Ocean County’s Halloween Weekend: Railroads, Fur Fest & Spooky Fun

When the calendar flips to October 24, Ocean County turns into a playground of pumpkins, trains, and costumes. Whether you’re a train buff, a pet‑parent, or just hunting for some sweet treats, there’s a bite‑size adventure waiting around every corner.

First stop: the Berkeley Township Historical Society Museum, which throws open its doors for the first time in years. The highlight? The 100‑year‑old Plymouth Locomotive No. 2173 rolling back onto the tracks for a one‑day comeback. Alongside the steam‑engine, narrow‑gauge locomotives chug, antique fire trucks gleam, and the Pinelands Antique Engine Association displays a cornucopia of old‑school machinery. Kids (and adults) can wander among model‑train layouts and snap a selfie with a piece of living history.

Just a short drive away, the Friends of the Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter are prepping the Southern Ocean County Animal Facility for their annual Halloween Fur Fest. Registration kicks off at 1 p.m., and by the time the doors swing open, furry, feathered, scaly and hooved critters will be strutting in their most creative outfits. Prizes, giveaways, and a parade that could rival any human costume contest make it a must‑see for pet lovers.

Down at Seaside Heights, “Halloween in the Heights” rolls out a full‑day family fiesta. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., you’ll find pumpkin‑painting stations, a corn maze that twists just enough to be fun, an obstacle course, carousel rides, and even a Thriller‑dance showdown. Kids 16 and under can snag a Halloween passport—think of it as a backstage pass for discounted arcade tokens, free rides, and a shot at the grand prize. The day winds down with a free kids’ movie on the boardwalk at 6:30 p.m., popcorn optional but encouraged.

For those craving a little more of a chill, Jackson Township’s “Trail of Terror” at Johnson Park offers two paths: one mildly spooky and another downright creepy. Starting at 4 p.m. and running till 9 p.m., the free event also hosts a Trunk‑or‑Treat zone, pumpkin painting (while supplies last), and face‑painting for $7. Food trucks will be dishing out treats that pair nicely with the candy corn. If you want to park a decorated trunk, the recreation office is happy to take your call.

As the sun sets, downtown Toms River transforms into “Haunted Downtown.” From 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Washington Street buzzes with free candy drops, a costume contest for all ages, and live music that keeps the energy high. It’s a perfect spot for families to stroll, snap some Halloween selfies, and soak up the neighborhood’s festive spirit.

All in all, Ocean County’s October weekend feels like a well‑crafted patchwork quilt—each event a unique square stitched together by the thread of Halloween joy. So grab a jacket, load up the kids, and head out; there’s a little something for everyone, and the memories will last far longer than the candy.