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You and your little goblins can enjoy 10 days filled with one-of-a-kind art and science activities at the Hands On Children’s Museum (HOCM) Boo Bash Festival October 22-31, 2021. Explore the Straw Bale Maze, design a scarecrow, decorate mini pumpkins, make your own paper bat decoration and press apple into cider.

Hands on Childrens Museum Boo Bash Dr Science
“The whole family will enjoy watching the doctor’s freaky experiments including the Magic Teapot, Liquid Nitrogen, and Exploding Pumpkin Heads,” shares Amanda Wilkening, senior manager, visitor engagement at HOCM. Photo courtesy: Hands On Children’s Museum

“The Boo Bash festival is our favorite fall tradition! We look forward to it all year,” says Jay Potter, Hands On Children’s Museum senior operations manager. “It’s so much fun to see kids and families dressed up in their costumes and give them a safe way to celebrate the season, learn together and make special memories.”

Sponsored by Hanson Subaru, there will be plenty of Halloween delights every day of the festival. Pound a pumpkin, design and fly your own ghost, make potions, and don’t forget to catch Dr. Science. “The whole family will enjoy watching the doctor’s freaky experiments including the Magic Teapot, Liquid Nitrogen, and Exploding Pumpkin Heads,” shares Amanda Wilkening, senior manager, visitor engagement at HOCM.

New this year, kids can experiment with food and food tools. They can try a hand grinder, along with mortar and pestle to press, grind and smash pumpkin seeds and other grains into mash, as cooks of the past often did. Then they can practice hammering  skills while pounding golf tees into pumpkins for a unique decorating look!

Hands on Childrens Museum Boo Bash Pounding Pumpkins
New this year, kids can experiment with food and food tools. Photo courtesy: Hands On Children’s Museum

Don’t miss the chance to press apples into cider. “Kids love the process of pressing cider and seeing how many apples it takes to make one cup,” shares Amanda. “Kids can see apples ripening on our trees in the garden, learn apple facts and look at parts of apples under microscopes.”

Do your kids love the creepy crawlies and things that soar? They can learn fascinating facts about insects and even look at one under the microscope. Then, meet the live Madagascar hissing cockroaches: these big bugs are sure to be a treat. Ever wonder how smart crows really are? Find out as you try some tricks and learn some of the secrets of these amazing black birds!

For an extra fee, you can make your own treat bag using silk screening techniques so your little ghost or werewolf will be all set to collect goodies. Not only do these activities offer fun, they teach your children about science and making, what a great trick!

Hands on Childrens Museum Boo Bash Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches
meet the live Madagascar hissing cockroaches: these big bugs are sure to be a treat. Photo courtesy: Hands On Children’s Museum

On October 24 and 31, from 9 a.m to 10 a.m., HOCM will be holding the Boo Bash Sensory Friendly event, for children with sensory sensitivities. “We will be adjusting our activities based on the recommendations of our Sensory Friendly Program Coordinator, Lahela Peterson,” says Amanda. “In some cases, that means having alternate versions of activities that make them more accessible. Often it just means having a higher staff ratio and a much quieter building, with certain exhibit sounds or lights turned down or turned off. Lahela will be there as a resource for parents as well.”

And don’t forget, costumes are encouraged during Boo Bash! Please be sure all costumes are family-friend with no scary masks. Create a priceless memory by visiting their haunted photo booth for a fun photo of the entire family. Boo Bash activities are supported by Trader Joe’s, Quinn’s Coffee, ThurstonTalk, DoubleTree by Hilton, Reisinger Farms (Bill & Mary Reisinger), and Oriental Trading. Media Sponsored by 96.1 KXXO and 96.9 KAYO.

Hands on Childrens Museum Boo Bash Pressing Apple Cider
“Kids love the process of pressing cider and seeing how many apples it takes to make one cup,” shares Amanda. Photo courtesy: Hands On Children’s Museum

The Hands On Children’s Museum has COVID-19 safety protocols in place to make sure everyone can enjoy the Boo Bash festival safely. Masks are required for anyone over the age of five. Online reservations are required. Reserve your tickets for all the spooky fun by visiting the HOCM Boo Bash ticket website. The Hand’s On Children’s Museum has access programs to make it affordable to all. Sponsored by WSECU, Washington State EBT cardholders can receive two free admission tickets every day, and just $2 for each additional guest.

Don’t forget that all month long they have wonderfully delightful tricks and treats to celebrate the season. Make Franken animals or cornhusk dolls, play Bug Bingo, join in a scavenger hunt, and more. Check out the Hands On Children’s Museum calendar for all upcoming activities. You are not going to want to miss a single thing!

Hands on Childrens Museum Boo Bash Airways Maze
Your kids can design, create and fly their own ghost! Photo courtesy: Hands On Children’s Museum

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