Boo Bash haunts Olympia’s Hands On Children’s Museum Oct. 24-31

Boo Bash, Olympia’s favorite fall costume celebration, returns to the Hands On Children’s Museum Oct. 24 to 31, bringing eight days of family-friendly fun for children ages 0-12 and their grown-ups.

Presented by Olympia Subaru and Kia, Boo Bash offers a festive alternative to traditional Halloween events, Hands On Children’s Museum said in a news release. 

The event features hands-on activities, costumes, science demonstrations, live animals, creative projects and plenty of opportunities for families to make memories together, in a “spooky but not scary environment.” 

Boo Bash activities take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily from Oct. 24 to 31, with special programs and activities varying by day.

Families can:

• Show off their spook-tacular style during the costume parade.
• Hunt for fossils and gems at the Haunted Sluice.
• Hammer golf tees into pumpkins to create colorful designs.
• Watch exciting science demonstrations with Dr. Science on Oct. 24, 25 and 31.
• Explore the Bone Yard with The Burke Museum on Oct. 24 and 31.
• See live bug specimens and taste crickets with Pest Stop on Oct. 24 and 31.
• Meet birds of prey with The Falconer on Oct. 24 and 31.
• Discover the magic of flight with the Olympia Aerospace Club Oct. 24 and 25.
• Press cider and grind grains with Farmer Flower Oct. 24, 25 and 31.
• Silkscreen a glow-in-the-dark boo bag Oct. 24, 25 and 31. An additional fee applies.
• Enjoy the Silly Skeleton Show, a bilingual celebration of the season, on Oct. 31.
• Pose for photos in fun farmstand cutouts.

Boo Bash also includes dedicated opportunities for children with sensory sensitivities, neurodivergent children and children with disabilities. 

A Sensory Friendly Room will be available Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Families can also attend a special Sensory Friendly Hour from 9 to 10 a.m. Sundays, before the museum opens to the general public.

Boo Bash takes place at the Hands On Children’s Museum, 414 Jefferson St. NE in Olympia. For more information, visit the Hands On Children’s Museum website at https://www.hocm.org/.