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Halloween Trains and Fall Foliage Train Rides Near Philadelphia

Enjoy cider and donuts and get a pumpkin on Colebrookdale Railroad's Great Pumpkin Patch Express. Photo courtesy of the railroad
Enjoy cider and donuts and get a pumpkin on Colebrookdale Railroad's Great Pumpkin Patch Express. Photo courtesy of the railroad
9/22/23 - By Cait Sumner

As cooler weather reaches the Delaware Valley, Philly families are reminded of autumnal traditions. This year, consider adding a new experience to your fall must-do list by climbing aboard one of the many family-friendly train rides in the region.

From fall foliage viewing to pumpkin patch stops, there are several unique train experiences sure to delight Philly children of all ages.

Looking for more trains? Check out New Jersey's Halloween and Fall Train Rides list for even more fun. Check out our Fall Activities Guide for more great ways to enjoy the season.

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Enjoy a brisk fall afternoon on West Chester Railroad's Fall Folige Express. Photo courtesy of the railroad
Enjoy a brisk fall afternoon on West Chester Railroad's Fall Folige Express. Photo courtesy of the railroad

Fall Foliage & Pumpkin Patch Train Rides

Fall Foliage Express

West Chester - Most Sundays October 1- November 5, 2023
All Aboard the West Chester Railroad for a ride through the picturesque Chester Creek Valley to view the beautiful foliage on a heated train. This 90-minute journey takes visitors back in time to the village of Glen Mills, then returns back to the station. READ MORE

Autumn Splendor Fall Foliage

Boyertown - select dates in the fall
View spectacular fall foliage from the rails at The Colebrookdale Railroad. Passengers can expect to see autumn colors and smell rich fragrances of fall in the Secret Valley. READ MORE

The Great Pumpkin Train

Phillipsburg, NJ - Saturdays & Sundays in October
Catch The Great Pumpkin Train October weekends. Choose an excursion to the Corn Maze or a scenic ride along the Delaware River. Ride the steam train through the beautiful fall landscape of Western New Jersey. READ MORE

Autumn Leaf Special on the Wilmington & Western Railroad

Wilmington, DE - Saturdays & Sundays October 7 - November 4, 2023
Surround yourself with the beauty and splendor of autumn during the most colorful time of the year. Greenback Station offers a 1½-hour round-trips to the Mt. Cuba Picnic Grove or a 2½-hour round-trips to Hockessin. READ MORE

Pumpkin Patch Train

Kempton - Saturdays & Sundays in October
Hop in one of the train cars and take a ride to the Great Pumpkin Patch. Once you arrive, children can select their very own pumpkin. When you get back to the Kempton Station, choose a decorating kit to take home. READ MORE

Fall Foliage Excursion

New Hope - Saturdays & Sundays September 30 - November 5, 2023
Enjoy an enchanting Autumn adventure on an antique train, departing from New Hope Railroad's Witch’s Hat Train Station, established in 1891. This Autumn adventure comprises a delightful two-hour journey through the beautiful landscapes of Bucks County, tracing the path of the “New Hope Branch” route. READ MORE

Pumpkin Patch Express

Boyertown - October 14, 2023
As the refreshing fall air rolls in, enjoy cider and donuts and get a pumpkin on the Great Pumpkin Patch Express! The kids get their own pumpkin to decorate! Each child gets one pumpkin, and there will be photo opportunities in the Boyertown yard. READ MORE

Autumn Splendor Fall Foliage Cider and Donuts

Boyertown - October 7 & 15, 2023
Spectacular autumn colors and the rich fragrances of fall in the Secret Valley delight the senses. Everyone gets a donut and cider while enjoying the bliss of the Secret Valley. This is a one-hour excursion. READ MORE
All aboard the train at New Hope Railroad for a 45-minute trick-or-treat train ride. Photo courtesy of the railroad
All aboard the train at New Hope Railroad for a 45-minute trick-or-treat train ride. Photo courtesy of the railroad

Halloween Train Rides

No Hope After Dark on the New Hope Railroad

New Hope - Thursday - Sunday October 6 - 31, 2023
This PG-13 train ride at New Hope & Ivyland Railroad is not for the faint of heart. The attraction isn't recommended for children under age 12, and passengers should be prepare for heart-stopping scares. READ MORE

Legacy of Sleepy Hollow Train

Ronks - Friday - Sunday, October 6 - November 5, 2023
Discover the true Legacy of Sleepy Hollow, only at the Strasburg Rail Road! The greatest ghost story ever told did not tell us the whole story. Join Isabel Crane, the great-great-granddaughter of the legendary Ichabod Crane, as she takes you on a frightful journey filled with sword fights, ghosts, and a centuries-old curse surrounding her family. Recommended for ages 8 and up. READ MORE

Halloween Express at Wilmington & Western Railroad

Wilmington, DE - October 29, 2023
Passengers will see a few friendly witches as they visit the Wilmington & Western Railroad for a ride on the Halloween train.  READ MORE

Trick-or-Treat Train

New Hope - Friday - Sundays in October
All aboard the train at New Hope Railroad for a 45-minute trick-or-treat train ride. Kids can dress up in their Halloween costumes and ride the rails, with stops for candy and assorted toys. READ MORE

Halloween Special Train

West Chester - October 28, 29, & November 5, 2023
Join West Chester Railroad for a family friendly Halloween train ride! Wear your favorite costume and ride the heated train to enjoy the beautiful Chester Creek Valley in all of its Fall splendor! During your 20 minute stop at the historic Glen Mills station, passengers can disembark and explore the historic station and our picnic grove. Passengers can also collect a few treats while on the train. READ MORE

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About the Author

Cait Sumner
Cait Sumner is an editor for Mommy Poppins and the owner and photographer of Apiary Photography. Along with homeschooling their kids, Cait enjoys playing soccer with the Philly Falcons. Always on the lookout for fun, unique family activities, Cait loves bringing those ideas to life through Mommy Poppins.
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