When I was little, there was a Zoo in Stanley Park. Bears, monkeys, kangaroos and those funny little penguins that would shoot down a slide on their bellies and splash into the water below. The reptile exhibit freaked me out but the pony rides were always a treat. Another staple of visiting Stanley Park was the train. It would loop you around the inside of the park, over bridges, past exotic animals and through tunnels.

It seems like the train has been sort of forgotten in recent years, except when it’s holiday time. This season kicks off with the Halloween Ghost Train “Attack of the Creatures from Lost Lagoon!”

In addition to the ride, this year’s event features mask-making workshops, face-painting, and the always popular Haunted Farmyard and its spooky animals [city of vancouver]

The train will run (with its spooky theme) from October 6 - November, 6-10pm - but you’d better show up early because it’s ALWAYS booked right up.

But wait, there’s more!

Stanley Park isn’t the only home of a haunted train ride this Fall. Bear Creek Park in Surrey has been running a train now for 11 years (wha?! it’s been that long already?!)

Ride on our train through our Friendly Spook Alley. This is our 11th year. Children’s fare includes a Halloween craft, game, treat and a real pumpkin to take home [city of surrey]

Bear Creek Park is located at 13750 - 88th Avenue in Surrey and the train runs from October 13-31st, 10am to 5pm daily.

These things are rarely scary enough to give adults or desensitized teens goosebumps but from my experience with my nieces and nephews - they can really scare the daylights outta the young ones (even the pumpkin carving).

If you know of any more spooky yet friendly trains and park activities in your area, feel free to add them in the comments.