By Karen Bloom
"We've arranged the day in such a way that it ensures parents that their children, both pre-schoolers and older, will have a safe, supervised Halloween that will be unforgettable," said LICM Executive Director Bonnie Dixon. "Since we expect to draw from many Long Island neighborhoods, it also will be a chance for these young visitors to meet and interact with children from outside their own community."Thousands of Halloween partygoers from pre-school age through 12 are expected to participate in the many crafts and activities planned throughout the day, dressed up in their Halloween best. The doors open at 10 a.m. for the pre-school set. The youngsters, with their parents can participate in special holiday-themed craft workshops, held in the Museum's learning studios. LICM Educator Aimee Fromick has prepared many unusual hands-on activities at stations next to or inside the museum's ongoing exhibits. She guarantees kids will have not tried them before. Such as? "Well, Fromick said, "how about Bubble Prints, where we will be using paint filled bubbles, real soap bubbles, to create art. The "magic" of how paint gets inside the bubbles is something Fromick will not reveal before the holiday.Next door, at the Sandy Island exhibit, Fromick promised that guests "can get their hands real dirty" manipulating her version of 'Halloween quick sand.' "It's a substance created from cornstarch and water," she explained. "It is so malleable that kids will have a ball," and even learn something as they explore the substance's properties. In Bricks & Sticks, families will create spider webs using marbles and paint. At It's Alive and Pattern Studio, the adjacent galleries, the day's activity is "Halloween Thumbies," making Halloween creature art using thumbprints. There's also Communication Station, where the little goblins will turn themselves into bodiless "floating heads." Don't worry parents, "I will return them in one piece," Fromick promised. For the young set, TotSpot will offer Halloween memory games. At 1 p.m., the pre-schoolers will turn their attention to the Tot Costume Parade and show off their Halloween style as they march around the galleries.Throughout the afternoon music educator/composer Chris Peters, a frequent LICM entertainer and Bellmore resident, will present "The Mister Monster Music Show," with special friend, Mr. Monster. "For this performance, I'm sort of Jekyll and Hyde, playing both myself and the monster. The whole idea is that Mister Monster is my alter ego," he explained. "During the presentation we talk about how people get scared, what scares people. I prepare the audience for what I am about to become, the monster. If you really understand the monster and quell the fear, monsters aren't really that bad, they're just misunderstood. Once children understand that, they can have fun with being scared, which is what Halloween is all about."The excitement builds as the school-age children begin to join in, starting at 4 p.m. They will have the opportunity to participate in all the activities, culminating in the "Costume Catwalk" extravaganza, at 7 p.m. At this fashion show, every costumed visitor, young and old can strut their stuff, individually announced by name, and present their Halloween finery. "There are no winners, no losers, no prizes," said Dixon, who has been working on her own costume for weeks. "Just a lot of fun and games and a satisfying Halloween experience."
Long Island Children's Museum
Friday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Party is free with regular museum admission: $8 over 1 year; $7 seniors; members free. 11 Davis Ave., Garden City.
(516) 224-5800 or www.licm.org.
