Annual Halloween celebration returning to Hands On Children’s Museum 

Starting next week, children will be able to enjoy Halloween festivities at an annual fall costume celebration. 

Boo Bash! is returning to the Hands On Children’s Museum in Olympia from Oct. 24-31 for eight days of family-friendly entertainment for children up to 12 years old.

The museum said in an announcement that the annual event is a “festive alternative to traditional Halloween events,” highlighting hands-on activities, costumes, science demonstrations, live animals, crafts and other activities in a “spooky but not scary” environment. 

Events under Boo Bash! take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and special programs may vary each day.  

Families can join a costume parade, hunt for fossils and gems at Haunted Sluice, watch science demonstrations with Dr. Science, meet birds of prey with The Falconer, press cider and grind grains with Farmer Flower and silkscreen a glow-in-the-dark boo bag, among other activities. 

Boo Bash! is also inclusive for children with sensory sensitivities, neurodivergent children and children with disabilities. A sensory-friendly room is available on Saturdays from 1-3 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.  

“Families can also attend a special Sensory Friendly Hour from 9-10 a.m. Sundays, before the Museum opens to the general public,” said the museum in the announcement. 

The Hands On Children’s Museum is located at 414 Jefferson St. NE in Olympia.