Costume Party, Train Rides, Spooky Skating and Halloween Treasure Hunt

Patch Staff Report

Get out those costumes and candy because Montgomery Parks is ready for Halloween 2014 with a host of festivities and the much anticipated Halloween Trains.

HALLOWEEN TRAINS

The “Eye Spy” Halloween Train at Cabin John Regional Park is a perfect treat for kids eight and under. Passengers will spy items in the woods as they ride through the park. Family Halloween movies are shown every evening. The train runs on the following dates and times, weather permitting:

October 11- 12, 17 – 19, 24 – 26 and October 29 – November 1. Weekday hours are3 – 8 p.m. and weekends 1 – 8 p.m.
For more information visit www.CabinJohnTrain.com or call 301-765-8670.

The Haunted Train and Creepy Carousel at Wheaton Regional Park is suitable for riders ages 8 and older, featuring very scary sights, sounds and creatures. Scary movies are shown every night and snacks will be available for purchase. The train and carousel run on the following dates and times, weather permitting:

October 11 – 12, 17 – 19, 24 – 26 and October 20 – November 1. Hours are 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
For more information visit www.WheatonTrainandCarousel.com or call 301-942-6703.

Both trains run on the half-hour, and tickets are available online for specific departure times each day at www.ParkPass.org (click on “Special Events” in the left-hand menu). Admission is $5 per person; children under age two ride free with a paying adult. Visitors are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes before their departure time, and to bring non-perishable canned food items to either train for their annual food drives.

HALLOWEEN ON ICE
“Spooky” and “Not-So-Spooky” Halloween Skating Sessions Offered at Cabin John Ice Rink and Wheaton Ice Arena

“Spooky” skating sessions at both rinks feature creepy Halloween tunes and a darkened rink lit by a magical mystical ball. The “Not-So-Spooky” skating sessions take place on a fully lit rink, and feature a costume contest with prizes. Both sessions include treats for all.

Cost: $6.50 per person includes admission and skate rental.

Cabin John Ice Rink
Cabin John Regional Park
10610 Westlake Drive, Rockville, MD 20852
Not-So-Spooky Skate: Thursday, October 30, 4:30–6:15pm
Spooky Skate: Friday, October 31, 1, 8–10pm
For more information, visit www.CabinJohnIce.com or call 301-765-8620

Wheaton Ice Arena
11717 Orebaugh Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902
Not-So-Spooky Skate: Thursday, October 30, 4:45– 6:15pm
Spooky Skate: Friday, October 31, 8:15–10:15pm

For more information, visit www.WheatonIceArena.com or call 301-905-3000

HALLOWEEN AT THE NATURE CENTERS

Halloween programs and activities are planned at Montgomery Parks Nature Centers, including:

Halloween Geocache Hunt
Friday, October 17, 1 – 3 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center
5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD 20855
For kids ages 8 and up
$15
www.ParkPASS.org (Course #293462)

Today we’ll use GPS units to hunt for Halloween tricks and treats throughout the woods surrounding Meadowside Nature Center.

In Search of the Great Pumpkin Discovery Hike
Thursday, October 23, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Brookside Nature Center
1400 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902
For kids ages 3 – 6 years old
$6
www.ParkPASS.org (Course #295101)

Children will enjoy a pumpkin story and hike along a trail in search of a little pumpkin.

Owl-O-Ween Campfire
Friday, October 24, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center
5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD 20855
For kids ages 3 and up
$7
www.ParkPASS.org (Course #295999)

Participants will gather around a campfire to learn owl facts and folklore, meet Otus the Owl (mascot) as well as one of Meadowside’s resident owls, and enjoy s’mores.

Great Pumpkin Treasure Hunt
Saturday, October 25, 3 – 3:45 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center
5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD 20855
For kids 3 – 8 years old
$5
www.ParkPASS.org (Course #294203)

Join Meadowside staff on a nature treasure hunt searching for the Great Pumpkin. Trail-friendly costumes welcome!

Not-Too-Scary Halloween Story Time on the Lake
Sunday, October 26, 1 – 2 p.m.
Black Hill Nature Programs at Black Hill Regional Park
20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, MD 20841
For kids ages 1 & up
$5
www.ParkPASS.org (Course #292750)

Kids will enjoy Halloween story time as they take a ride aboard the pontoon boat on Little Seneca. Costumes encouraged!

Otus the Owl Halloween Storytime
Friday, October 31, 10 – 10:45a.m.
Meadowside Nature Center
5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD 20855
For kids 2 - 10 years old
$3
www.ParkPASS.org (Course #294257)

Get in the Halloween spirit with Otus the Owl! Join us for fun Halloween tales.

Green Halloween Costume Party
Friday, October 31, 1 – 3 p.m.
Black Hill Nature Programs at Black Hill Regional Park
20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, MD 20841
For kids ages 1 month & up
$2
www.ParkPASS.org (Course #292752)

Show off your spook-tacular green costumes made from reused or recyclable materials at a party! Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes and use of reused and recycled materials. Enjoy a campfire and s’mores.

For more information about parks events, visit www.MontgomeryParks.org.