This time of year seems tailor-made for the Springs Preserve.
The Haunted Harvest returns to the Springs Preserve on Friday, filling the botanical garden with an eerie glow. Visitors can expect to encounter spooky things from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Oct. 23-25 and 29-31 at the preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. Kids of all ages love the Halloween season -- the air is crisp, the leaves are turning colors and the promise of costumed ghosts and ghouls is just around the corner. What better way to enjoy the season than at the Springs Preserve during our Haunted Harvest? Enjoy the Springs Preserve and celebrate the harvest with our narrated Haunted Hay Ride, Garden Tricks and season-themed Cafe Treats from 5 to 9 p.m. on the following dates: The Gardens will glow and fog over with the season's traditions. Put on your costume for "Safe Street" trick-or-treating, glowing entertainment, carnival games, face painting, creepy characters and an all-ages, family-friendly, spooky atmosphere. And, on top of everything else, see the winners of our second annual, community-wide Scavenger Scarecrow Contest! Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children 5 to 12 and free those 4 and under. Members receive half off the regular admission price. Note: At this time, members will have to purchase their tickets at the box office to receive member discount.
A character called the Ol' Miner will narrate 20-minute Haunted Hay Rides along trails at the preserve, sharing scary legends. Later in the month, pumpkins entered in a contest by elementary school classes will be on display. The Haunted Hay Ride costs $5 for adults, $3 for children age 5-12 and free for kids 4 and younger. Further details are available at www.springspreserve.org/ or by calling 822-7705. And don't forget, next month's "Untold Stories" at the Springs will be about Howard Hughes!