October brings creepy crawlies, spooky reads and moonlit adventures to ESU
Emporia, KS (09/30/2025) — Emporia State has a scary good lineup for learning and adventure this October! On Saturday, Oct. 25, from 2 to 4 p.m., students of all ages are invited to join the Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center to explore the biology of creepy crawly creatures during Science Saturday: Creepy Crawlies.
Reptiles from the David Traylor Zoo of Emporia will be on hand, giving attendees a chance to interact with live insects, arachnids and reptiles. Hopefully, these creatures don't creep you out! The afternoon will also include trick or treating on the Dale Greiner Natural Trail, crafts, face painting and more. In the spirit of Halloween, attendees are invited to wear costumes and compete in a costume contest for a chance to win prizes. The event is free and open to the community. Space is limited, and each attendee must register individually at esuparoc.com.
If dark nights and a glowing moon overhead are more your style, PAROC and the STEM Outreach team invite guests to International Observe the Moon Night. Hosted at PAROC from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, this free public event will include moon-themed activities, stories and art. Viewers will get a firsthand look at the moon through provided telescopes. No registration is required.
William Allen White Library invites Kansas Library card holders to explore chilling tales and haunting stories all month long with special Halloween-themed displays in the library showcasing top horror and supernatural books and graphic novels.
On Tuesday, Oct. 28, Emporia State will present Spooky Science Night at the Emporia Public Library from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Claudia Aguirre Mendez, program director of science education at ESU, is joined by ESU student groups including the National Science Teaching Association, HALO, Tri Beta, the Chem Club and students in her Chemistry I class to present interactive mini science demonstrations with a Halloween theme. Hosted since 2018, and attracting more than 150 participants in 2024, previous presentations have featured snakes, spiders and a human brain. The partnership with the Emporia Public Library provides an opportunity for engagement with the community while giving students experience in applying their science knowledge and helping to build their resumes. The free event is open to all ages.
About Emporia State University
Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its institute and seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business & Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, Library and Information Management & Library and Archives, Science & Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.
ESU stands out for its innovative education practices. It ensures accessible education by offering in-state tuition rates to full-time undergraduate students from all lower-48 United States. Additionally, full-time undergraduates benefit from flat-rate tuition - students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with at least one credit hour on campus pay a flat rate.
For more information on how to build your future at Emporia State University, please visit www.emporia.edu.
Emporia State University
Gwendolynne Larson, ESU director of media relations, (620) 341-5528, glarson1@emporia.eduShare this Story
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