Hike through a bat cave, explore a bone yard in the woodlands or check out a pumpkin trail at these three nature-inspired, family-friendly, Halloween events this weekend.
HOWLoween: October 19
Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature’s creatures at HOWLoween in the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center’s outdoor garden from 6 – 9 p.m. on Friday, October 19.
This free Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) event is open to all ages. Visitors can explore nature stations with HOWLoween themes including, birds of prey, Track or Treat, the Bone Yard, the Bat Cave, games, crafts and indoor nature exhibits. Participants can enjoy acoustic music around a campfire. The center’s outdoor garden offers prairie, woodland and wetland areas with native plants and trees in their autumn colors. Visitors can also see indoor nature exhibits.
The Discovery Center is located at 4750 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO, and is just a few blocks east of the Country Club Plaza. For more information, call 816-759-7300, or email [email protected].
Glow-The Magic of Nature: October 19 – 20
Take the kids to see hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins and pumpkin sculptures along a one-mile, self-guided walk through the heart of Powell Gardens. Visitors can stop along the way for music, cocktails, food trucks and children’s activities. Hayrides are available for an additional charge.
Activities begin at 4 p.m. and the pumpkin path is open from 6 – 10 p.m. on Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20.
For admission information, go to Powell Gardens. It is located at 1609 N.W. U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville, MO.
Hoots and Howls: October 20 – 21
Take a hayride around the Kansas City Zoo, watch the animal pumpkin smash and enjoy spooky, not scary, activities at Hoots and Howls on Saturday, October 20 and Sunday, October 22.
Hoots and Howls is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days for the regular price of zoo admission. Kids can pedal a tractor, navigate a hay bale maze and have their face painted like a favorite animal. There will be a DJ sing-along, rides on the Scare-o-cel and a chance to create a wild craft. Animals will be joining the fun smashing by pumpkins at scheduled times . There will be special visits from orangutans, chimpanzees, gorillas, elephants, hippo and rhino.
For more information and event schedule, visit the website KC Zoo, 6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, MO.