fall activities

The Sullivan Express to PumpkinTown has officially become a fall tradition in our family. Every fall, we make our way to Sullivan Hardware & Garden in Fishers, climb aboard the little train, and head into a world of pumpkins, carnival games, and just the right amount of Halloween magic. One of the reasons we keep going back? It’s an event that truly appeals to the whole family. The kids love everything about PumpkinTown. From the door-to-door trick-or-treating to the carnival games and straw playground. While the adults enjoy the casual, relaxed atmosphere (and, yes, the chance to sip on an adult beverage while the kids run wild). Tickets for the 2025 Sullivan Express go on sale August 29 at 4 pm, and the train runs every Thursday through Sunday from September 26 to October 30, 2025. Why We Love It The first year we went, my daughter was just 2 years old. I wondered if it might be too spooky for her, but it wasn’t at all — she loved it. Now she’s older, and even my 8-year-old nephew still has fun, though I’d say the sweet spot is probably ages 2–8. It’s that perfect mix of whimsical and kid-friendly without being over the top. Trick or Treat Door to Door at Pumpkin Town The trick-or-treating is something really unique. Kids don’t just grab candy from a table — they actually get to knock on little decorated doors, and someone fun is always waiting on the other side to hand out candy. It feels like a mini neighborhood made just for Halloween. Another thing I appreciate as a parent is that this is an easy activity, whether you’re going as a small family or with a big group of cousins and friends. PumpkinTown isn’t huge, so it’s not overwhelming, and if everyone splits up to do different things, it’s still easy to meet back up. How We Make It Work We love that the whole experience only takes about 1–2 hours. It’s not an all-day commitment, which is perfect for little kids (and parents who don’t want to chase them around for six hours straight). Our favorite tradition is to go on a Sunday afternoon — it’s a cozy, festive way to wrap up the weekend. Related Article: 10 Best Fall Train Rides in Indiana What to Expect on the Sullivan Express to PumpkinTown Your journey begins at Central Station, where families board one of the festively decorated trains. The ride takes you through the Enchanted Forest, a whimsical stretch full of silly creatures and glowing lights. Just before you arrive, the train gives you a sneak peek at PumpkinTown — and yes, it’s every bit as festive as it sounds. Exploring PumpkinTown Stepping off the train feels like stepping right into a Halloween storybook. The air smells like apple cider and kettle corn, kids are squealing with excitement as they win carnival prizes, and rows of brightly decorated doors wait for little trick-or-treaters to knock. PumpkinTown has something for everyone in the family: Trick-or-Treating: A mini neighborhood where kids knock on doors and collect candy from friendly characters. Carnival Games: Two tokens come with each child’s ticket, but extras are available if they can’t get enough. Magic Shows & Pumpkin Decorating: Quick entertainment breaks and hands-on fun. Straw Playground & S’mores: A place for kids to climb and explore, or a cozy spot by the fire for marshmallows. Fall Treats & Drinks: Warm apple cider, caramel apples, and Sullivan’s famous cider slushies. Most families spend about an hour exploring everything PumpkinTown has to offer, but there’s no rush — when you’re ready, the train is waiting to take you back through the forest to Central Station. Tickets for Sullivan Express to PumpkinTown Tickets go on sale Friday, August 29 at 4 p.m. and can be purchased online through the Sullivan Hardware & Garden website. Each train car typically fits four adults and two children, but adults who don’t fit in the car can easily walk to PumpkinTown and meet the rest of their group. And don’t forget — ask one of the conductors to snap a family photo before you head back. It’s a simple keepsake, but one of our favorite traditions. Riding on the Pumpkin Express! Don't forget to ask one of the conductors to snap a family photo! Final Thoughts For us, PumpkinTown isn’t just about pumpkins or candy — it’s about making memories together as a family. From my daughter’s first ride at age 2 to my nephew still loving it at 8, this little Halloween village has become a must-do fall adventure we look forward to every year. If you’re looking for a festive outing that’s fun, low-stress, and kid-approved, the Sullivan Express to PumpkinTown definitely deserves a spot on your 2025 fall bucket list. Conductors for the Sullivan Express More Info The Sullivan Express to PumpkinTown is located at Sullivan Hardware & Garden's Allisonville location at 11405 Allisonville Road in Fishers. Tickets go on sale August 29th at 4 pm, and the express runs every Thursday through Sunday from September 26th to October 30th. For more info about the Sullivan Express to Pumpkin Town, visit the website. Playing on the straw playground

fall activities

Read Current Issue

Latest Articles

2026 Kids Bowl Free in Indianapolis

Movies at Midtown Carmel Plaza – 2026 Movie Lineup

Best Places to Go Hiking with Kids in Indianapolis

Things to Do This Weekend in Indianapolis with Kids | Mar 27–29, 2026

fall activities

Take a Ride on the Sullivan Express to PumpkinTown

An Epic Holiday World Halloween Achievement

Read Current Issue

Latest Articles

2026 Kids Bowl Free in Indianapolis

Movies at Midtown Carmel Plaza – 2026 Movie Lineup

Best Places to Go Hiking with Kids in Indianapolis

Things to Do This Weekend in Indianapolis with Kids | Mar 27–29, 2026