Halloween can be many things: spooky, enchanting, fun, creative, mysterious and … scientific? That last word is what Walking Mountains Science Center hopes to bring to light when kids and families attend Fright at the Museum on Saturday.
“We like to bring the wonder! Fall is not only a beautiful season, but it is also filled with so many lessons in nature,” said Allison Burgund, director of marketing and communications for Walking Mountains Science Center in Avon. “Hosting this event in the fall is a meaningful way to connect with our community here on our campus and outside in nature.”
For over 10 years, Walking Mountains has hosted Fright at the Museum, and despite the title sounding like it is inside a museum, many of the interactive displays are outdoors all around the Walking Mountain’s campus.
“It’s an inviting way to bring people together through hands-on learning, community connection and shared experiences,” Burgund said.
You will be able to explore the wonders of science and the natural world with hands-on activities for the whole family. Discover the electricity found in nature, experiment with food dyes and preservation, mix your own dried herb blend and dye a handkerchief.
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“There will be displays like a cider press where you can press your own apples and sample fresh cider. Head into our Spooky Forest Trail for a survival obstacle course and discover how animals prepare for winter,” Burgund said. “The Colorado State University Extension team will explore the fascinating soil food web and how living and nonliving things connect within an ecosystem.”
There will be a Food Science Fun station (think Frankenstein meets potatoes), a Candle Creation station where you can make your own acorn-cap candles or decorate a wooden pumpkin. Face painting will be available if kids want to take their costume to the next level. Fall yard games include potato sack races and candy corn bowling and more activities like the climbing wall where kids can expel even more energy. Ever wonder how far a pumpkin can fly? Test out your guesses with Pumpkin Chuckin’ at Fright at the Museum.
Lunch items like smash burgers, fried empanadas, loaded fries and kid’s favorites like chicken fingers, hotdogs and cheeseburgers will be available for purchase from the Flavor Stop food truck. Complimentary cotton candy and candy from Rocky Mountain Chocolate will also be available. Stick around for the live music throughout the event, which runs from noon until 4 p.m.
This year’s theme is Halloween Harvest and will be carried out in everything from the staff’s costumes to the activities and the vibe of the day. Get your Halloween garb ready. Costumes are encouraged for the young and old(er) attendees.
“Since the theme is Halloween Harvest, we recommend wearing anything related to autumn: farmers, scarecrows, autumn-themed witches and harvest vegetables of the season like pumpkins are all simple costume examples but you can wear any family-friendly Halloween costume. Feel free to get as creative as you like but remember to dress in layers for Colorado weather and sturdy shoes are recommended for our trails,” Burgund said.
This is Walking Mountain’s largest event of the year, but Burgund says it is worth all the effort that goes into it.
“It takes a lot of teamwork, creativity and planning to bring this event to life. Every year, we get to brainstorm new ways to make science fun, spark curiosity and create memorable experiences for families,” Burgund said. “Seeing kids light up when they discover something new makes it all worthwhile. We love watching their curiosity grow, especially when the adults get just as excited about learning. Those moments remind us why we do what we do at Walking Mountains: to connect people with the natural world and inspire a lifelong love of learning.”
Source: www.vaildaily.com
