Last weekend we had the opportunity to attend the Pumpkin Patch Express at the Orange Empire Railway Museum. We have always loved our visits to the Railway. And we were excited to make drive with our family. The Railway is located in Perris Ca.
Upon arrival we were greeted by the most festive witch. She's all handmade and so is her cauldron next to her. She is a must see and makes an amazing photo opportunity. If you are a connoisseur of vintage decor, like I am . You will love her. After you walk through the ticket window, you are greeted by their helpful volunteers. The Railway utilizes the local high school aged ROTC kids and the local Boy Scouts. They are ready to help you. We picked up our trick or treat bag, and a map. The map has an icon of each stop along the way to trick or treat at. When you walk into the activity area, you are immediately transported in a rustic fall feel. The colors of autumn are abundant and so are the photos opportunities.
There are a variety of fun activities, such as face painting, ballon twisting, games, crafts, pumpkin decorating, a tattoo station, a jumper, performances hourly by their entertainers, coloring pages, apple cider and cookies. It's all included in your admission price. Everything is bright and colorful and truly gets you in the Halloween/Fall spirit. The petting zoo has a small fee if you wish to feed the animals. and i highly suggest going to visit them. Such sweet and loving animals. I met a special goat named Levi. And I was quite smitten with him. He even loves to take selfies. So we spent quite a bit of time visiting with the goats, lambs and bunnies. We met some tiny piglets, and a sweet donkey. Great learning experience. It's a family run farm, which is nice. We learned alot about live stock that we did not know. And learned more about farm life.
The Entertainment was AWESOME!! They had the Young Music Company performing. We had the pleasure to meet their two talented performers, Jon and Rachel Zell. They are energetic, vivacious and really grasp kid's attention. You can't help but get HAPPY! We got to listen to Wiggles classics that they covered. Guitar and vocals were on point. They also had a Thriller dance party. And all the kids who danced got a cool prize. We loved them. I highly recommend them. 
Afterwards it was our time to board the Pumpkin Patch Train. We love the vintage cars the Museum has. It's always so refreshing to pause and take a moment to go back in time. So much history. The train rid is about 10-15 minutes. And it drops you right off at the start of the pumpkin patch. And as you exit you are greeted by a Railway worker ready with a bowl full of candy. You get to stroll through the pumpkin patch and take pictures. This patch has some HUGE pumpkins ready to go home with you. And every one who rides the train with a ticket, gets to take home a pumpkin. They are large and heavy, but there are carts and wagons and amazing Boy Scouts ready to help you, transport the, to your car, or to the pumpkin decorating table. We decided to take our kit home, and decorate at home. We ended up with 4 BIG pumpkins, which are now on our front porch. 
All in all we had a fabulous family day. It was slow paced and fun. We felt like we got to enjoy our time and we did not feel rushed. I recommend if you arrive later in the day, allow a minimum of an hour and a half or two, to enjoy the activities and walk the grounds before your train and pumpkin patch visit. You can visit the museum, the spooky caboose, ride a trolley and get a snack at one of the food vendors. Clean restrooms and the sweetest staff. These are all seasoned train veterans with so much knowledge. It's truly a blessing to speak to them and learn about days gone by and history. I hope you visit the Railway and the Pumpkin Train. This year or next. Make it your new family tradition. And maybe we will see you there!
*Disclaimer ~ We were compensated tickets to attend this event, but all thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
