum age stated
Costumes
Children and adults are encouraged to wear costumes and enter the contest at Colgate Grove
Strollers
Welcome at the station, on the train and at Colgate Grove; collapsible strollers recommended
Parking
Not stated by the railroad; check the operator site
Where
Orbisonia Station, 421 Meadow St., Rockhill Furnace, PA 17249

Tickets on the railroad’s site (opens in a new tab)

Bellefonte: Halloween Special with the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society

Best for: All ages, toddlers welcomeFrom $101 hourDates left: Oct 24

At $15 for adults and $10 for kids, this one-hour costume ride on the Bellefonte Branch line near State College is the cheapest Halloween train on our Pennsylvania list. Spooky music plays on board and kids get candy bags at the end, but there are no actors or scares described, so it reads as a costume ride rather than a haunted one.

The catch: it runs only on Saturday, Oct 24, and the 4:00 PM trip is marked sold out. The booking system showed nothing available for the 5:30 PM trip either, and the society says that if no availability is shown, assume the trip is sold out. Worth a look in case seats are released, but plan on next year.

Halloween Special with the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society at a glance

Type
Pumpkin and costume ride: Late-afternoon costume train with spooky music, not haunted
Dates left
Sat Oct 24
Tickets
4:00 PM marked sold out; 5:30 PM showed no availability as of Oct 14, which the society says means assume sold out
Times
4:00 PM and 5:30 PM
Ride length
1 hour on the Bellefonte Branch line
What's included
Spooky music on board, Halloween candy bags at the end of the ride
Price
Adults $15, kids $10 (kids' age range not posted)
Ages and scare level
No minimum age stated
Costumes
Put on a favorite costume and climb aboard, per the society
Strollers
No stroller policy posted; check the operator site
Parking
Not stated; check the operator site
Where
Bellefonte Train Station, 320 West High Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823

Tickets on the railroad’s site (opens in a new tab)

Washington: Magic Pumpkin Trolley at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

Best for: All ages, toddlers welcomeFrom $22Dates left: Oct 16 to Oct 18

This is a heritage trolley, an old electric streetcar, not a steam or diesel train, and it is the closest pumpkin ride to Pittsburgh at about 40 minutes. The story is the hook: kids ride the trolley to the patch and plant a magic seed, take a second trolley loop through fall scenery, then come back to find the seed has grown into a full-size pumpkin.

Kids also decorate a mini pumpkin, play holiday games, and get complimentary refreshments, and there is a fall LEGO display by Steel City LUG. Departures run every 30 minutes, and costumes are encouraged. Only the Oct 16 to 18 weekend is left.

Magic Pumpkin Trolley at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum at a glance

Type
Pumpkin and costume ride: Daytime heritage trolley pumpkin ride, not scary
Dates left
Fri Oct 16, Sat Oct 17 and Sun Oct 18
Tickets
All remaining time slots were bookable as of Oct 14
Times
Every 30 minutes: Oct 16 from 9:55 to 11:55 AM; Oct 17 from 9:55 AM to 2:25 PM; Oct 18 from 10:25 AM to 3:25 PM
Ride length
Not posted; check the operator site
What's included
Trolley ride to plant a magic seed, second trolley ride to collect the grown pumpkin, mini pumpkin decorating, kids' games, complimentary refreshments, LEGO display by Steel City LUG
Price
Adults $23, seniors $22, children 3 to 17 $22, ages 0 to 2 free on an adult's lap, members $17
Ages and scare level
No minimum age stated
Costumes
Dressing up in a favorite costume is encouraged
Strollers
No stroller policy posted; check the operator site
Parking
Not stated; check the operator site
Where
Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA 15301

Tickets on the railroad’s site (opens in a new tab)

Washington: Trick or Trolley at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

Best for: All ages, toddlers welcomeKids freeDates left: Oct 24 to Oct 25

Trick or Trolley is a museum day more than a train ride: kids trick-or-treat at tables set up among antique streetcars inside the Trolley Display Building, then ride a heritage trolley through autumn scenery. Children 0 to 17 get in free thanks to a sponsor, EQT Corporation, and costumes are encouraged for kids and grown-ups.

It runs 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM both days of the Oct 24 and 25 weekend, rain or shine, with games, the LEGO display and the regular exhibits. It is not a reserved-seat event, so there is nothing to sell out. The museum does not list the adult general admission price on the event page, so check the operator site.

