Idlewild & Soak Zone is an amusement park located in Ligonier, PA, and is easily one of my favorite places ever. I have fond memories of visiting the park as a child, and I’m so happy to be able to relive these memories while watching my own children make their own wonderful memories.

During the Halloween season, the park goes on another level for Hallowboo. My kids are crazy about both Halloween and Idlewild so this is one of our favorite activities of the year.

Here is an overview of a visit to Hallowboo to help you plan your visit. Chasing around two little ones, I know we didn’t get to do everything, but hopefully, it gives you an idea of what to expect.

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Why I love Idlewild

Idlewild is the kind of place that makes my face hurt from smiling so much. A quick note about why I personally love this park.

  • Idlewild is the oldest amusement park in Pennsylvania and has been voted The Best Children’s Park by Amusement Today.
  • The park is historic and charming. The carousel is a National Historic Landmark and the park is located along the historic Lincoln Highway.
  • It’s a really great park for younger kids with a variety of activities. There is a “kiddie land” (Racoon Lagoon) for young riders, and the park offers some larger rides the kids can sort of grow into. The park also offers live performances, Hootin’ Holler, Storey Book Forest, Jumping Jungle, and a water park – The SoakZone. When the kids get older, they will likely grow out of Idlewild and want to enjoy some more thrilling rides at nearby Kennywood Park, which I imagine they will try to drag me on.
  • My favorite thing about the park is that it really feels like it was built into the natural setting. There are several trees providing lots of shade and Loyalhanna Creek runs right through the park.

What to Expect at Hallowboo

  • When: Hallowboo is offered on weekends only during the Halloween season (usually late September through October).
  • What is open: Most, but not all of the rides in the park are open, which we hardly notice because it feels like we can’t usually get to everything. The SoakZone is closed naturally. Click here for a map of the park.
  • Taking Babies: As a new mom, I know I had my own questions about when to take the kids so I’m sharing some things I learned. Kids two and under are free. Although handheld infants are not permitted on most attractions, I still took my kids at a fairly young age because there are several things through the park babies can enjoy such as Storey Book Forest, some play areas in Jumping Jungle, live performances throughout the park, and playgrounds in picnic areas.
    • Rides- If I’m recalling correctly, a baby can sit on your lap and ride the train, the Daniel Tiger Ride, and sit on the bench on the carousel. There are some height requirements for rides in Racoon Lagoon or “kiddie land,” but once the baby can walk he/she can ride some rides without a height requirement such as the tea cups and the turtles.
  • Getting Around with the Kids: We usually take our double stroller. We notice most groups with young children take a stroller or wagon. You can rent a stroller at Guest Services if you need to.
  • Halloween Themed Activities: In addition to the regular fun at the park, the park is decorated for Halloween with many photo ops. I adore the Halloween decorations! You can trick or treat in Storey Book Forest, visit a maze in Jumping Jungle, and enjoy spooky live performances. There are costume characters and some haunted houses throughout the park. You don’t have to wear a costume yourself, but you certainly can, and many people do.
  • Food: You can pack food or purchase food in the park. During Hallowboo, there are some fall-themed foods like smores, candy apples, apple cider, etc. Plenty of picnic areas and pavilions are located throughout the park.
  • Tickets: We purchased tickets for Hallowboo online (usually for a reduced rate), but you can also purchase tickets at the gate. Hallowboo admission is included with certain season passes (platinum and gold, but not silver and bronze).
  • Cashless: The park is now cashless so you will need to use a credit card or load cash onto a card at kiosks throughout the park for any purchases you might make.

I hope you found this brief overview of Hallowboo at Idlewild & SoakZone helpful to plan your visit. If you check out Hallowboo, please leave a comment or tag me on Instagram (@adventureswkelly). I want to hear about or see your adventures at Hallowboo.

Nearby Attractions

Here’s a list of other family fun Halloween activities in the area: