Enchanted Forest and El Bosque Encantado offer children Halloween alternatives

Event: Enchanted Forest and El Bosque Encantado
Date and time: Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and 25, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen, Farmstead site
Cost: Free and open to the public 

For Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College, Halloween magic takes the form of talking animals, not spooks. On Oct. 24 and 25, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., staff and volunteers will don costumes and review animal facts for the 25^th annual Enchanted Forest at Merry Lea’s Farmstead site.

The Enchanted Forest will feature a guided night hike and visits with animals native to Indiana, including a frog, snapping turtle, bat and bear. The animals describe their lifestyles, favorite foods, fears and habits. Children have the opportunity to ask questions.

Before and after the hike, families will gather in Merry Lea’s Farmstead barn for musical entertainment, hot chocolate and snacks. The event is especially for children from K to 3rd grade, but all ages enjoy the animals and the chance to hike in the dark. The cost is $2.50 per person.

For Spanish speakers, a similar program, “El Bosque Encantado,” will take place Friday, Oct. 17 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Goshen College Cabin. The cabin is located on Reservoir Place, west of the college.

Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College is a 1,189-acre nature preserve located in central Noble County, midway between Fort Wayne and Goshen. Merry Lea was created with the assistance of the Nature Conservancy and the generosity of Lee A. and Mary Jane Rieth. To learn more or find directions, visit Merry Lea’s web site at www.goshen.edu/merrylea.