Trick or Trolley at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum at a glance

Type
Pumpkin and costume ride: Daytime trolley museum trick-or-treat, not scary
Dates left
Sat Oct 24 and Sun Oct 25
Tickets
Not a reserved-seat event; no sold-out notice
Times
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM; the last full museum experience begins at 3:15 PM
Ride length
Not posted; check the operator site
What's included
Trick-or-treat tables among antique streetcars, trolley rides through autumn scenery, kids' games, fall LEGO display, museum exhibits
Price
Kids 0 to 17 free; adults pay general admission (amount not on the event page, check the operator site)
Ages and scare level
All ages; no minimum stated
Costumes
Costumes are encouraged for the young and the old
Strollers
No stroller policy posted; check the operator site
Parking
Not stated; check the operator site
Where
Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, 1 Electric Way, Washington, PA 15301

Tickets on the railroad’s site (opens in a new tab)

Already wrapped for 2026

  • Pumpkins in Paradise (Strasburg Rail Road), Ronks: A single Oct 3 daytime steam ride with a 40-minute stop at Groff's Picnic Grove and a pumpkin for kids; already wrapped for 2026, and the railroad's wording suggests it returns next October.
  • Pumpkin Patch Excursions (Ma and Pa Railroad Heritage Village), Airville: The $8 pumpkin and decorating kit ride ran Oct 10 and 11; the village's non-Halloween Fall Foliage Excursions continue on later October weekends.

Drive Times to Each Ride From Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg

These are approximate times from each city's downtown with normal weekend traffic, so pad them on peak foliage weekends.

Drive times, no traffic

Ronks
about 1 hr 20 min from Philadelphia; about 3 hr 45 min from Pittsburgh; about 55 min from Harrisburg
Honesdale
about 2 hr 40 min from Philadelphia; about 5 hr from Pittsburgh; about 2 hr 45 min from Harrisburg
Honesdale
about 2 hr 40 min from Philadelphia; about 5 hr from Pittsburgh; about 2 hr 45 min from Harrisburg
Middletown
about 1 hr 50 min from Philadelphia; about 3 hr 20 min from Pittsburgh; about 20 min from Harrisburg
Kempton
about 1 hr 30 min from Philadelphia; about 4 hr 15 min from Pittsburgh; about 1 hr 30 min from Harrisburg
Hollidaysburg
about 3 hr 45 min from Philadelphia; about 1 hr 50 min from Pittsburgh; about 2 hr from Harrisburg
Titusville
about 5 hr 30 min from Philadelphia; about 2 hr from Pittsburgh; about 4 hr 30 min from Harrisburg
West Chester
about 50 min from Philadelphia; about 4 hr 40 min from Pittsburgh; about 1 hr 40 min from Harrisburg
Kutztown
about 1 hr 20 min from Philadelphia; about 4 hr 10 min from Pittsburgh; about 1 hr 20 min from Harrisburg
Rockhill Furnace
about 3 hr 15 min from Philadelphia; about 2 hr 40 min from Pittsburgh; about 1 hr 30 min from Harrisburg
Bellefonte
about 3 hr 30 min from Philadelphia; about 2 hr 40 min from Pittsburgh; about 1 hr 40 min from Harrisburg
Washington
about 4 hr 50 min from Philadelphia; about 40 min from Pittsburgh; about 3 hr 40 min from Harrisburg
Washington
about 4 hr 50 min from Philadelphia; about 40 min from Pittsburgh; about 3 hr 40 min from Harrisburg

Pennsylvania Railroad Details Parents Ask About Before Booking

  • Everett's FAQ says the Hollidaysburg pumpkin ride frequently sells out, and only Oct 17 is left, so book that one first if it is on your list.
  • Baby fares are not consistent across the state: under 2 rides free on a lap at Strasburg, Everett and Stourbridge, but the M&H charges $7 for lap-held babies, West Chester charges $15 for ages 9 to 23 months, and the WK&S charges $2 for 2 and under.
  • Bathrooms vary: the WK&S has no restrooms on its train (use the station first), while Everett has restrooms on every car and East Broad Top has restrooms and baby-changing areas at both the station and Colgate Grove.
  • Bring cash for Kempton, where the snack shack is cash only. At Strasburg, paying cash at the box office is a couple of dollars cheaper per ticket than buying online.
  • Oil Creek and Titusville takes Halloween Train reservations only by phone, email or fax, cut off at 2 PM the Friday before, and warns that anyone selling e-tickets for it is a scam.
  • At Kempton, your online confirmation is not your boarding pass; stop at the ticket office when you arrive. Everett and Strasburg both ask you to be there 30 minutes to an hour early.
  • Most railroads here run rain or shine, and East Broad Top adds snow to that list, so pack rain boots instead of hoping for a reschedule.

Pennsylvania in Late October: Mild in Lancaster, Frosty in the Ridges

In the southeast (Philadelphia, Lancaster, West Chester), typical daytime highs slide from the mid 60s early in October to the mid 50s by Halloween, with evenings in the 40s. The ridge-and-valley towns of central Pennsylvania (Hollidaysburg, Rockhill Furnace, Bellefonte), the Northern Poconos around Honesdale, and Titusville in the northwest all run several degrees colder, and evenings in the 30s with frost are common by late October. These are typical climate numbers, not a forecast.

Sunset is around 6:10 PM by Oct 31, since Daylight Saving Time does not end until Nov 1. That puts the 4:00 PM Honesdale ride and the 5:30 PM Bellefonte trip into dusk, and Strasburg's 7:00 PM show fully after dark, with outdoor stage time at both ends. Several cars are chilly: Oil Creek says its coaches have limited heat, and Everett's coach has open windows. Patch stops are grass or gravel, and Everett and the WK&S both advise closed-toe shoes. Bring hats, gloves, and a layer big enough to go over the costume.

Which Pennsylvania Rides Are Fine for a Jumpy Preschooler

Strasburg's Haunting of Pumpkin Junction is the one to think hard about. The railroad itself warns of loud sound effects, dark moments and a few jump scares, recommends it for 8 and up, and the cast walks through every coach, so a scared child cannot simply look out the window and wait. It is a mystery story more than a horror show, but for a 4-year-old the dark, the noise and strangers in costume at arm's length can add up fast.

Everything else here is daytime or ends around dusk, with no actors chasing anyone. The gentlest picks are the M&H, which asks riders not to wear scary costumes at all, West Chester, which advertises the season without the scares, and Oil Creek, which says outright that it is not a haunted train. The only costumed characters most kids will meet are the WK&S witches in Kempton, who are there to hand out treats. If your child is unsure about witches, tell them ahead of time that these ones have candy, and let them watch another kid go first. Bellefonte plays spooky music on board, which is easy to preview at home with a silly Halloween playlist.

Watercolor of Rally the corgi dreaming about his toy turtle, green bone and yellow ball
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

In our book, Rally is the first one awake. He spots the suitcase and packs his favorite things: his turtle toy, his green bone and his yellow ball. I think of that page every time I read about a Pennsylvania October ride, whether it is the Oil Creek coach the railroad says has limited heat or Strasburg's show that starts and ends on an outdoor stage after dark. Let your kids pack like Rally, one comfort toy and then the warm stuff, plus a few of our Rally coloring sheets to print for the station wait. My mom dreamed up that corgi long before I wrote a word, and you can read how her story became our book.

Crossing Into New York or Ohio for a Halloween Train

Families in Erie and the northern tier have a haunted-themed option just over the line: the Arcade and Attica Railroad's Haunted Halloween Express runs about an hour from Buffalo, and the railroad calls it suitable for most ages with an optional haunted house. See our New York Halloween train guide for dates.

Western Pennsylvania families heading toward Cleveland will find Ohio's pumpkin trains closer than Strasburg: Orrville's pumpkin hayride train rides are about an hour from Cleveland and Dennison's not-so-scary Halloween train is about 1 hr 45 min. Our roundup of Ohio pumpkin trains has the full list.

Rally’s Spooky Train Ride: Halloween shirts

The tunnel page from the book, Rally on his red seat in the dark, is printed on black shirts in sizes for the whole family, from baby to 5XL. A matching set makes for easy pumpkin train photos and an easy costume under a jacket. See everything in the Rally shop.

A train book for the ride

For a different kind of train day with kids, the Keystone between Harrisburg and Philadelphia is an easy round trip, and the Pennsylvanian out of Pittsburgh makes a longer day of it.

Free for train families

Print the Rally coloring pages before you go

Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. They fit in a folder with a few crayons for the line at the depot or the drive home.

Get the free coloring pages for Ronks
Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents, including one dark tunnel he is brave enough to ride through. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

More for train families

Sources

Checked against each railroad’s own pages and ticket calendars on October 14, 2026. Dates, prices and policies change, so confirm with the railroad before you go.

What Pennsylvania Parents Want to Know Before a Pumpkin Train

Are there Halloween events for families in Ronks and Strasburg, Pennsylvania?

One family Halloween event in Ronks is The Haunting of Pumpkin Junction at the Strasburg Rail Road, a haunted night mystery ride recommended for ages 8 and up. Dates left are Oct 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 and 31, each with a 7:00 PM departure. Online tickets are $47.70 for ages 12 and up and $37.10 for kids 2 to 11, slightly less in cash. The 1978 whodunit opens and closes on an outdoor stage, with the middle act aboard the steam train.

