From bats to owls to spiders, discover how some creatures have special adaptations or "tricks" that help them roam in the dark, at "Creatures of the Night" a free Halloween event at the Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago, on Saturday, October 31 from noon to 3p.m.
Families can meet live nocturnal animals like fruit bats, spiders, owls and more, as they make a rare daytime appearance at the Conservatory. Visitors will learn about the creatures' ability to learn adaptation "tricks" and get a very special "treat" at special critter stations. Other fun activities include spider plantings and wormy apples.
Admission to Creatures of the Night is free. For more information go to www.garfield-conservatory.org or call 773.638.1766.
Here are some the Creatures of the Night you'll meet and the treat you'll receive at the conservatory:
Fennec Fox
Its Trick: It has super sensing ears, so strong in its ability that it can even hear insects walking on the sand in its native desert habitat.
Our Treat: plastic insects
Fruit Bat
Its Trick: Bats throw out high pitched sounds from their mouths or nose, and this sound bounces off objects in front of them. Bats calculate how long this sound takes to return to them, thereby locating the approaching object. This strategy of "sensing" objects is called "echolocation."
Our Treat: Balls to bounce like bats echolocate
Hedgehog
Its Trick: Rolls in a ball to protect itself at night
Our Treat: A Hedgehog Ring
Sugar Glider
Armadillo
MORE HALLOWEEN TREATS AT CHICAGO PARKS
FESTIVITIES INCLUDE HAUNTED HOUSES, PUMPKIN PATCHES, MOVIES & MORE
The Chicago Park District hosts several haunted houses, numerous pumpkin patches, corn mazes and parties and much more. This year marks the debut of the Doggie PUPkin Party, a Halloween event for dogs, and also features a ghostly movie series. Click here for the full listing of Halloween events or call 312-742-PLAY.
Halloween highlights this fall include:
Pumpkin Patches & Halloween Parties
Fall pumpkin patches throughout the city features a selection of all shapes and sizes and decorating stations. Some pumpkin patches and Halloween parties include a petting zoo, hayride, pony ride, inflatables, games and a chance to take a photo at the harvest photo station. Visit the website for a schedule or call 312-742-PLAY. Through October 31
Nightmare at 63rd St. Beach House Get spooked along the lake at this haunted house.
Trails of Terror 2009
Wind your way through nearly one-half mile of spine-tingling terror in the woods crawling with creepy characters set in a small seaside town complete with the old general store and abandoned fishing boats haunted by the ghostly remains of their crews.
Haunted House
Experience several rooms of spooky fun in this neighborhood tradition.
Haunted House
This haunted house features 10 scary scenes and includes candy as a treat.
Halloween Teen Dance
Teens enjoy dancing and music in a safe environment.
Doggie PUPkin Party
Halloween has gone to the dogs at this new event that is open to all size pups. Owners and dogs are encouraged to come dressed up in their favorite costumes. Activities include a doggie parade, photos with the owner and dog that can be purchased from the photographer, doggie/owner look-a-like contest, art project, drawings and give-a-ways. The local pet businesses will set up tables and offer goods and services for dogs.
Creatures of the Night
Night-time creatures, like fruit bats, spiders, owls, and more, make a rare daytime greenhouse appearance.
