Kid-friendly NJ trains transformed for Halloween are now open

Haunted houses and hayrides are all the rage during the Halloween season but some are not fit for the whole family.

Kids’ scare-meters are still being tested and maybe it’s best to wait a while before you put them in that kind of situation.

So other than pumpkin/apple picking and hayrides during the day, what other kid-friendly activities can you check out during spooky season? One word, trains!

Denis Chick via Unsplash

There are Halloween trains throughout the state that offer different kinds of things for the whole family.

Some trains will take you through some of the amazing fall foliage that New Jersey has to offer, others will take you for a ride into a pumpkin patch, and some trains even offer trick-or-treating onboard.

Pumpkin Trains at Flemington Station will take you to Everitt Farms at Pumpkin Junction where your round-trip ticket includes admission to the corn maze, a wagon ride, music and games, and other activities.

The Whippany Railway Museum’s Pumpkin Patch & Halloween Train is a 10-mile, 45-minute round-trip train ride that includes pumpkin picking and a free one for the kids.

The Great Pumpkin Train is located in Phillipsburg and runs to Snyder Farm’s Corn Maze for you to engage in two mazes on site.

Then there’s DiDonato’s Trick-or-Treat Train in Hammonton. This train takes you through a little goblin friendly Halloween town that leads to a Halloween corn maze, pumpkin patch, a giant slide, an inflatable 40’ obstacle course, and 5 trick-or-treat spots.

These trains are a great weekend activity for your little ones and for the adults that want to skip the spooky part of Halloween.

The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5's Morning Show Producer Kristen. Any opinions expressed are her own.
Questions, corrections, or comments? Send Producer Kristen an email at kristen.accardi@townsquaremedia.com or follow her on Instagram.

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These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.

If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions: