Trains never seem to loose their appeal. When the conductor yells, "All Aboard!" children's eyes light up with anticipation and excitement. This time of the year many trains offer Halloween-themed rides that are sure to please tiny trick-or-treaters, as well as those "treating" them to the ride. And, for those big boy train enthusiasts... there's a Murder Mystery Dinner Train that will satisfy your hunger, for both a train ride and scrumptious dinner.
- Central Pasco & Gulf Railroad's Halloween Train will run Friday and Saturday nights, October 21 & 22 and 28 & 29, 2011 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. The 7-1/2"-gauge railroad is located at Crews Lake Wilderness Park in Pasco County, about 25 miles north of Tampa. Cost per ride is $3.00. There will be refreshments available for purchase.
- Seminole Gulf Railway in Fort Myers celebrates with an adult-oriented Murder Mystery Dinner aboard their Halloween Ghost Train. Trains depart October 28-31, 2011. Dress up in your favorite costume and enjoy a nostalgic train ride, five-course dinner and comical murder mystery show. Prizes are awarded for the best costume by category. All tickets are $75.00.
- More tram than train, the Ghost Train Adventure departing from Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum at 8:00 p.m. nightly is billed as the most interactive paranormal experience in St. Augustine. If the first train sells out, times vary for subsequent tours. Prices are $26 for adults and $13 for children ages 6-12. Save $2 per adult ticket and $1 per children's ticket by purchasing online in advance.
- The Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish will run a Pumpkin Patch Express on Saturday and Sunday, October 29 & 30, 2011 — departing at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m. In addition to the train ride, passengers are treated to hayrides, face painting and picking out their own pumpkin. Tickets are $18 for adults and $14 for children. These trains usually sell out, so purchase your tickets soon!
