Venture into a family-friendly Halloween event at Rockville Centre’s Center for Science Teaching & Learning. Spooky Fest 2025 blends outdoor thrills with crafts, music, and character encounters rain or shine.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; mainly walking on gentle trails and flat terrain.
Wildlife
History
Rockville Centre is a Long Island village with deep roots dating back to the 19th century, blending suburban culture with natural green spaces.
Conservation
The Center for Science Teaching & Learning encourages sustainable practices by minimizing waste during events and promoting respect for local habitats.
Center for Science Teaching & Learning
Venture into a family-friendly Halloween event at Rockville Centre’s Center for Science Teaching & Learning. Spooky Fest 2025 blends outdoor thrills with crafts, music, and character encounters rain or shine.
The Center for Science Teaching & Learning (CSTL) delivers hands-on science education and family programs that connect children and adults with the natural world. Featured on The Adventure Collective, the organization runs seasonal events and school-vacation programs designed to combine inquiry-based lessons with outdoor exploration.
CSTL’s Holiday Camp provides full-day science programming for children ages 5–12. During school vacations, campers participate in hands-on experiments, meet live animals, and explore 17 acres of natural habitat. Sessions are led by professional science teachers and operate rain or shine; families can register for single or multiple days for extended learning.
Spooky Fest is a family-oriented Halloween event that runs rain or shine. The program includes a Haunted Woods experience, face painting, crafts, fortune telling, themed music, an Enchanted Walk, and costumed characters for family photo opportunities.
Sunday Science: Wetland Wonders invites families to explore wetland habitats through guided observation and age-appropriate activities on select Sundays. The program emphasizes local ecology and outdoor stewardship.
CSTL focuses on safe, educational experiences delivered by trained educators. Programming emphasizes active learning, curiosity, and respectful interaction with wildlife and habitats. Materials and activities are designed to engage a range of ages and learning styles.
Families seeking hands-on science, outdoor discovery, and professionally led children’s programming can find clear options with CSTL’s seasonal events and camps. The organization’s use of outdoor space, live-animal encounters, and educator-led instruction supports memorable and educational family experiences. Program details, dates, and registration information are available through event listings and official program pages online.
Experiences Offered
3
Seasonal events and camps available
Age Range
Ages 5–12
Holiday Camp age guidance
Outdoor Space
17 acres
Natural habitat for exploration
All-Weather
Rain or shine
Selected events operate outdoors
Choose a camp day or seasonal event — programs fill quickly; check dates and register to secure attendance.
Dress for Variable Weather
Spooky Fest happens rain or shine, so wear waterproof layers and sturdy shoes to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Arrive Early for Best Experience
Early arrival helps avoid lines at popular activities like face painting and fortune telling.
Bring Cash for Food Vendors
Though some vendors accept cards, smaller stalls may prefer cash for easier transactions.
Keep an Eye on Younger Kids
The Haunted Woods can be very spooky, so adult supervision is important to ensure a comfortable experience for younger children.
Waterproof Jacket
Protects against rain and wind during the event’s rain or shine schedule.
fall
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Ensures stable footing on trail surfaces throughout the woods and festival areas.
Small Backpack
Convenient for carrying snacks, water, and craft items for a hands-free experience.
Camera or Smartphone
Ideal for capturing family memories with the whimsical characters and scenic outdoor settings.