Trunk or Treat @ Pacific Bonsai Museum

There are only two museums in this country devoted exclusively to bonsai, and the one in Seattle’s backyard is hosting a free Halloween event perfect for trick-or-treat (and trunk) enthusiasts of all ages.

Among the collection of 150 trees at the Pacific Bonsai Museum, you’ll find several with decidedly spooky stories. Don’t miss the 325-year-old hollow ghost tree or the “Frankenpine” tree studded with nails. There are even a couple of bonsai intricately carved with demon faces.

On Halloween, docents at the museum will offer guided tours and share the stories of these uniquely ghoulish trees. A scavenger hunt helps keep little ones engaged, and anyone wearing a costume will get a head start on their trick-or-treating as docents hand out sweet treats.

The Pacific Bonsai Museum’s outdoor collection of bonsai trees set within an evergreen forest creates a dramatic contrast of nature versus nurture, showcasing just how much work goes into sculpting trees into tiny works of art. Live bonsai-making demonstrations throughout the event reveal the ancient techniques used to create this miniature tree magic, with no wand required.

Demon faces or no, exploring the trees is a wholesome way to kick off Halloween.