Andrea Galabinski Nature Park Director Megan Benesch with Poto, a kinkajou, at the entrance to the Nature Park getting ready for Halloween festivities.

A 9-foot-high spider will festoon the entrance to the Shell Factory & Nature Park for a special trick or treat celebration Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 31.

“We’ll trick or treat through the whole Nature Park,” said Shell Factory owner Pamela J. Cronin. “There are 13 locations for those beauties and goblins in costume under the age of 13.”

Cronin said some of the highlights include a presentation of nocturnal animals on Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 31, at 5 p.m.

“That will be in the Eco-Lab which will be converted to a Spooky House for those two days,” she said.

The actual Halloween Festivities are from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday, but kids are invited in all day for free if in costume (13 and under), said Shell Factory Marketing Director Donna Ellis.

“There is free admission for kids with costumes. The fun goes all day long Friday and Saturday,” said Ellis.

Nature Park Director Megan Benesch is getting the animals ready for visitors.

Poto, a kinkajou, is just one of the animals kids may meet at the park.

“Kinkajous are nocturnal animals from the rainforest,” said Benesch. Different animals will be featured at different times over the event.

“Come learn about all the animals that come alive at night,” she said.

There will also be surprise activities, she continued.

At 5:30 p.m. on both days, there will be a costume contest with prizes for various categories.

The entire park will be decorated to enhance the spooky spirit of Halloween.

“The gigantic spider will be over the Nature Park entrance for the children to venture under,” said Benesch, on their way to the trick or treat stations.

Normal activities and admission will be both days, with Nature Park hours, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Here are some of the scheduled activities:

Friday, Oct. 30

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: The Spooky Animal House (Refreshments)

11:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. Touch Center Presentation

1 p.m. Lorikeet Feeding

4 p.m. Halloween Enrichment Treats for the Animals

5 p.m. Nocturnal animal presentation

5:30 p.m. Costume Contest (Prizes, Prizes, Prizes!!!)

Saturday, Oct. 31

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Spooky Animal House (Refreshments)

11:30 a.m. & 3:30 p.m. Touch Center Presentation

2 p.m. Alligator Feeding Frenzy

Kids can also enter a free drawing for “the Cauldron of Creepy Confections and Ghoulish Gifts,” said officials.

The Shell Factory & Nature Park is located at 2787 North Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers. For information on the Boo Bash or Nature Park, call 634-4547.

For general information, including information on the new Pirate Room. Display at the Shell Factory Shops, call 995-2141.