What Lurks Beneath is spooky Halloween fun for all! This is an all-ages event and there are loads of activities to choose from, both indoors and outdoors. The experience is (mostly) self-guided. The grounds of the Museum are lit up magically, and there are two tours to choose from. Families and children of all ages can enjoy a fanciful spooky self-guided walking tour with a ghostly apparition, swimming sailors, and joyful spirits. For ages 12 and up, there is a scary tour guided by a ghostly sailor. Guests will encounter creatures of the deep and shipwrecked sailors. Several on-theme indoor exhibits will be open to enjoy, including our highly interactive kids exhibit Voyage to the Deep based on Jules Verne’s “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” Spineless: A Glass Menagerie of Blaschka Marine Invertebrates, and Figureheads and Shipcarvings will also be open. Kids can make a craft, play games, and engage their imagination on the mini-ship playscape. The Kraken tentacles climbing the rigging of the Charles W. Morgan whaleship make an incredible photo op. Climb aboard to come face to face with ghostly sailors who did not escape the Kraken! Guests can also check out a séance, pick up a take-home card front the print shop, and grab a Halloween-themed bite from Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern. There is plenty to explore both indoors and out!

There are two tours to choose from. Families and children of all ages can enjoy a fanciful spooky self-guided tour with a ghostly apparition, swimming sailors, and joyful spirits. For ages 12 and up, there is a scary tour guided by a ghostly sailor. Attendees will encounter creatures of the deep, and shipwrecked sailors.

The experience has timed entries at 6:00 and 7:00 p.m., so purchasing your tickets in advance is recommended in order to get your preferred ticket time. Guests may stay until the end regardless of what time they enter.

Yes, we ask you to visit the tour check-in table to sign up for the guided tour for ages 12 and up, which has limited capacity. The tours run continuously, but each tour guide can only take a certain number of participants at a time.

The self-guided spooky tour for all ages does not require sign up.

Both! For example, the tours, playscape, and games are all outside, but there are several indoor exhibits to explore. The Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern has indoor and outdoor seating. Please dress accordingly.

For your safety, as well as the safety of our tour guides and actors:

The guided tour is not recommended for children under age 12 or anyone who has any condition that is made worse by fear or anxiety. 

Please do not touch any of the tour guides or actors within our routes.

Please do not run during your time in our routes. 

Both tours are outdoors and on uneven ground. Please dress accordingly.

Light bites, snacks, and beverages (alcohol and non-alcohol) are available at Schaefer’s Spouter Tavern which is open throughout the event and centrally located on the Museum grounds.

Some portions of our grounds are lit only with theatrical lighting to provide a spooky atmosphere. If you wish, you may bring an additional personal light source, such as a battery-powered lantern or a flashlight.

Yes, there is quite a bit of walking involved with this experience. Both tours are outdoors and on uneven ground.  Please dress accordingly.

Guests will receive an event map and guide when they check in, and there will also be signage on the grounds.

If it is raining lightly or intermittently, the event likely will take place. In the case of heavy rain, the event will be canceled that night and ticket holders will be notified. Tickets may be transferred to any other remaining night. You may also check the website and social media for updates.

Absolutely! But no full face masks, please.

Most guests spend about 1.5 hours enjoying the full event. But it can be more or less, depending on the number of people in your party and the pace at which you explore.

Yes, we will have a quiet indoor sensory room that is open to families who need some downtime.

Yes. Please call Visitor Services at 860-572-0711 to switch your tickets to another scheduled evening.

Pets are allowed on grounds, but not in exhibits, historic ships, or on the guided tour. We recommend you leave your furry friends at home to fully enjoy the experience. Service animals are allowed in all Museum buildings and should be checked in at the entrance to receive a yellow collar tag.

Adult Member $20
Youth Member $16
Adult Non-member $25
Youth Non-member $20