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When the spooky season of Halloween drifts along with the autumn leaves, it does not naturally make you think of science museums. Some have a reputation for being a little staid, but most of the places I've visited demonstrate a sense of humor. What's more, their staffs love an excuse to conjure up a good time.
Imagine looking at that life-sized T. rex in evening light or walking past a hungry-looking lion that you know is dead, but there's something about those eyes.... All in all, a museum is a great setting in which to have grand, goofy fun. I've zeroed in on what's happening in the some of the bigger and better-known museums below (the ones with good websites). If you plan to attend any of these happenings, please check with the museum in advance for the details, as some involve fees and/or require tickets. Even if your local museum isn't listed here it may also be planning some end-of-October doings. Pay a visit, or give them a call. Boston Science Museum (Massachusetts) trades on the natural scariness of T. rex to promote a day and evening of "ghostly and ghastly activities" (October 28). These include "Horrific and scientific presentations," creepy creatures and a T. rex costume contest. The Canadian Museum of Nature (Ottawa, Ontario) features a Halloween-themed weekend with presentations on how local bats adapt to face the cold season and where snakes and turtles go to weather winter's chill. Participate in bug activities and make a "Bat Glider." With no pretense of providing education, just for fun the Lawrence Hall of Science (University of California, Berkeley) offers "A Magical Halloween Party" on Saturday, October 27. The idea is to explore the wizardry found in the Harry Potter books and other stories. All through October the Yale Peabody Museum (New Haven, Connecticut) has scheduled some intriguing offerings. On Saturday, October 6 - "Edible Insects;" Friday, October 12 - "Archaeological Frauds, Myths and Mysteries: The Cardiff Giant" and on Tuesday, October 30 - "Creepy Crawly Critters and Silent Spooky Fliers." Florida Museum of Natural History (University of Florida, Gainesville) has scheduled two events on October 27. In the morning, try the "Science Spooktacular" exploring the Endangered and Extinct Species Graveyard, viewing x-rays of animals who have swallowed mystery items, live creepy-crawlies, slime, oobleck, and icky feely boxes. Later in the afternoon, it's "Bats, Bats and More Bats." Representatives of the Lubee Foundation and the University of Florida share their knowledge about these flying mammals. Afterwards, participants may caravan with the presenters to the Lubee Foundation to view colonies of fruit bats...if they dare. Go To Page: 1
The copyright of the article Halloween Happenings in Science/Nature Museums is owned by . Permission to republish Halloween Happenings in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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