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Sacramento Museums Fall for Halloween & Harvest Fun in October

October 9, 2014
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- In addition to its fascinating Gold Rush past, the Sacramento area is rich with an amazing array of state-of-the-art museums and historic sites that offer visitors the chance to explore California’s fine art, history, science, and wildlife treasures all year long.  In October, many of the 30 members of Sacramento Association of Museums (SAM) are offering fun Halloween and harvest-related events and activities sure to get guests in a festive spirit, including:
 
“Going Batty” at the Discovery Museum Science & Space Center -- October 4 & 5
This weekend the Museum is highlighting some infamous creatures of the night -- BATS!  Families are invited to explore some of the science behind these nocturnal mammals.  A special bat display will be set-up for this weekend only and children may assemble a “bat clip” craft to take home.   For more, visit www.thediscovery.org
 
Art Mix/Monsters Ball at the Crocker Art Museum – October 9
If you are a Zombie-loving, Vampire-cheering, dark-side guru, join in the fun at Art Mix/Monsters Ball! Revel in four-on-four creature feature soccer matches in the Living Dead Cup presented by the Lady Salamanders, share your signature shriek in a scream-tastic showcase by the Sacramento Horror Film Festival, mingle with Zombies, do the Frankenstein, join in on ten-minute flashlight art tours and more!  For details, visit www.crockerartmuseum.org

Ghost Tours at the Sacramento History Museum – October 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 & 25
Visitors to Old Sacramento can journey back in time to hear ghostly tales and spooky stories as they walk through the history-rich streets and re-live 19th century lore. Entertaining yet knowledgeable tour guides will take daring and inquisitive guests through Old Sacramento’s infamous locales to experience a bit of the dark side of California’s history.  For more, go to www.historicoldsac.org.
 
“Souls of the City” Events & Activities Presented by the Sacramento History Museum -- October 11 thru November 1
In honor of “Day of the Dead” activities celebrated each year in Mexico and in major cities around the world, Sol Collective and the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation have teamed up to present a series of community workshops and special activities that showcase the traditions and/or demonstrate how to create some of the special items used in “Day of the Dead” celebrations.  The effort culminates with a Dia De Los Muertos Celebration on November 1.  For more, visit www.historicoldsac.org
 
“Spookomotive” Train Rides at the Railroad Museum -- October 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 & 26
All aboard for some Halloween fun Old Sacramento style!  California State Parks and the California State Railroad Museum are proud to offer diesel-powered “Spookomotive” train rides aboard a whimsically decorated train crawling with spiders, cobwebs and cornstalks while staffed with an entertaining “skeleton crew.”  Also, discounted “combo” Halloween-themed train rides and river cruises are offered twice per day.   For more, visit www.csrmf.org
 
“Pumpkin Science” at the Discovery Museum -- October 11 & 12
Visit the Discovery Museum Science & Space Center to celebrate the season for Jack-o-lanterns!  Family-friendly stations will be set up so visitors can learn more about this festive squash plus kids ages 12 and under can craft a paper pumpkin to take home as fall décor. For more, visit www.thediscovery.org
 
3rd Annual Monster Bash at the Sacramento Children’s Museum -- October 18
Visit the Sacramento Children’s Museum for a night of ghoulish fun at the 3d Annual Monster Bash!  Gear up for Halloween by wearing your best costume and come play the night away at the Museum!  They’ll have a DJ, dancing, refreshments, photo opportunities, a “haunted hallway,” and of course - Museum play.  For more information, visit www.sackids.org
 
28th Annual Safe & Super Halloween: The Adventures of Percy Jackson at Fairytale Town --
October 24, 25 & 26
Guests are invited to enter the mythological world of Rick Riordan’s “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” for three nights of trick-or-treating and family fun at Fairytale Town!  Young heroes can go on a quest to Mount Olympus to see the infamous Olympian Zeus and visit the lair of Polyphemus the Cyclops, the replica Parthenon, the Oracle of Delphi and Medusa’s garden and much more. Plus, kids can enjoy trick-or-treating at 17 candy stations, too!  For more, visit www.fairytaletown.org
 
The Haunted Fort at Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park – October 24 & 25
For those interested in a ghoulishly unique experience, check out the fifth annual “The Haunted Fort” at Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park (SHP). Once again, the historic site will offer a special Halloween program based in fact but with a decidedly creepy twist.  Daring visitors will go on guided lantern-lit tours through the darkened rooms and hear unusual and intriguing tales of how some of California’s early pioneers perished throughout history. For more, visit www.suttersfort.org.
 
Count Watts’ SPOOKtacular at the Roseville Utility Exploration Center – October 25
Visitors to the Roseville Utility Exploration Center can meet Count Watts and discover ways to save energy. Guests can take a thrilling walk through the Phantom House, carve a pumpkin, then round out the day with crafts, face painting and prizes. For more, visit http://www.roseville.ca.us/explore/workshops_and_events/exploration_events.asp
 
Trick-or-Treating in Old Sacramento – October 25
Trick-or-treating will be held through the streets of Old Sacramento once again this season.  Last year more than 40 Old Sacramento merchants and museums participated in the fun!  The Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum is a great place to start as maps and bags are available for interested participants. For more, go to www.scoe.net/oldsacschoolhouse.
 
Trunk-Or-Treat at the California Automobile Museum – October 26
Only at the California Automobile Museum can guests enjoy the unique experience of Trunk-or-Treating out of the back of rare and vintage classic cars from the early 1900s to present day. Tour guides in costume will hand out candy to junior superheroes and princesses as they explore the museum and engage in a myriad of fun activities!  For more, visit http://www.calautomuseum.org/event/trunk-treat-2/
 
Wee Halloween at the Crocker Art Museum – October 29
Celebrate the "wee" in Halloween with this fright-free alternative to trick-or-treating! Families will start by decorating treat bags before being guided in small groups through the galleries. Along the way, they will encounter gentle surprises in the form of music, poetry, and dance, and receive a non-candy treat at the end of each performance. The delightful Halloween stroll will end with a delicious celebration. For more, go to www.crockermuseum.org
 
Boo at the Zoo at the Sacramento Zoo – October 30 & 31
Two nights of ghoulish family fun, rain or shine! Kids can safely trick-or-treat around the lake at 25 different candy stations. Other activities include magic shows, costume dance party, ghoulish games, and lots of family fun.  You can also ride the Spooky Train or Creepy Carousel for an additional fee.  Please note: Only the front half of the Zoo will be open during this event.  The spookiness is appropriate for children under 10 years of age.  For more, visit www.saczoo.org
 
To stay connected to Sacramento Museums, “like” them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SacMuseums, follow them on Twitter @SacMuseums or visit the website at www.SacMuseums.org.