Santa Maria’s little ghosts, goblins, superheroes and princesses are invited to Boo Before Dark at the Boo-Seum, a free Halloween bash, 2-5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 at the CRR Discovery Museum, 705 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

Boo Before Dark at the Boo-Seum will bring costumes, candy, creativity, and community together for an afternoon of fun.

The free, family-friendly event offers sweet treats, imaginative costumes, playful discoveries, and lots of memories.

Families are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween best and experience the magic of the museum transformed into a festive Halloween destination, organizers said.

Little trick-or-treaters can collect candy throughout the museum, families can capture favorite moments at a Halloween photo booth, and children can explore the museum’s interactive exhibits.

Beyond the costumes and candy, Boo Before Dark at the Boo-Seum represents an opportunity for children and families to come together, experience joy, and build lasting memories in a welcoming community space, organizers said.

“Childhood should be filled with moments of wonder, belonging and joy,” said Jacquilyn Banta, COO of Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County.

“When we open our museum doors for celebrations like Boo Before Dark, we are doing so much more than hosting a Halloween event,” she said. “We are creating opportunities for families to connect, for children to experience the magic of play, and for our community to make memories that last long after the costumes are put away.

“Every child deserves those experiences, and we are so excited to welcome our community for another unforgettable afternoon,” she said.

Research on early childhood development continues to affirm what children naturally know: play matters, CRR leaders said.

“Through joyful experiences, children strengthen relationships, develop social and emotional skills, explore their creativity, and build connections with the people and places around them,” they said.

“The most meaningful part of an event like this isn’t how much candy a child takes home,” Banta said. “It’s the excitement in their eyes, the laughter shared between generations, and the feeling that they belong. Those are the moments that help make childhood extraordinary.”

For more about the nonprofit CRR Discovery Museum and upcoming community events, visit www.crrsbc.org.