AquaScarium Halloween party is Friday - Oct. 24

photo Even the mascots dress up in costumes for AquaScarium, a family Halloween party set for Friday at the Tennessee Aquarium.

If you go• What: AquaScarium VII Family Halloween Party• When: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24• Where: Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St.• Admission: Nonmembers $35 adults, $25 children (includes Aquarium admission); members $8 each• Phone: 800-262-0695• Website: www.tnaqua.org

Families who arrive early for the Tennessee Aquarium's AquaScarium VII Halloween party will get an extra treat this year: the chance to see local athlete Edward Yates walk a line suspended between the Aquarium's peaks.

He'll make his first attempt between 5:30 and 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, then repeat the cutting-edge spectacle on Saturday, Oct. 25 (see related story on Page 18).

Meanwhile, Friday night guests can seek out plenty of family-friendly fun inside the Aquarium's two buildings.

Families are invited to come in costume with their favorite treat bag for this annual Halloween party. This year's event, which lasts from 6 to 9 p.m., includes several new activities and special appearances - from princesses and superheroes to mermaids and pirates.

As trick-or-treaters wind their way through River Journey and Ocean Journey, a word puzzle scavenger hunt will lead them to a prize. Along the way, they will meet costumed Aquarium mascot Harry Otter and his friends and see scuba divers get into the spirit inside the Nickajack Lake and River Giants exhibits.

While nothing at AquaScarium VII should give kids a real scare, a magical snow queen and her snowman friend might just give little ones goose bumps. Some swashbuckling pirates along with Magellan, and colorful characters like Otis the Otter Spotter also will delight guests.

Kids can shake a leg on the Monster Mash dance floor, take a selfie on a special AquaScarium red carpet and play fun Halloween games. The competition is turned up a notch as kids get a chance to win a trophy for best costume.

At the end of their night, Aquarium trick-or-treaters won't just fill up on candy. They also can sample kettle corn and apple cider on the plaza.

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