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| Visitors explore the whimsical displays at the latest iteration of Boney Island, unveiled on October 2, 2024, at the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum in Los Angeles, California. All photographs by Eric Harris / TTDILA. |
By Eric Harris
If you're looking for a unique and enchanting Halloween experience in Los Angeles, look no further than Boney Island at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. This interactive, illuminated event transforms the museum's Nature Gardens into a whimsical wonderland of spooky fun for all ages. Running from October 3 to 31, 2024, Boney Island promises a night of ghoulish delight and family-friendly entertainment.
What to Expect at Boney Island
Boney Island, created by Rick Polizzi, a producer on "The Simpsons," is a Halloween twist on Brooklyn’s Coney Island. The event takes place on the grounds of the Natural History Museum and features hundreds of colorfully decorated pumpkins and skeletons, interactive exhibits, live performances, photo opportunities, food trucks, a bar, and Boney Island and Natural History Museum branded pop-up stores.
According to the map, there are 30 main exhibits arranged into six themed zones: Walk of Fame, Primal Pass, Deadwood Forest, Skeleton Stroll, Skeletown, and Hauntington Gardens. The exhibits include physically or visually animated elements and interactive features such as life-size puppetry where skeletons are animated via visible strings.
The main live performance at the media preview was a repeated magic show at the Boney Island Theatre Stage. Additionally, Maestro Maxilla’s water and light show, while not quite live, offers a captivating experience.
Halloween-themed snacks and beverages, such as decorated cupcakes and Witch’s Brew green apple lemonade, are available at the museum cafe. The food trucks and alcohol bar service are nice options; however, the food trucks on the preview night were the biggest letdown of the event in that the food options did not match the Halloween or carnivalesque atmosphere.
All in all, Boney Island is a well-done and recommended Halloween experience. Budget around one to two hours to explore the grounds and shows. While billed as family-friendly, we recommend this event for school-aged children and up, as the skeletons, while often engaged in silly activities, may be considered scary for younger audiences. Costumes are encouraged.
Plan Your Visit
Dates: October 3–31, 2024 (select dates)
Time: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Tickets: $25 General Admission, $15 Child (3-12) Admission. Children 2 and under are free. Available for purchase on the Natural History Museum website. Be sure to book in advance as this popular event sells out quickly.
Parking: $20
