Frequently Asked Questions
Q– What time does the event begin and end?
A– The Trick-or-Treat Trail will be open from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. The Haunted Trail and the Haunted House are open from 8:00pm to 10:00pm. At 9:30, no additional visitors will be permitted to enter the park. The Haunted Trail and Haunted House lines will close at 10:00. No further admittance into lines. The event will close no later than 10:30pm to the public, at which point the event equipment and sets will be secured for the night.
Q – Can I purchase my ticket when I arrive?
A – No. Ticket sells are on line only through http://www.halloweenhauntedtrails.com click on the link to purchase tickets and you will be redirected to the ticket agent Give sign up. https://www.givesignup.org/TicketEvent/HalloweenHauntedTrails
Q – Can I wear a costume?
A – Yes! Costumes are welcome. Go wild. Get creative. But most importantly have fun!
Always remember to be respectful of other patrons. If you aren't a volunteer actor, please refrain from terrifying other guests. If you want to scare the pants off people, check out our Volunteer page.
Q – Is your Haunted Event family-friendly?
A– The Scary Haunted Trail is not designed to be appropriate for children under the age of 13, although the discretion will be left up to the parent (any child under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a legal parent or guardian in order to enter the Haunted Trail). The effects and content of the trail are disturbing in nature and there is not a fast way to exit the trail (although fire and emergency exits will be established for visitors and volunteers). Our volunteers are not prepared to structure their performances for younger and vulnerable audiences if they become genuinely frightened. For children under the age of 13 and for parents who do not wish for their children to participate in the Haunted portion of this event, there will be a non-scary Trick-or-Treat Trail featuring hands-on activities, games and candy. The event area is also kid friendly with fun activities for kids & even kids at heart.
Q – Is the Haunted Trail accessible?
A –Although we do our best to be accessible for all park areas, the Haunted Trail may not be entirely accessible. However, we will do our best to accommodate your needs. In addition, Oscar Scherer State Park does have one beach-accessible wheelchair available upon request (is on a first-come, first-served basis). Reservations for the wheelchair can be made at least 48 hours prior to the event by calling the park’s main line at 941-483-5956. Additionally, the Trick-or-Treat Trail will be made accessible for the event.
Q – Can I bring my pet?
A – No. We discourage pets to be brought to the Halloween Haunted Trails Event for the safety of the scream team, the safety of the pet, and the safety of visitors.
During normal business hours and operations, leashed and well-behaved pets are welcome to accompany our park guests in designated public use areas allowing pets. The entire pet policy standards for the FPS can be viewed by visiting: http://www.floridastateparks.org/thingstoknow/petpolicy.cfm
Q – Can I enter the park before the event and stay?
A – No. Park staff will close the park at 6:30 pm. 30 minutes before sunset. All visitors must exit the park. Ticket holders may reenter when the event opens. At that time, you will be directed to the ticket scanning team and receive your wrist bands for event entry. You will then be directed to the parking team. Please use extreme caution as all areas will be highly congested and have limited low lighting.
Q – Is the event kid friendly?
A – Yes. Kids will have a Trick or Treat Trail (open from 7:30 – 9:30) to enjoy, games and activities. New extended kid’s area created by our park volunteers and more s’mores provided by Publix.