Take the Kids: Get tickets for one of these four North Carolina Halloween trains
There's a good chance none of us are venturing outside in the next day or so. But, if you have power and internet, you can plan for future family fun.
Here are four Halloween train rides for kids and families in North Carolina. For more Halloween and fall fun events, check our database.
Pumpkin Patch Express at the Museum of Life and Science
Tickets are on sale now for this annual event, which runs on weekends in October. Tickets are $15 per person (and do not include general admission to the museum). Pre-registration is required.
During the event, you can climb aboard the Ellerbe Creek Railway for a journey to the museum's pumpkin patch, according to the museum's website. Pick the perfect pumpkin to decorate and take home, then enjoy crafts and a variety of carnival games before returning to the station.
This is definitely not scary and best for young kids - young grade schoolers and under.
Track or Treat Halloween Express at New Hope Valley Railway
The annual event, now in its 24th year, will run Oct. 12, Oct. 18 and Oct. 26. Hour-long rides start at 2:45 p.m. and continue until 7:45 p.m. Tickets are $14.
This is designed for all ages, but it can get scarier as it starts to get darker. If you're going with younger kids, hop on the earlier rides. New Hope Valley Railway is in New Hill in southwestern Wake County. More information is on New Hope Valley's website.
Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad
If you're up for a drive, Tweetsie's annual Ghost Train starts leaving the station on Sept. 20. It runs through Oct. 26 on select nights. Tweetsie is in the Blowing Rock area about three hours from Raleigh. Tickets are $38 for kids ages 3 to 12 and $44 for adults. They include admission to the Ghost Train and other attractions.
This could be pretty scary for some kids. Tweetsie doesn't recommend the Haunted House, Freaky Forest or Ghost Train for kids under age 8.
Peanuts: The Great Pumpkin Patch Express at the Great Smoky Mountain Railway
If you're really up for a drive, you can head over to Bryson City, about five hours from the Triangle, for the Great Smoky Mountain Railway's annual Halloween event. Tickets are between $10 and $68 for this one.
The ride includes a narration of "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" as the train chugs to a pumpkin patch. Once there, you can get a picture with Snoopy characters, roast marshmallows, take a hayride and trick or treat. It runs on select days from Oct. 4 to Oct. 27. This one is best for all ages.
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