Celebrate Halloween with family activities at Steamtown’s Spooky Spectacular in Scranton on Oct. 27
From a press release:
Calling all ghosts and goblins, witches and wizards, pirates and princesses – the Steamtown National Historic Site in downtown Scranton will host special “Spooky Spectacular” Halloween events at the park on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
A variety of free, not-so-scary family friendly activities are planned for children of all ages. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume to make for an spookier time.
Trick-or-treaters can follow clues to find “ghoulish goody stations” throughout the park during the “Trick-or-Train Treasure Hunt” (while supplies last). Steve the Magician is back again by popular demand with his enjoyable Halloween-themed magic show; there will be two sessions of his “laugh out loud” fun spectacle. There will even be an operating LEGO train display to enjoy.
Afraid of bats? Don’t worry, there won’t be any flying inside the buildings. But visitors can learn more about these important insect-eating animals and take home their own bat craft project. There will also be a Bat Junior Ranger program so little “vampires” can become batty experts.
Visitors can also take a spooked-out, steam-powered “Scranton Limited” short train ride ($5 per person, all ages 6 and older) while at the park. The trains board in the turntable plaza of the museum complex and depart at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:15 p.m., and 2:15 p.m. Those who dare can ride on the special diesel-powered “Ghoulsboro Express” excursion to Gouldsboro, which departs at 11:30 a.m. and returns to the park at 3 p.m.
Dress in costume and join boys, girls, and ghouls of all ages for this hauntingly fun train ride. At the Ghoulsboro depot, there will be Halloween activities, including a costume parade. Light refreshments will also be available for purchase at the station. Ticket pricing for the excursion is $34 for adults ages 16-61, $29 for seniors ages 62 and older, and $22 for children ages 6-15. Children up to age 5 require a free ticket.
Reservations for the “Ghoulsboro Express” are strongly recommended (some same day walk-up tickets may be available). For credit/debit card purchases, call 570-340-5204 between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Wednesdays through Sundays. Tickets may also be purchased using cash, check, or credit/debit cards in person at the site’s Fee Booth during those same days/hours.
The Steamtown NHS (150 S. Washington Ave., Scranton) is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For train excursion information and reservations, call 570-340-5204 daily from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. General park information is available on the park website.
Photo by NPS/Kenny Ganz
