When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
Boney Island
Why Boney Island is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Boney Island is an imaginative and immersive Halloween-themed attraction created by Rick Polizzi, a producer of The Simpsons, for his family over twenty years ago. Hosted by the Natural History Museum, Boney Island transforms the Nature Gardens into a whimsically spooky environment that blends natural history with festive fun, making it a unique destination to meet up with friends and family during the Halloween season. Visitors can explore creatively illuminated exhibits that feature skeleton-themed attractions such as the Skeleton Stroll, Deadwood Forest, Hauntington Gardens, Primeval Pass, and the Walk of Fame, all designed to entertain and delight guests of all ages. The experience includes interactive elements, live performances on the Boney Island Theater Stage, and a variety of photo opportunities that make it perfect for group visits. Additional highlights include food and drink options from local vendors, a specialized BOO-tique with Boney Island merchandise, and occasional pop-up NHM gift stores, enhancing the social atmosphere.
Here's what people think of Boney Island
As of recent, Boney Island holds a 3.9-star rating based on 25 reviews.
User reviews indicate a generally positive reception with an average rating of 3.9 from 25 reviews. Positive feedback often highlights the creative and family-friendly nature of the event, praising its whimsical decorations, engaging live performances, and the unique integration of natural history with Halloween themes. Visitors appreciate the festive atmosphere, the variety of interactive exhibits, and the availability of food and drink options, which together create a memorable outing for groups of friends and families. Some guests particularly enjoy the photo opportunities and the nighttime lighting effects which add to the spooky yet fun environment. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention the attraction's temporary setup and limited duration each year, which can make planning visits challenging. A few visitors found certain areas crowded or felt the event could benefit from expanded offerings and improved signage. Accessibility concerns and pricing for food and drinks were also noted by some attendees. Overall, the reviews suggest that despite some minor drawbacks, Boney Island offers a distinctive and enjoyable seasonal experience that many recommend as a fun and social way to celebrate Halloween.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Brenna Long
Absolutely LOVE Boney Island! I've been going since it was just a display in front of the owner's house! I love the attention to detail, the interactive bits, and all the sights and sounds. It's fun for the whole family! Older adults may not enjoy it as much as kids, but I'm 26 and I still love it and go every year. I love all the photo ops! First several pics are from this year (2024) and the last one is from 2015 of my siblings! They've added so much over the years, it's very impressive.
Heather S.
So. Many. Kids. I know this is for all ages, but the sheer number of kids running around made it unenjoyable and a constant risk to make sure you didn't trip over them. The confirmation email directs you to the blue lot, but there's concerts and you're stuck in never ending traffic, just to be directed out and all the way around to the parking garage for the museum (which is unmarked). The displays are cute, but frankly it isn't worth all of the above mentioned hassle.
JoAnn Genette
A great event and family friendly. This is very laid back and easy to navigate around. Lots of small details add to the experience. This is a Halloween event with nothing too frightening for little children. A magic show is presented by staff who work at The Magic Castle. There's also a water display show. Expect to hang around for an hour or two to see everything up close.
Julianne Martin
What a lovingly put together fun event for Halloween. So much charm and humor and detail put into every set-up. The effect was fun and immersive without being hokey or overly commercialized. We really really enjoyed everything about it and will be returning next year and hopefully for many years to come.
Jason Rabotnick
Way too overcrowded, we were done after an hour and that included 40 minutes of waiting for the food truck to make our food. All the decorations were Lowe's/Home Depot options (and not expensive ones). It was not well organized from a cartographic standpoint either.
How to reach Boney Island
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Why Boney Island may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Boney Island with your friends?
Boney Island offers a uniquely memorable experience for groups looking to gather and enjoy a fun, quirky, and slightly spooky outing. Originally created by a producer for The Simpsons as a family Halloween display, this attraction has grown into a much larger spectacle held at the Los Angeles Natural History Museum grounds. Its expansive setting allows friends to explore creatively crafted skeleton-themed exhibits spread over winding paths and natural landscapes without feeling cramped, making it perfect for group strolls and shared discoveries. The event is particularly atmospheric in the evening, where the glowing skeleton sets come to vibrant life under the moonlight, providing fantastic photo opportunities and lots of conversation starters. There’s a mix of humor, detailed artistry, and playful spookiness that appeals to a wide age range, meaning groups can be diverse and everyone will find something they enjoy. Parking accessibility and manageable ticket prices make it easy for groups to meet and enjoy a festive outing. In essence, Boney Island offers a rare blend of interactive art, seasonal fun, and social ambiance that can turn any casual meetup into a memorable group adventure.
What activities can groups enjoy at Boney Island?
One of the biggest draws at Boney Island is the wide variety of skeleton-themed displays and activities that keep everyone entertained. The core of the experience consists of elaborate skeleton sets, such as "Skeletown," a lively skeleton city with humorous and whimsical scenes visible through shop windows, including undead bartenders and dancing skeletons in a candy factory. These sets combine storytelling with Halloween flair, giving groups plenty to marvel at together as they wander the paths. Additionally, the attraction offers interactive features like scavenger hunts, where groups work collaboratively to find hidden puzzles and details embedded throughout the exhibits, fostering teamwork and laughter. The natural setting with trees, waterways, and greenery creates a pleasant and comfortable environment for walking and socializing. Beyond the displays, Boney Island usually features live entertainment such as magicians performing tricks that mesmerize and baffle visitors, adding an element of surprise and delight to the evening. Altogether, these varied activities appeal to multiple interests within a group, uniting them under a shared experience of fun and discovery.
Why is Boney Island an ideal location for a group meetup?
