Spooky season has officially descended on Los Angeles, with the County Arboretum and Botanical Gardens transforming itself into a hub of Halloween-themed events throughout the month. These are fun-filled activities designed to entertain and educate families, kids, and adults alike, helping them engage and learn about botany and art with interactive, hands-on craft sessions.
Taking a twist on traditional pumpkin carving, the Arboretum has planned a unique workshop titled ‘Pumpkin Fairy Gardens’. During this event, children can get excited about constructing their own mini fairy gardens using real pumpkins. They will replace the usual pumpkin interiors with soil, planting delightful succulents and adorning their creation with decorative elements to bring their charming fairy garden to life.
The following week, the Botanical Gardens will continue to embolden the Halloween spirit with the ‘Trick-or-Treat in the Garden’ event. Gear up to encounter the spine-chilling side of nature, with displays showcasing hissing cockroaches, earthworms, snakes, bearded dragons, and carnivorous plants. This family event is not merely terrifying it also provides a chance to uncover interesting facts about plants and collect nature-inspired treats while exploring the garden.
Later in the month, you can enjoy a mystifying journey into historical botany with the ‘Cemeterrarium Workshop’. This will present an opportunity to uncover the stories behind different plants traditionally found in cemeteries. Participants will get to build their individual terrarium, adorning it with miniature Halloween decorations for an eerie touch.
Inciting more excitement, the globally recognized music and dance project ‘Thrill the World’ will grace the Arboretum with a special performance towards the end of October. Replete with a diverse array of participants ranging from children to seniors, the event aims to encourage inclusivity, celebrating diversity in age, race, religion, and other backgrounds via the medium of dance.
For adults seeking unique experiences, the Arboretum has something special to offer. You can embark on a ‘Potions Walk’ through the gardens, uncovering the botanical history behind different potions, their medicinal usage and more. Participants will also have the chance to whip up an imaginative potion of their very own.
The Arboretum is also organizing a series of ‘Ghoulish Garden Night Hikes’ to introduce and educate about the eerier plants in the gardens. A hike dedicated to families will be followed by one just for adults, allowing for a full evening of exploration and learning.
At the end of October, the ‘Barks and Boos’ event is scheduled where attendees can bring along their furry friends for a day filled with fun, food, and pet-adoption opportunities from a mobile adoption truck. Attendees and canines alike are encouraged to dress in costume, adding a festive flair to the event.
Coming November, there awaits a unique cultural celebration in honor of the iconic Mexican holiday, the Day of the Dead. The ‘Bones, Skulls, and Marigolds Workshop’ will enable guests to paint sugar skulls, discover hidden bones within owl pellets, and study the skeletal remains of animals found within the arboretum. Participants can also enjoy adult beverages and pan dulce, enhancing the atmosphere of celebration and exploration.
Ticket prices for these events vary between $5 and $30 per person, with some being part of the regular Arboretum admission and others requiring separate tickets. Membership holders will receive special discounts for these experiences. Don’t miss out on the excitement at the Arboretum this spooky season!
