HallowBoo! At Idlewild
by Janet Jonus
It’s time for Idlewild Park’s annual HallowBoo! – A FamilyFun Tradition.
Idlewild Park is decked out for Hallowboo, a not-so-scary celebration of Halloween. Enjoy rides, fall treats, shows, decorations, and Trick-or-Treating through Story Book Forest plus a Hay Maze and the Haunted Train. Kids are welcome to wear costumes but some costumes may be restricted on certain rides.
There is a lot to do at Hallowboo. Jumpin’ Jungle, Hootin’ Holler, Olde Idlewild, and Raccoon Lagoon are all open with Halloween- themed decorations.
Jumpin’ Jungle is a big playground with a massive tower net climb that leads to a climbing structure. Kids love the net climb but parents can do it too. It just gets really steep at the top. The Tunnel Climb is an enclosed rope climb for younger kids. There is a suspension bridge that leads to the Bigfoot Mud Slide, a sack slide for all ages. (Note: You have to pick up your sliding sack at the bottom of the slide before you head up.) Kids can play in the giant ball pit. There is a smaller slide and two interactive play areas – the Jungle Organ and the Jungle Juggler which is a child favorite. Kids can float balls over air tubes.
Hootin’ Holler is an Old West themed area with games, the Mineshaft Kitchen, a Gift Shop, and rides including The Howler and Confusion Hill.
Olde Idlewild is home to most of the rides, food, games, and a very colorful fountain. Ride on Carousel, Flying Aces, Rollo Coaster, Scrambler, Ferris Wheel, Balloon Race, Paratrooper, Skooters (bumper cars), Spider, and Tilt-A-Whirl.
Racoon Lagoon is a favorite of the younger kids. It is Idlewild’s Kiddieland. Rides open for Hallowboo are the Adult Handcars, Cattail Derby, Dinosoars, Doodlebug, Little Rascals, Motorcycles, Rainbow Wheel, Red Baron, Scampers, Tea Party, and Turtles.
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood will be open and delighting guests.
A perennial favorite is the Hallowboo Express- Idlewild’s railroad themed with a lot of friendly skeletons.
Soak Zone is closed as is Loggin’ Tobbogan, Wild Mouse, Ricky’s Racers, and the Pollywog Regatta. Some smaller food stands and games are not open.
Storybook Forest is open for Trick-or-Treating for kids 12 and under from 1130AM-500PM.
Halloween-themed shows are sure to entertain. Catch the Jack O Lantern Jive at the Hillside Theater at 4:00PM, 5:00PM, and 6:00PM. Stay for The Monster Mash at the Hillside Theater at 6:30PM.
Fans of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood will love Daniel Tiger’s Grr-ific Day at the Daniel Tiger Stage at 1:00PM and 2:15PM.
Rides and attractions may be closed on any given day.
Visit Hallowboo on October 6th and 6th, 12th and 13th, 19th and 20th, and 26th and 27th. Gates open at 1130AM with rides and attractions opening at 1200PM. Hallowbo closes at 600PM.
Hallowboo is VERY popular. Traffic often backs up onto Route 30 in both directions waiting to get through the gates. Payment is made at the entry gates, from your car, then you head off to park. Parking is free and can get haphazard. If you need handicap parking, keep an eye open for handicap parking on your left as Idlewild’s parking is in a one-way loop that leads out of the park and back onto Route 30.
Hallowboo costs $32.99 for ages 3 through 59 and $22.99 for 60+ at the gate. If you get your tickets online they are $28.99 for ages 3-59 and $22.99 for 60+. There is a discount for a family-four pack of tickets that is $90.00 online only. Ticket prices do not include fees and taxes. Gold, Platinum, Any Buddy, Senior, and Military season passholders can get into Hallowboo for free. Summer and Preschool season passholders pay $15. Check here for details: https://www.idlewild.com/hallowboo
Idlewild Park and Soak Zone is on Route 30 East in Ligonier. The address is 2574 U.S. 30
Ligonier, PA 15658 / 724) 238-3666 / https://www.idlewild.com/
