If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly, educational and not-so-spooky Halloween activity, take the kids to the New Hampshire Audubon McLane Center in Concord on Friday and Saturday for the Enchanted Forest.
The event is geared toward kids 4 and up, and while it takes place in the woods surrounding the McLane Center at night, it is not intended to be scary. The Enchanted Forest blends education, games and all-around festivity. Groups head out into the woods and visit several stations set up with larger-than-life creatures (Audubon staffers in costumes – but don’t tell the kids!) who talk about some strange, interesting and little-known activities in nature. You might meet a giant bug telling you about how it eats or a huge plant explaining how it changes colors.
If you go at night – there are afternoon sessions as well – the paths are lit by real jack-o-lanterns, all carved a different way. A tour guide leads the way, and participants hold onto a rope so nobody gets lost. After visiting each of the five performance stations, groups gather around a campfire for some storytelling.
Inside, there are all kinds of Halloween-themed activities for kids and adults to participate in either before or after the tour is given. Kids can get their faces painted then play a game such as ring toss, and everyone will be offered seasonal snacks and drinks to fuel up for the trek. There will also be a raffle.
The trail tour lasts about an hour, but plan to allow at least 30 minutes before and/or after to take part in some of the indoor activities. There are specific time slots for tour groups, and participants must sign up for a particular slot. It’s recommended that participants arrive about 15 minutes early for check-in and registration. The tours will go on rain or shine, but indoor options are available in the event of severe weather.
Prior registration is required, and links to register for each day are available at nhaudubon.org. You can also call 224-9909, ext. 333 for more information. The earliest tour session begins at 5 p.m. and the latest one starts at 7:45. Admission is $7 for Audubon members and $10 for nonmembers. Group rates are available for scout and youth groups for $140 per time slot, with a 15-person minimum.
This event typically sells out, so make sure you register as soon as possible if you plan on going. Since the tours will be outside in the dark, wear appropriate footwear and clothing for a trek through the woods. Costumes are welcome and encouraged, but you may want to bring a jacket if it’s a lightweight costume, and make sure parts of your costume don’t get snagged on branches or cause a tripping hazard.
Visit the Audubon’s website to check out time slots, more information and a FAQ page.