Looking for a family-friendly Halloween event in North Carolina?
At the heart of Tweetsie Railroad’s Ghost Train is a nighttime ride behind a historic steam locomotive through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Before and after their scheduled ride, families can enjoy trick-or-treating, live entertainment, amusement rides, seasonal treats, and additional haunted attractions.
Running Friday and Saturday nights, September 25 to October 31, Ghost Train offers experiences for children, teens, and adults, making it one of the best things to do with kids in the High Country this fall. Families can plan their evening around their reserved Ghost Train ride while choosing additional activities that match each guest’s preferred level of fright.
Before You Go:
Ghost Train runs every Friday and Saturday evening, September 25 to October 31, 2026.
The park is open from 7:30-10:30 p.m. (7:00 p.m. the last three weekends in October).
Tickets are sold in advance with a specific date and train ride time.
$65 for Adults (ages 13+), $45 for Children (ages 3-12) and free for Toddlers (ages 2 and under).
Tickets include one ride on the Ghost Train, plus admission to the attractions. Parking is free.
The Main Event: A Nighttime Ride on the Ghost Train
The signature experience of the evening is a nighttime ride behind a historic steam locomotive through the Blue Ridge Mountains (recommended for ages 8 and older). As the train travels along its three-mile route, eerie scenes, spooky characters, and unexpected frights bring the Ghost Train adventure to life.
Each ticket includes a reserved train ride time, making the Ghost Train the centerpiece around which families can plan the rest of their evening. Arrive early to enjoy activities before boarding, then continue exploring the park after the train returns to Main Street.
The train is open-air, so guests should dress for cool fall evenings in the mountains.
Halloween Activities for Younger Children
Not every Halloween adventure needs to be scary. Families visiting Ghost Train with younger children can enjoy several festive activities designed with little ones in mind.
Kid-friendly Ghost Train activities include:
Trick-or-Treat Stations along Main Street
A lively Main Street Dance Party where children can show off their Halloween costumes
The Tweetsie Palace Spooktacular, performance times: 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, 9:30 and 10:00 p.m.
Classic Country Fair amusement rides illuminated for a night of fall fun (height and age requirements apply)
Two kid-friendly walkthrough attractions in the Boneyard: the Warp Tunnel and Black Hole
These family-friendly attractions give younger guests plenty to do for the evening without having to experience the event’s scarier areas.
More Haunted Attractions for Older Kids and Adults
Families looking for bigger thrills can find plenty of chills throughout the park. These scarier experiences are recommended for ages 8 and older:
A spooky walk through the Freaky Forest
The spine-tingling tour of the Haunted House
These attractions deliver a more intense experience for older children, teens, and adults who are ready to test their courage.
Families with children of different ages can split their evening between kid-friendly activities and scarier attractions, letting everyone choose their level of scare.
Tweetsie Tip
Dress for the weather; the train is open-air, and evenings in the mountains can get chilly.
Arrive early to enjoy all of the evening's festivities before and after your train ride.
Costumes are encouraged – as long as they are family-friendly.
Visit Fudge Works for seasonal fall treats, including homemade specialty fudge, candy apples, and hot chocolate.