Palouse Discovery Science Center will celebrate Halloween with a Spooky Science Walk, which will feature hidden laboratories and photo opportunities.

The event will be entirely outdoors at the science center’s nature loop, said PDSC Director Meri Joswiak. Groups are limited to five people, and masks are required for anyone over the age of two.

“It’s really important for us to offer something to the community that is safe so we can celebrate the season together and bring some stress relief,” Joswiak said. 

The walk will occur Oct. 22-24 and Oct. 29-31, with two sessions each evening. The less spooky session from 3-5:30 p.m. is geared toward preschool-aged audiences. The second half, which runs until 9 p.m., is suited for older children, adults and college students, Joswiak said. 

Staff members will sanitize the course between each session, she said. 

It will take about 30-45 minutes to complete the walk, depending on how much each group engages with photo opportunities, Joswiak said. 

Groups will have the opportunity to peek through windows into labs with spooky experiments, said Jess Jones, PDSC facilities and programs coordinator. Paths will be lit up and will have light and sound effects.

PDSC will also host a jack-o’-lantern competition, with categories like best moldy pumpkin, best-painted pumpkin and best science-themed design. People interested in competing can submit a photo and tag PDSC or bring their pumpkin to the event, Joswiak said.

“I hope kids, families, anyone … I hope when you come, here you get out of the doom and gloom for a little bit,” Joswiak said. “Come into a different kind of doom and gloom.”

Revenue from the event will go back into programming at the Science Center, Joswiak said.

Tickets can be purchased online through the PDSC website. Admission is free for members, $6 for non-member children, and $7.50 for non-member adults.