Boney Island’s spacious layout and family-friendly atmosphere create a welcoming environment for groups to gather without feeling crowded or rushed. The attraction is designed to comfortably accommodate moderate crowds, allowing friends and family to move at their own pace, linger at favorite displays, and engage in conversations without bumping into others. This is a significant improvement from its earlier incarnation as a home haunt, where space was limited and experiences could feel cramped. The new venue at the Los Angeles Natural History Museum provides convenient parking nearby, simplifying logistics for group arrivals and departures. The pricing—generally $20 to $25 per person—is affordable enough to encourage larger group participation without breaking the bank. Moreover, the timing of the event, mainly in October, makes Boney Island a seasonal highlight perfect for fall gatherings or Halloween celebrations. Groups can plan their visit around evenings or weekends when the event is active, maximizing attendance and enjoyment. The atmosphere fosters an easy social vibe where picture-taking, playful frights, and shared surprises bring people closer, making it an excellent choice for creating lasting memories with friends or family.
How accessible and safe is Boney Island for diverse groups?
Boney Island is situated in a well-known museum location that is generally accessible and safe for visitors of all ages and mobility levels. The paths are wide and well-maintained, suitable for casual walking, and the layout avoids overcrowding by design. This makes it a pleasant venue for groups that include children, seniors, or individuals requiring mobility aids. The exhibits are spread out to give plenty of room for exploration without feeling rushed or stressed by crowds. Because it is hosted by the Los Angeles Natural History Museum, safety protocols and security are managed professionally to ensure a secure environment. The nature of the event encourages a relaxed pacing with stops and starts, allowing guests to rest or regroup as needed. Transportation options and convenient parking garages adjacent to the museum help reduce stress related to arrival and departure logistics. For those concerned about weather, the timing in October tends to be mild in Los Angeles, and many parts of the attraction are outdoors but sheltered by trees and museum grounds, adding comfort to the visit regardless of the season. Overall, Boney Island is well-suited for diverse groups looking for a safe, accessible, and inclusive social experience.
What unique features define the Boney Island experience?
Boney Island’s standout charm lies in its creative use of humor, art, and thematic storytelling within a skeleton-filled Halloween universe. Unlike typical haunted attractions that focus on thrills or scares, Boney Island opts for a playful, family-friendly, and lightly spooky tone that invites curiosity rather than fright. The sets are filled with intricate details and witty vignettes that reward careful observation, encouraging groups to explore together and discover new surprises at every turn. The addition of “Skeletown” elevates the experience by crafting a miniature skeleton metropolis full of character and narrative, which sparks conversation and brings the displays to life. This creative storytelling blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings of the museum grounds, creating a surreal yet inviting environment. The presence of live performers, such as magicians, adds an entertaining and interactive layer to the visit, ensuring that attendees remain engaged beyond just passive viewing. All of these elements combine to give Boney Island a unique identity — it’s not just an attraction but a communal celebration of imaginations and friendships made more vivid by the season.
How does Boney Island enhance group bonding and festive spirit?
Participating in Boney Island’s activities naturally fosters group cohesion through shared experiences, whether that is navigating the scavenger hunts, commenting on quirky skeleton scenes, or reacting together to live magic shows. The lighthearted and whimsical atmosphere encourages laughter, storytelling, and playful competition, all excellent for strengthening bonds among friends and family. The themed environment provides a fun backdrop for memorable photos and group shots, creating keepsakes of the occasion and reinforcing a sense of togetherness. Seasonal events like Boney Island also give groups a reason to plan coordinated outings, helping establish traditions or annual celebrations. The mix of art, comedy, and mild spookiness appeals broadly, allowing diverse groups to find mutual points of enjoyment and connection. Finally, the relaxed pacing and accessibility mean that group members of all ages and abilities can participate fully, leading to inclusive socializing that enhances the festive Halloween spirit in a welcoming setting.
What should groups know before visiting Boney Island?
Groups planning a visit to Boney Island should consider a few practical tips to maximize their fun. The attraction runs mainly on select days in October, so booking tickets in advance is advisable, especially for larger parties. Parking is conveniently available in the museum’s adjacent structure for a fee, making carpooling or shared rides a good idea to reduce costs. Visitors are encouraged to arrive near dusk to catch both daylight glimpses and the truly magical illuminated nighttime displays. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are important because much of the experience is outdoors along winding natural paths. Bringing a camera or smartphone is highly recommended for capturing the highly photogenic skeleton exhibits and city scenes. Groups should also allow plenty of time to explore the expansive grounds at a leisurely pace, as rushing may cause them to miss many entertaining details. Finally, families with younger children will find the event especially appealing, though adults and teens will equally appreciate the artful and playful nature of the attraction.
Why is Boney Island a standout choice over other seasonal events?
Compared to many seasonal gatherings, Boney Island sets itself apart by combining impressive artistry with a family-friendly spooky vibe rooted in clever storytelling rather than outright horror. The detailed skeleton sets and interactive elements are not only entertaining but also cultured, reflecting creative origins tied to the entertainment industry. The spacious outdoor setting enhances comfort and social ease, distinguishing it from cramped or commercial Halloween fairs. Its location at a major museum also lends credibility and adds to the overall cultural experience for attendees. The relatively moderate price point and shorter lines reported by visitors make it accessible and enjoyable without the stress often associated with high-demand, large-scale events. For groups seeking a festive yet relaxed adventure that balances whimsy with seasonal fun, Boney Island delivers a curated, artistic, and memorable outing that appeals across generations.
In sum, Boney Island is an inviting, artistically rich, and well-managed venue that makes for an ideal meetup spot with friends and family. Its unique blend of skeleton-themed exhibits, interactive puzzles, live entertainment, and accessible natural surroundings ensures that groups can bond, laugh, and celebrate in a creative atmosphere. Whether it’s for a casual autumn evening out, a Halloween celebration, or a tradition-making event, Boney Island offers a distinctive experience worth rallying around.