Honestly though, it's really not Halloween-ish at all- it's really fun, interactive, and educational. It will have your kids squealing and screaming with delight. And all that you'll have to fear is the museum closing on you, like it did for us! The kids literally did not want to leave, and we spent at least 2 hours at the exhibit. And if you've ever been to Fernbank, you know there's a ton more to see and do - and another kid-pleaser, NatureQuest, will have kids occupied for hours too.
Fernbank is a really great value because it will keep kids occupied ALL day, for one low fee, but better yet, become a member and get in free all year long for just the price of about two admissions. We've been coming here for years, and my Nine-Year old still enjoys it.
It's awesome that they change up the exhibits. We've got to experience a lot of great ones. This one is truly one of their favorites - and it's all about fear, go figure! I know we'll be visiting again during our school's winter break. And if you're a home-schooler, this exhibit has a wealth of info!
I do want to add, that there was actually some things that intimidated MacGirl but she just bypassed them so it wasn't true fear... and sometimes she overcame some initial fears she had.
For the Fear of Animals challenge course, you have to put your hand in a box that may or may not contain an intimidating animal (ie. spider). MacGirl was hesitant at first, but when others did it, she was more receptive. For the Fear of shock, she also passed on doing that, but I did do it, and she again could see that it was not scary.The Fear of Loud noises did have many kids covering their ears, but not MacGirl. Many adults and kids opted to do the Fear of Falling challenge, while MacGirl didn't, she watched me as I did it. There were adventurous and brave kids there that did do all the challenges, and you may have one. Although MacGirl didn't do all the challenges, she wasn't "scared" per se of the exhibit, she actually quite enjoyed it, and quite enjoyed seeing me be a guinea pig.
There are other great things to note, like informative plaques, beaurtiful artwork, computer games, a really fun photo opp and a gift store full of friendly monster plushes, that all captured their attention.
You have to use your discretion, there is a chance your child may be too young, or too fearful.. but I would suggest you don't force them to do any of hte challenges, - they can observe you and other kids doing the challenges and may later become more receptive - or continue on to another area in the exhibit that is comfortable for them.
I can guarantee they will spend most of their time being eaten by wild animals! Don't know what I'm talking about!?_ You'll just have to visit to find out!
Exhibit Highlights
- The Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear experience begins in the Fear Lab with an introduction by the kid-friendly “host” Mr. Goose Bumps. The Fear Lab demonstrates how the brain and body work together through hands-on activities, video and exhibit interactives.
- You’ll hear lots of laughter coming from The Challenge Course, which allows guests to face four common fears through interactive experiences: Fear of Animals, Fear of Electric Shock, Fear of Loud Noises and Fear of Falling.
- Faces of Emotion: Identify which facial expressions correspond to our basic emotions and learn about how we communicate our feelings to others.
- Make a Scary Movie: Experiment with different soundtracks and sound effects to create your own scary movie.
- This exhibition is appropriate for all ages and is not “scary” in the traditional sense. Visitors can easily bypass any experience they prefer to omit, and half the fun is watching others. It’s so much fun, it’s scary!
