If you’re looking for a COVID-safe family outing during the Halloween season while supporting a good cause, you’ll want to check out “Halloween Fright Nights” at Indian River Reptile & Dinosaur Park beginning on Thursday (October 15) and running on selected nights until the end of the month.
Located just east of Peterborough, the not-for-profit reptile sanctuary is hosting a drive-through event at its Dinosaur Park featuring ghosts, goblins, bats, skeletons, monsters, and clowns — and, of course, some of the park’s famous animatronic dinosaurs.
“Take a spooky and creepy drive through the park at night and see what comes alive when everyone else is sleeping,” owner Bry Loyst writes on Facebook.
This is an all-ages family-friendly event, although Loyst suggests parents use their discretion when bringing younger children.
It’s also a COVID-safe event, since you never have to leave your vehicle — just show your ticket at the gate and drive through the park.
Halloween Fright Nights run from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays from October 15th to October 25th, and from Wednesday, October 28th through Saturday, October 31st.
The cost is $20 plus HST per vehicle, and there’s no need to book a time slot.
All proceeds from Halloween Fright Nights will go towards helping care for the hundreds of rescued reptiles at the sanctuary, including turtles, snakes, lizards, alligators, and crocodiles.
For tickets, visit eventbrite.ca/o/bry-loyst-29142317173. Indian River Reptile & Dinosaur Park is located at 2206 County Road 38 on Highway 7, 16 kilometres east of Peterborough.
