October outings at Thendara Station benefit Adirondack Central School’s Classes of 2028 and 2029, with designated kid-friendly departures.

Haunted railbike rides will return to Thendara Station on Oct. 17, 23, 24 and 30, combining a one-hour Halloween outing with support for Adirondack Central School students. The fundraiser benefits the Classes of 2028 and 2029, according to a release supplied Oct. 13. Families seeking a gentler experience should choose the designated 5 p.m. departures on Oct. 17 or 24. Rides at 6 p.m. and later offer a spookier experience.

The partnership brings Adirondack Railbike Adventures and the school together for an outdoor seasonal activity. It also gives Mohawk Valley residents another option when deciding how to spend an October evening, with a purpose beyond holiday entertainment.

The operator’s current booking page lists tickets at $25 per seat. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Before reserving, check the selected date, departure time and final checkout total so the ride matches both your group’s budget and its comfort with Halloween scares.

Haunted railbike rides: dates, location and tickets

• Dates: Oct. 17, 23, 24 and 30, 2026.
• Departure point: Thendara Station, 2568 State Route 28, Thendara, near Old Forge.
• Duration: One hour.
• Listed ticket price: $25 per seat on the official booking page.
• Ages: All ages, with adult accompaniment required for anyone under 18.
• Designated kid-friendly departures: 5 p.m. on Oct. 17 and Oct. 24.
• Beneficiaries: Adirondack Central School’s Classes of 2028 and 2029.

Reservations are available through the official Haunted Railbike Ride page. The release says space is limited and encourages families to reserve early. A listed date does not guarantee that every departure still has seats available.

For a four-person group, the advertised $25-per-seat rate works out to $100 before any additional checkout charges. That calculation is a planning example, not a promise about the final total. Review the reservation details before paying.

Choose the right level of Halloween fun

The clearest planning choice is between the early family departures and the later rides. Organizers specifically identify the 5 p.m. outings on Oct. 17 and 24 as kid-friendly. They do not make that designation for every departure on all four dates.

Guests looking for more thrills can select rides beginning at 6 p.m. The release describes those outings as having a spookier atmosphere before riders return to the station. It does not provide a detailed list of scares, performers or effects, so families should ask the operator about anything that could affect a child’s experience.

The release describes the early departures as a “kid-friendly Halloween experience.” That distinction matters for parents, grandparents and caregivers who want seasonal entertainment without choosing the wrong level of intensity.

All-ages admission should not be read as a guarantee that every child will enjoy the later outings. A child’s response to darkness, surprises or Halloween characters can vary. Selecting a designated family departure is a practical first step; contacting the operator is the next step if questions remain.

How the outing supports students

Proceeds support Adirondack Central School’s Classes of 2028 and 2029. The announcement connects reservations directly to that school partnership, giving participants a way to support students while taking part in a recreational activity.

The release does not specify the amount each class will receive, the share of each ticket assigned to the fundraiser or the particular projects the money will support. Those details should not be assumed. The confirmed point is that these two classes are the named beneficiaries.

For residents who prefer to support community activities through an outing rather than a separate donation, that partnership may be part of the appeal. Families can weigh the event on its own merits while knowing which student groups organizers say it benefits.

The operator is Adirondack Railway Preservation Society, Inc., a nonprofit organization headquartered in Utica, according to the release. Its railbike tours connect outdoor recreation with access to scenic railway sections and railway heritage preservation.

Plan for Thendara, rather than a Utica departure

Although the organization is based in Utica, these rides leave from Thendara Station. Visitors should use the published Route 28 address when planning their trip. Going to Utica’s train station would put a family at the wrong departure point.

The announced experience lasts one hour, but that is the ride duration, not the full time needed for an evening out. Allow time for travel and follow the operator’s check-in instructions. Confirm the details in your reservation rather than guessing how early to arrive.

For an outdoor October activity, check the forecast and dress for the season. Comfortable clothing and footwear are sensible planning choices. Ask the operator about any specific clothing or costume restrictions before assuming an outfit is appropriate.

Questions to settle before booking

If someone in your group has mobility needs or questions about seating, contact the operator before purchasing. The announcement’s all-ages description does not provide detailed accessibility information or explain every boarding requirement.

Weather policies, cancellation terms and the handling of a missed departure should also be checked during booking. The supplied release does not explain those policies. Review the current terms rather than assuming a refund or rescheduling option.

For additional information, the release lists Amanda Hill at 315-723-0174. The operator’s website also provides contact information and the reservation page.

Haunted railbike rides: a quick family FAQ

Are all departure times designated kid-friendly?

No. Organizers identify 5 p.m. on Oct. 17 and 24 for that experience. Select the time carefully when reserving.

Do haunted railbike rides leave from Utica?

No. This fundraiser departs from Thendara Station near Old Forge. Use the Route 28 address in your travel plans.

Reserve with the date and purpose in mind

The fundraiser offers a specific choice: four October dates, a one-hour ride, two designated kid-friendly departure times and support for two Adirondack Central School classes. Those details give families a useful starting point for deciding whether the outing fits.

Check seat availability, choose the departure that suits your group and confirm the full price before booking. Share the current 2026 information with friends interested in joining, especially the Thendara location and the difference between early and later rides.

Sources: Adirondack Railbike Adventures’ release supplied Oct. 13, 2026, and its official Haunted Railbike Ride booking page.