Twice the Fun — Twice the Frights

Boo at the Zoo, Fright Lights Bring Halloween Fun to Oglebay

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WHEELING -- This October, Halloween takes over Oglebay Park Resort with twice the fun and twice the frights as two seasonal favorites return for three weekends of costumes, candy, glowing lights and after-dark adventures.

Presented by Hartley Law Group, PLLC, Boo at the Zoo and Fright Lights will take place this weekend through Sunday, Oct. 11; next weekend, Oct. 16-18; and one final weekend before Halloween Oct. 23-25; giving families and thrill seekers plenty of ways to celebrate the season throughout the park.

From trick-or-treating with the animals at Oglebay Good Zoo to a spooky light display on Schenk Lake and the all-new House of Screams, guests can make a day -- and night -- of Halloween at Oglebay.

"We're proud to support both Boo at the Zoo and Fright Lights and help bring these special Halloween experiences to Oglebay," said Dean Hartley of Hartley Law Group, PLLC. "They give families and friends throughout our community even more ways to come together, make memories and enjoy everything the park has to offer during the fall season. We're grateful to play a part in making both events possible."

Boo at the Zoo

A favorite family Halloween tradition, Boo at the Zoo transforms Oglebay Good Zoo with colorful Halloween displays, themed trick-or-treat stations, a family-friendly spooky train ride and plenty of opportunities to visit the animals along the way.

Children are encouraged to come dressed in costume as they make their way through the zoo collecting treats and exploring animal habitats. Children ages 3-12 will receive a complimentary treat bag with admission, while additional treat bags will be available for purchase for adults and children ages 13 and older.

Families can also climb aboard the Halloween Train Ride for a not-so-spooky adventure, with train tickets available online for purchase in advance or at the admission gate upon arrival.

"Boo at the Zoo gives families a chance to experience the Good Zoo in a completely different way," said Amy Rutherford, vice president and zoo director of Oglebay Good Zoo. "From costumes and trick-or-treating to festive displays and themed animal enrichment, there's something to discover around every corner. Our team looks forward to transforming the zoo each October and welcoming families back for this special Halloween experience."

Boo at the Zoo will take place at the Good Zoo from 5-8 p.m. Fridays with the last entry at 7 p.m. Hours on Saturdays and Sundays will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with last entry at 7 p.m.

Admission is $17 for adults (ages 13 and over) and $13 for children ages 3-12. Children ages 2 and under are admitted for free.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at oglebay.com/boo. Proceeds from Boo at the Zoo support the care and conservation of the zoo's animals.

Fright Lights

As the sun goes down, the Halloween fun continues across the park with the return of Fright Lights from 6-10 p.m. at Schenk Lake.

Now in its second year, Fright Lights brings back its synchronized light and music show at Schenk Lake, where glowing Halloween displays and festive favorites illuminate the lake and surrounding hillside. The Fright Lights show is free to enjoy.

And this year, Oglebay is turning up the frights with the all-new House of Screams, a bigger-than-ever haunted attraction built for brave souls ages 13 and older. What began as a sneak peek during Fright Lights' inaugural season has grown into a full haunted house with more scares, surprises and spine-tingling suspense. House of Screams is a separately ticketed attraction requiring reserved timed entry. Reserved timed tickets can be purchased online.

"Fright Lights gave our guests a new way to experience Oglebay last fall, and we're excited to build on that energy in its second year," said Bob Peckenpaugh, president and CEO of the Wheeling Park Commission. "Halloween is such a fun season for bringing people together, and Fright Lights gives families and friends the chance to make the evening their own -- whether that means enjoying the lights along Schenk Lake, sharing a spooky story with the kids or testing their courage inside the House of Screams. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for an even bigger experience this October."

Beyond the lights and haunted house, guests can choose their own Halloween adventure with the Haunted Heights Aerial Challenge Course and Spider Climbing Rock Wall, illuminated Shimmering Swan Boats, Halloween-themed Glow Putt, Spooky Storytime, the Little Ghouls' Play Zone and seasonal Fright Bites.

Select Fright Lights activities may be purchased individually or bundled with an activity wristband. House of Screams requires a separate timed-entry ticket and is not included with the activity wristband.

Together, Boo at the Zoo and Fright Lights give guests even more ways to celebrate Halloween at Oglebay -- from costumes, candy and creatures during the day to glowing lights and bigger scares after dark.

For Boo at the Zoo tickets and information, visit oglebay.com/boo. For Fright Lights event details, attraction information and tickets, visit oglebay.com.