Are there any Halloween events in Honesdale, Pennsylvania this October?

Honesdale's Halloween train is the Stourbridge Line, which runs two gentle pumpkin rides. The Pumpkin Patch Express leaves at 4:00 PM on Oct 17, 18 and 24, costs $40 for adults and $35 for children, and stops at a patch where each child picks a pumpkin to take home. The Boo Bash on Sunday, Oct 25 at 3:00 PM adds a costume contest and a petting zoo, at $45 and $40. Infants ride free on both.

What is there to do for Halloween in Middletown, Pennsylvania with kids?

One family Halloween event in Middletown is the Pumpkin Patch Express on the Middletown and Hummelstown Railroad, a gentle morning pumpkin train at 11:00 AM on Oct 17, 18, 24 and 25. Kids choose a pumpkin from the railroad's own patch. Fares are $24 for adults, $19 for children 2 to 11 and $7 for lap-held babies. Kid-friendly costumes are welcome, but the railroad asks for nothing scary, and reservations are required.

What Halloween events are there for families in Kempton, Pennsylvania?

Kempton's Halloween train is the Pumpkin Patch Train on the Wanamaker, Kempton and Southern, a gentle 45-minute pumpkin ride on Oct 17, 18, 24 and 25, departing at 1, 2, 3 and 4 PM. Every rider, grown-ups included, picks a pumpkin at the Great Pumpkin Patch, and kids collect a treat from the costumed WK&S witches back at the station. Tickets are $18 for adults and children 3 to 11, and $2 for kids 2 and under.

What Halloween events are there for kids in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania?

One family Halloween event in Hollidaysburg is the Everett Railroad's Pumpkin Patch Train Ride, a gentle steam train trip with only Saturday, Oct 17 left, at 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM. Every ticket includes a pumpkin to take home, and cider and cookies are served at the patch. Adults pay $25, youth $19 and First Class $40, with under 2 free. The railroad says this ride frequently sells out.

Is there a Halloween train ride for kids in Titusville, Pennsylvania?

Yes, the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad runs its Halloween Train once, on Saturday, Oct 24 at 11:00 AM, and says it is family-friendly rather than haunted. The roughly three-hour trip rolls through Oil Creek State Park, and children 12 and under get treat bags. Coach fares are $27 for adults and $21 for children 1 to 12. First Class was sold out as of October 14, and reservations are taken only by phone, email or fax.

What are some Halloween events for little kids in West Chester, Pennsylvania?

One family Halloween event in West Chester is the West Chester Railroad's Halloween Special, a gentle costume train aimed at little ones who want the season without the scares. It runs Oct 24 and 25 at noon and 2:00 PM, a 90-minute round trip to the 1880s Glen Mills station, with treats for kids along the way. Adults pay $30, children 2 to 12 pay $25, and toddlers 9 to 23 months need a $15 ticket.

Are there any Halloween or pumpkin events in Kutztown, Pennsylvania?

Kutztown's Halloween train is the Allentown and Auburn Railroad's Pumpkin Trains, a gentle 90-minute ride to the railroad's picnic grove, where every passenger picks a pumpkin and each child receives a treat. Departures are 10 AM, noon, 2 PM and 4 PM on Oct 17, 18, 24, 25 and 31, so it still runs on Halloween itself. The railroad has not posted prices, so check the operator site before you drive out.

What is there to do for Halloween with kids in Rockhill Furnace, Pennsylvania?

One family Halloween event in Rockhill Furnace is East Broad Top's Pumpkin Patch Express, a gentle narrow gauge steam ride to Colgate Grove on Oct 17, 18, 24, 25 and 31, leaving at 10:00, 11:30, 1:00 and 2:30. Each child ticket includes a pumpkin, plus a hay wagon ride, pumpkin decorating, mini-golf and a costume contest with prizes at every departure. Open-air or coach fares are $28 for adults and $22 for kids 2 to 12.

Are there Halloween events for kids in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, near State College?

One family Halloween event in Bellefonte is the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society's Halloween Special, a one-hour costume ride with spooky music and candy bags at the end, with no scares described. It runs only on Saturday, Oct 24, at 4:00 and 5:30 PM, for $15 per adult and $10 per child. As of October 14 the 4:00 PM trip was marked sold out and the 5:30 PM showed no availability, so watch for released seats.

What Halloween events are there for kids in Washington, Pennsylvania?

Washington's Halloween rides are at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, on heritage streetcars rather than trains. The gentle Magic Pumpkin Trolley runs Oct 16 to 18 every 30 minutes; kids plant a magic seed and later collect a full-size pumpkin, at $23 for adults and $22 for children 3 to 17. Trick or Trolley on Oct 24 and 25, 10 AM to 4 PM, adds trick-or-treating among antique streetcars, and kids 17 and under get in free.

