The latest Best Easter Train Rides in New Jersey update is written by Lindsay Podolak.
Polar Express trains are so yesterday’s news. It’s now time to book your tickets and hop aboard an Easter Bunny train ride. Kids of all ages will love taking a ride along with the guest of honor—the Easter Bunny, of course. Many rides include an Easter egg hunt, photo opportunities and some candy treats, too.
But get your tickets early as these train rides often sell out fast. Hop to it as Easter will be here before you know it!
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find an Easter Train Ride in your area.
| North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | Near New Jersey |
More from Best of NJ
North Jersey
Delaware River Railroad Excursions
Where: 99 Elizabeth Street, Phillipsburg
When: April 4, 5, & 11 | 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm
Price: $18 for adults, $12 for children (2-12), $4 for kids under 2
Details: Families can ride the Easter Bunny Train Ride and visit with Mr. E. Bunny on the train. This historic passenger coach leaves from Phillipsburg and, of course, winds along the Delaware River. Then the train travels along the river to Carpentersville; meanwhile, as part of the show, a hobo plays a banjo and a juggler shows off some tricks. After arriving at the 150-year-old Lime Kilns, you’ll find a glade filled with Easter eggs. Upon arrival, hop off to take a picture with Mr. Bunny and gather Easter eggs filled with toys and candy.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Whippany Railway Museum
Where: 1 Railroad Plaza, Whippany
When: March 29, April 4, 5, & 11 | 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm, and 4:00 pm
Price: $17 for adults, $12 for children (under 12), free for infants on laps (coach class)
Details: The 28th Annual Easter Bunny Express includes a 45-minute, 10-mile trip from Whippany to Roseland; before heading back along the Morristown & Erie Railway’s historic Whippanong Trail. Kids can meet the Easter Bunny and take photos with him while enjoying holiday treats handed out by the crew. After your ride, tour the museum building and grounds, which house historic railroad locomotives, steamship memorabilia, operational model trains and a gift shop. Limited tickets are also available to ride the restored 1927-era Central Railroad of New Jersey club car. (But this costs an additional fee.)
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Central Jersey
Black River & Western Railroad
Where: Flemington Station, 80 Stangl Road, Flemington
When: April 4, 5, 10, & 11
Price: $16 for adults, $10 for children (3-11), free for kids under 3
Details: This railroad has been part of the area for more than 50 years; and in fact, the rail line has been in continuous operation for more than 160 years. This Easter train offers a relaxing 80-minute round trip ride on the Easter Bunny Express. Peter Cottontail visits each child, posing for photos upon request as well as handing out small candy treats. Also available is the Cottontail Limited trip, a short ride from Ringoes to Bowne Station that includes an Easter egg hunt for the kids. See the website for complete schedule and pricing details.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Jersey Shore
The New Jersey Museum of Transportation
Where: Allaire State Park, 4265 Atlantic Avenue, Wall Township
When: April 4, 5, 11, & 12, trains leave every half hour from Noon to 4:30 pm
Price: $5 per person
Details: The New Jersey Museum of Transportation is a non-profit, educational organization that owns and operates the Pine Creek Railroad. In fact, this all-volunteer railroad was founded in 1952 and is one of the oldest operating narrow gauge railway exhibits in the country. Meanwhile, for this season, you and your kids can share a ride on the train with the Easter Bunny. But note that you must purchase all tickets in person at the station. As a bonus, you can visit the nearby Historic Village at Allaire on April 11 for a massive Easter Egg Hunt featuring over 18,000 eggs!
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Just Outside New Jersey…
New Hope & Ivyland Railroad
Where: 32 West Bridge Street, New Hope, PA
When: March 28 & 29 and April 4 to 12 at various times
Price: $36.99 for adults, $33.99 for children (3-11), $9.99 for kids 2 & under (coach class)
Details: Though technically in Pennsylvania, this railroad station is just over the bridge from Lambertville, NJ. This comfy ride on a turn-of-the-century passenger coach offers various seating options. Both the Easter Bunny and a train crew will greet you during this 45-minute ride through the valleys and hills of Bucks County. You’ll pass beautiful scenery including streams, farmland, historic buildings, bridges, and other surroundings. The Easter Bunny then visits every child, distributing special treats and posing for photos taken by the staff photographer.
More info: Visit the website or you can give them a call.
Hero (Top) Photo: © Black River & Western Railroad / Facebook
Other Photos (in Order) Courtesy:
Delaware River Railroad Excursions/ Website
Black River & Western Railroad / Facebook
New Jersey Museum of Transportation / Facebook
New Hope & Ivyland No.40 / Facebook
