Another California theme park launches a new Halloween event

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom will launch a new Halloween event as the partially reopened theme park continues to find ways to operate without rides while awaiting promised guidelines from the state allowing a return to full operations.

Boo 2020 will combine a family-friendly Halloween event with Discovery Kingdom’s Marine World Experience on Saturdays and Sundays from Saturday, Oct. 17 to Nov. 1 at the Vallejo theme park.

SEE ALSO: Disney and Universal urge Newsom to ‘stop delaying’ and let California theme parks ‘open now’

Discovery Kingdom became the first theme park in California to reopen without rides in early July after the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered parks for months when it introduced the reduced-capacity Marine World Experience.

The Marine World Experience features zoological and aquarium exhibits and bird and dolphin shows in socially distanced stadiums while keeping the amusement ride portion of the park closed.

SEE ALSO: Six Flags passholders and members remain loyal during pandemic

Boo 2020 replaces the park’s annual Fright Fest — which features indoor mazes and haunted houses. COVID-19 and the need for social distancing forced Discovery Kingdom to cancel the in-your-face scares this year. Fright Fest fans will have to settle for some haunted outdoor experiences with “friendly ghouls” remaining six feet away from visitors.

Boo 2020 will feature a new Halloween Bash dolphin show and Ghoul School sea lion show. A trick-or-treat trail will offer pre-bagged candy. Seasonal foods like Funnel Scream Cake, Zombie Takis and Scare-acha boneless wings will be available for sale.

SEE ALSO: Six Flags calls on Newsom to issue ‘achievable’ theme park reopening plan

Discovery Kingdom will follow health and safety guidelines that are now familiar as part of the “new normal” in the COVID-19 era: Mandatory masks, social distancing, increased sanitization and reduced capacity shows. Kids aged 8 and under can wear costumes — provided they include a COVID-19 face covering.

Advance reservations are required for Boo 2020. Tickets are available for $20 for a limited time. Purchasing a 2021 season pass includes free admission to Boo 2020.