ArBOOretum! Halloween fun for the whole family! October 30, 2010

The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center presents ArBOOretum, a great way for the whole family to enjoy Halloween festivities in a natural environment, on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A private preview for Arboretum members will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. The Arboretum is located at 4501 Woodway Drive in Memorial Park.

Children and grown-ups alike are encouraged to wear costumes. Wear comfortable walking shoes to enjoy a forest trail with scattered trick-or-treat locations. Stops along the trail will include activities for kids to learn about nocturnal animals that live in Houston, including armadillos, spiders and owls. Children can “glide” like a flying squirrel on a zip line and try to fish for food like a raccoon at the “Paws for Crawfish” station. At the end of the trail, enter into the Nature Center where more family fun awaits in the Discovery Room with aquariums, touch boxes, microscopes and a 15-foot Learning Tree. See live reptiles and try your luck at the cake walk and children’s games. Then, stroll back outside to enjoy more Halloween carnival festivities at the pumpkin decorating, train rides, petting zoo, pony rides, and face painting stations. Take a leisurely hayride through the forest.

General public admission, which includes all activities, is $15 for ages 3 and up. Refreshments will be sold separately. Admission and refreshments are free to Arboretum members. All proceeds from ticket sales support the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center’s education and conservation programs. Event parking will be in a satellite lot. Check website for map and details. Free shuttle service is available from the satellite parking lot to the Arboretum entrance. No pets are allowed at this event. For directions and more information on ArBOOretum and the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, call 713-681-8433 or visit www.houstonarboretum.org. ArBOOretum 2010 is sponsored by: Waste Management, Finger Furniture, K-Solv, 88.7 KUHF-FM, Houston Public Radio and CultureMap.