The Children’s Museum in West Hartford invites families to celebrate at their Annual Spooktacular on Friday, Oct. 28.

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The Children’s Museum of West Hartford has a frighteningly good time planned for families with children of all ages at their Annual Spooktacular, being held this year on Friday, Oct. 28 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Kids and families are encouraged to wear their costumes as they trick-or-treat throughout the Museum for spooky prizes. Activities include hauntingly fun games, take-home crafts, and a special planetarium show. Meet creatures of the night during special animal presentations. The Museum and its many interactive exhibits will be operating as usual during the Spooktacular, with additional features such as Mad Scientists and Haunted Pirates to help lead the play. Special guest, New York Life, will be on hand issuing FREE child IDs.

The Spooktacular is perfect for young children who aren’t quite ready to trick-or-treat around the neighborhood, as well as the older kids who are always looking for another excuse to wear their costumes.

Pre-registration for the Spooktacular is highly suggested since space is limited. The cost is $5 for The Children’s Museum Members and Roaring Brook Nature Center Members and $10 for Non-Members. Children under the age of 2 years are free. Registration can be done by visiting the Museum’s website at www.TheChildrensMuseumCT.org or by calling the Registration Department at (860) 231-2830 ext. 270.

During your Halloween visit, don’t miss the latest exhibit, Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl: Home Sweet Home, which opened this month. Created by Betty Brinn Children’s Museum in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, the exhibit reinforces an important message: caring for the environment starts at home and children can be active participants in the process. Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl highlight ways to reduce, reuse and recycle as they guide visitors through urban, woodland, and stream settings. The exhibit features a variety of educational activities (presented in English and Spanish), props, costumes, and puppets that underscore the importance of protecting ecosystems. Activities will be especially engaging for children ages 2 – 8, providing young children with open-ended play opportunities that help build fundamental academic, motor, and social skills.

The Children’s Museum and Roaring Brook Nature Center are the region’s premiere destinations for exploration and education. Home to over 100 live animals, the Museum features hands-on exhibits, out-of-this-world digital planetarium shows, and programs for young children and families.

The Children’s Museum and Preschool are located at 950 Trout Brook Dr. in West Hartford and Roaring Brook Nature Center is located at 70 Gracey Rd. in Canton. More information is available at www.TheChildrensMuseumCT.org.