Bean Life Science Museum hosts annual Halloween Family Night

The Bean Life Science Museum hosted its annual Halloween Family Night on Oct. 26, offering families a free evening of hands-on activities, crafts, and opportunities to explore the natural world.

From a photo booth and Halloween crafts to animal encounters, the event provided children with an opportunity to celebrate the season while learning about science. Families explored different activity stations, participated in games and interacted with some of the museums unique specimens.

Children could examine real specimens and see animals such as wolves, tarantulas and frogs. The museum also provided Halloween-themed crafts, balloons and bingo cards that encouraged families to visit different activity stations throughout the event.

Lydia Crookston, a museum educator, said the animals and hands-on activities were among the highlights for children.

The animals are super exciting. Theyre very unique. Its not something you see every day, Crookston said.

The activities gave children an opportunity to explore science in an environment that felt more like play than a traditional lesson. For museum educators, seeing families engage with the exhibits was part of what made the event special.

Crookston said she enjoyed seeing the excitement of families as they participated in activities, received prizes, and encountered the animals throughout the museum.

Although the Halloween activities brought families through the museums doors, the event also provided an opportunity for children to develop a greater understanding of the natural world.

Through interactive experiences and encounters with unique animals, the museum encouraged children to remain curious about the world around them.

Although the event did not include traditional trick-or-treating, families still found plenty of activities and treats to enjoy throughout the evening.