If you’re looking for more than just a pumpkin patch, NJ railroads are boarding little monsters from all over the state this season. These pumpkin trains are a fun and unique way to get in the festive fall spirit. Make sure to book your excursion in advance, many of these trains sell out early.
Black River & Western Railroad Pumpkin Train
80 Stangl Road, Flemington
908-782-6622
Saturdays and Sundays in October
Hop aboard this train at Flemington Station and take a ride to Everitt Farms. Once you arrive at pumpkin junction, you’ll be able to explore their corn maze and do other farm activities. Your ticket includes the train ride and entry to the corn maze, a kid activity, wagon ride and music and games. There are three trains that depart the station daily.
Delaware River Railroad Excursions’ The Great Pumpkin Train
100 Elizabeth St., Phillipsburg
877-872-4674
Weekends, October 2 – 31
Take a ride on The Great Pumpkin Train, where you can chug along the beautiful Delaware River in the peak of fall. The Great Pumpkin Train will drop you off at the pumpkin patch, where each kid can pick their own pumpkin for free. While exploring all of the pumpkins, you can take in the beauty of the Carpentersville Lime Kilns (the oldest and largest in the state). If that’s not enough excitement for you, add on a trip to the Corn Maze. You can also visit the Ol’ Susquehanna Mine, which is filled with shiny treasures for you to bring home. You just have to find them first.
DiDonato Fun Center’s Trick-or-Treat Train
1151 White Horse Pike, Hammonton
609-561-3040
Select dates, September and October
ALL-A-BOO this tot-friendly train through the friendly Halloween town. Score some sweet treats at the Snack and Toy Cottage, find your way through the Halloween Hay Maze, and pick pumpkins at the pumpkin patch. But if you’d like to venture indoors, you can add on galactic golf or bowling for some added fun.
New Hope Railroad Trick or Treat Train
New Hope Railroad, 32 W. Bridge St., New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2332
Select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, October 8 – 30
Dress up the kids in costume and climb aboard for a 45-minute Trick or Treat Excursion. While on board, enjoy a reading of “Spookley the Square Pumpkin.” Sing along to lots of music performed by one of the railroad’s musicians. After arriving back in New Hope, stay in the area to trick-or-treat around the station platform for more treats and surprises with costumed characters. Official railroad trick-or-treat bags, assorted trinkets and candy will be handed out both onboard the train as well as at the station.
Whippany Railway Museum Pumpkin Patch Train
Whippany Railway Museum, 1 Railroad Plaza, WhippanyÂ
(973) 887-8177
October 2, 9 and 16
This 10-mile railroad trip from Whippany to Roseland is the perfect way to spend a fall afternoon with your family. Each ticket includes a pumpkin you can pick from the pumpkin patch. There is also pumpkin decorating and children are encouraged to come dressed in costume and mingle with some friendly neighborhood ghosts and zombies.