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Experience the Spookomotive Train Ride in Old Sacramento

All aboard for Halloween fun!  The Spookomotive train ride ​is once again being offered by the California State Parks and California State Railroad Museum & Foundation for three weekends in October leading up to Halloween.


The whimsically decorated and diesel-powered train car is crawling with spiders, cobwebs and cornstalks and staffed by a “skeleton crew”.  This event is perfect for families and everyone is encouraged to dress up to get into the Halloween spirit. 


The Spookomotive departs from the Central Pacific Freight Depot on Front Street and K Streets in Old Sacramento, where all guests will enjoy a fun-filled, forty-five minute train ride along the Sacramento River.



Each operating weekend the Spookomotive will have a special theme and includes exciting on board entertainment and a tasty Halloween treat.



Themes: 
October 14th and 15th: Superheroes & Villains
The train has been compromised by a sinister super-villain. Gather your superpowers and cheer on the superhero to help them defeat the super-villain and save the day.

October 21st and 22nd: Pirates & Princesses
The train has been captured by a dreadful pirate! Wear your best eye-patch and practice your "Argh!" to help the good pirate save the train and send the dreadful pirate to walk the plank!

October 28th and 29th: Witches & Wizards
A wicked witch has put an evil curse on the train! Grab your wand and cast a magic spell to help the good witch break the evil curse and save the train!


The Spookomotive has hourly departures from 11 AM to 4 PM and tickets can be purchased online in advance.  As of right now all first-class tickets are already sold out, with other times close to selling out as well.  Also note that if you are a member of the California State Railroad Museum, you can enjoy discounted ticket prices from the prices listed below.


Coach Prices: 
General Coach: $15 adult; $8 youth (ages 2-17)
Note: Kids under age 2 do not require a ticket and must be seated on an adult's lap during the train ride.

First Class Prices:
General First Class: $25 adult; $15 youth (ages 2-17)
Note: Kids under age 2 do not require a ticket and must be seated on an adult's lap during the train ride.

If you decide to upgrade to first class, you'll enjoy themed entertainment along with the excitement of the Mad Scientist and his crew of minions, along with their funny jokes and games perfect for kids of all ages. The laboratory is decorated with a display of crazy experiments fit for the mad Doctor himself. 


First Class guests also receive refreshments on board (water or apple juice) and a special Halloween cookie.


I enjoyed the Spookomotive train ride last year and plan on taking my family this year as well, as it's a perfect family-friendly event to get into the Halloween spirit!

Lastly, be sure to check out the awesome California State Railroad Museum during your visit to Old Sacramento: Visit the California State Railroad Museum