A plant with three leaflets growing near a trunk

On the afternoon of Halloween, stop by the Hunnewell Lawn to learn about the most sinister plants in the Arboretum’s collections. Armed with spiky thorns, sticky latex, and chemical warfare, these plant species defend themselves from hungry herbivores, other plants—and sometimes from humans who wander too close. Others try to poison their neighbors, practice explosive seed dispersal, or even glow under black light. Drop by for this family friendly event and experience Halloween, Arboretum-style.

No need to register, just stop by the Hunnewell Lawn between 12:00 and 3:00pm. Kids storytime at 1:00pm!

In the event of inclement weather, this program may be rescheduled: check this event page for the latest updates.

Accessibility: The Hunnewell Lawn is flat and just off the paved road.

Audience: This program is appropriate for all ages.

Date & Time

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Location

Hunnewell Lawn

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Directions

By subway

Take the MBTA Orange Line to its southern end—Forest Hills. Exit through the door marked “Arnold Arboretum,” cross Washington Street, and walk up Arborway to the Arboretum’s Forest Hills Gate on your left. To reach the Arboretum’s Arborway Gate and the Hunnewell Building, continue along the sidewalk on the Arborway to the Arborway Gate (about 12 minutes), or go through the Forest Hills Gate, bear right at the pond, and continue down Meadow Road to the Hunnewell Lawn. The Hunnewell Lawn is located outside of the Hunnewell Building.

By bus

Take the #39 bus to the South Street @ Bardwell Street stop in Jamaica Plain. Walk down South Street away from Bardwell Street, take a right on Custer Street, and walk down Custer Street until it ends. Turn right and walk about 300 feet down Arborway to the Arboretum’s Arborway Gate, which will be across the street. The Hunnewell Lawn will be just inside the gate on your right, outside of the Hunnewell Building.

By car

There is public street parking on Arborway, including six designated accessible spots on either side of the gate. Parking on Arborway can sometimes fill up and you may need to walk a little ways from your parking spot to the gate. Please allow for extra time to account for this, especially during the spring and for large programs like lectures and performances.

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