Is there a pumpkin patch train in Berks County, Pennsylvania?

Yes, at least two Berks County railroads run one this October. The Wanamaker, Kempton and Southern in Kempton runs a 45-minute Pumpkin Patch Train on Oct 17, 18, 24 and 25 where every rider picks a pumpkin, for $18 a ticket. The Allentown and Auburn Railroad in Kutztown stops at its picnic grove so each passenger can choose a pumpkin, with dates through Oct 31; its prices are not posted, so check the operator site.

What are Halloween events for kids near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

The closest Halloween train to Philadelphia is West Chester's gentle Halloween Special, about 50 minutes away, on Oct 24 and 25. About 1 hr 20 min out, Kutztown's Pumpkin Trains run through Oct 31, and Strasburg's haunted Haunting of Pumpkin Junction in Ronks plays seven nights for ages 8 and up. The WK&S Pumpkin Patch Train in Kempton, about 1 hr 30 min away, runs Oct 17, 18, 24 and 25.

What Halloween things can kids do near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?

The closest option to Pittsburgh is the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum in Washington, about 40 minutes away, with the gentle Magic Pumpkin Trolley Oct 16 to 18 and Trick or Trolley, free for kids, on Oct 24 and 25. For a real train, Everett's steam pumpkin ride in Hollidaysburg is about 1 hr 50 min away on Oct 17 only, and Oil Creek's family Halloween Train in Titusville is about 2 hours away on Oct 24.

Are there Halloween train rides for kids near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania?

Yes. The Middletown and Hummelstown Railroad's gentle Pumpkin Patch Express is about 20 minutes from Harrisburg, at 11:00 AM on Oct 17, 18, 24 and 25. Strasburg's haunted Haunting of Pumpkin Junction in Ronks, recommended for 8 and up, is about 55 minutes away on seven nights through Oct 31. East Broad Top's steam Pumpkin Patch Express in Rockhill Furnace, about 1 hr 30 min away, also runs through Oct 31.

Can my kids wear Halloween costumes on the East Broad Top pumpkin train?

Yes, and the East Broad Top Railroad actively encourages it. Both children and adults are invited to wear costumes and join the costume contest at Colgate Grove, with prizes at every departure. Since the ride runs rain, snow or shine and the grove is outdoors, pick a costume that fits over a warm layer. Other Pennsylvania railroads, including West Chester and the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, welcome costumes too.

Is the Haunting of Pumpkin Junction at Strasburg too scary for a 3 year old?

Probably, yes, by the railroad's own description. Strasburg recommends the show for ages 8 and up and warns of loud sound effects, dark moments and a few jump scares. It starts at 7:00 PM, runs after dark, and cast members move through every coach. Under 2 rides free on a lap, but for a preschooler a daytime pumpkin train such as West Chester or the M&H is the gentler choice.

Are there still Pennsylvania pumpkin train tickets for this weekend, Oct 17 and 18?

Mostly yes, as of October 14. The WK&S in Kempton, East Broad Top, the Stourbridge Line, the Magic Pumpkin Trolley and Everett all showed open departures for that weekend. Everett runs only on Oct 17 and says the ride frequently sells out. Strasburg's haunted show had no sold-out dates posted, and the M&H and Kutztown railroads do not publish sold-out status, so check their booking pages directly.

Do babies need their own ticket on a PA pumpkin train?

It depends on the railroad. Strasburg, Everett, the Stourbridge Line and East Broad Top let children under 2 ride free, typically on a lap or without a seat. The M&H in Middletown charges $7 for lap-held babies, West Chester charges $15 for ages 9 to 23 months, and the WK&S in Kempton charges $2 for kids 2 and under. Check the fare table before you book.

Is there a bathroom on the Kempton pumpkin patch train?

No, the Wanamaker, Kempton and Southern says there are no restrooms on its train. Use the facilities at Kempton Station before you board. The ride itself is about 45 minutes, so most kids can make it with a stop beforehand. If bathrooms on board matter, the Everett Railroad has restrooms on every car plus portable toilets at its pumpkin patch.

What happens if it rains the day of our Pennsylvania pumpkin train?

The ride almost always goes on. Strasburg, the WK&S, the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum and East Broad Top all say they run rain or shine, and East Broad Top adds snow. East Broad Top gives credit rather than refunds, and Oil Creek tickets are non-refundable. Pack rain boots and a dry change of clothes, since patch stops are on grass or gravel.

Kelsey Cecil
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