Idlewild park is marking the 22nd season of HallowBOO, its family-oriented Halloween event tucked into the Laurel Highlands, with a trick-or-treat trail through Story Book Forest, a re-themed train ride and a lineup of mazes built for kids rather than scares. Children 12 and under can collect treats at stops along the trail, while the park promises shows, sing-alongs and seasonal food to round out the visit.
According to CBS News, HallowBOO is designed with families in mind, and Idlewild's director of marketing, Jeff Croushore, said the event “appeals to the whole family” and works well for those who prefer to avoid scary activities. That framing matters for a park that has built its reputation on gentler seasonal programming rather than haunted-house theatrics.
Trick-or-Treating and Character Meet-Ups in Story Book Forest
The trick-or-treat trail winds through Story Book Forest, where, per idlewild.com, “Trick-or-treating is even more magical in Story Book Forest!” Kids ages 12 and under can gather candy from storybook characters at stops along the way, per the CBS report. The same seed report notes that children can collect candy from storybook characters as they make their way through the trail.
Beyond the candy stops, the park's site describes daily meet-and-greets and story time with Spookley the Square Pumpkin, giving younger visitors a recurring character to look for throughout the day. Idlewild's page also promises shows and sing-alongs woven into the daily schedule, according to the seed report.
Mazes, a Re-Themed Train and an Ever-Changing Attraction
For those wanting a bit more adventure without the intensity of a true scare attraction, HallowBOO includes the Mystic Wilds Jungle Maze in the Jumpin' Jungle area and the Laser Swamp, described on the park's site as a maze-like path where “glowing beams of light transform the path.” The event also features The Legend of Lady Loyalhanna, a re-themed train ride billed as “a journey through the enchanted woodlands.”
Croushore said HallowBOO features mazes, the re-themed train ride, and an annually changing Confusion Hill attraction, according to the CBS report. Idlewild re-themes its train ride for each HallowBOO and swaps out the Confusion Hill attraction every year, the station notes, giving returning visitors something new to explore each season.
Costumes, Food and a Numbers Discrepancy
Kids are encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween costumes during the event, and the park's site explicitly states there are no intense scare attractions, keeping the tone light for younger attendees. Seasonal food options include hot apple dumplings or apple crisp topped with ice cream, funnel cake, pumpkin spice coffee and apple cider, alongside new food options mentioned in the CBS report.
The exact scale of HallowBOO's offerings is described differently depending on the source. Idlewild's own site advertises more than 40 rides, attractions and shows, while the CBS report states the park will operate 35 rides and attractions this season. The dossier does not explain the gap between those two figures.
Dates, Tickets and Costume Parades
Event dates also vary by source. The CBS report states HallowBOO runs from September 25 through October 31, 2026, on select dates, while a search-result snippet from Idlewild's own site lists the run as September 12 through October 31. Kids ages 12 and under can join costume parades specifically scheduled for HallowBOO dates between October 17 and October 31, according to idlewild.com.
Tickets for HallowBOO start at $35, per the CBS report, and admission is included with 2026 and 2027 Gold and Platinum Season Passes, the park's site states. Idlewild has also scheduled a BOO Cruise for antique and classic car owners this Saturday, September 26, with vehicles on display from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
