'Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest' trail coming to Westchester
Dominic McLaughlin in HBO's Season 1 of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." Credit: HBO/Aidan Monaghan
Long Islanders looking for a little "Harry Potter" magic this fall will have a new reason to make the trip north. "Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience" is returning to Westchester this October for the first time in four years, transforming a wooded trail into a nighttime journey through the wizarding world, complete with magical creatures, spell-casting moments, photo ops and plenty of Butterbeer.
The experience kicks off Oct. 16 at Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park (2957 Crompond Rd.) in Yorktown Heights, about a 1.5-hour drive from central Long Island, and runs Wednesdays through Sundays with entry times beginning at 5:30 p.m. The experience welcomes all ages.
Tickets go on sale Thursday at 10 a.m. and start at $35.90 for adults and $28.90 for children (ages 3 and under are free), with prices varying by date and availability. Those who don't want to wait can join the free waitlist online, which provides access to a presale. Parking is $15 when booked online in advance or $20 on-site.
The outdoor experience takes visitors along an illuminated woodland trail filled with scenes and characters inspired by the "Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts" films. Along the way, visitors can encounter magical creatures including Hippogriffs, Nifflers and other creatures from the wizarding world, while interactive elements allow guests to use their own wands and take part in spell-casting moments.
'Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience'
- Where: FDR State Park, 2957 Crompond Rd., Yorktown Heights
- When: Beginning Oct. 16; Wednesdays through Sundays, with sessions starting at 5:30 p.m.
- Tickets: On sale to the public Sept. 17 at 10 a.m.
- Prices: Tickets from $35.90 adults; $28.90 ages 4 and older; Parking costs $15 online in advance or $20 on-site
- Good to know: Cashless site; accessible parking available; trail is dimly lit and may be spooky for some younger visitors.
The trail is designed as a nighttime experience, with lighting, projections, sound effects and music as visitors move from one section to the next at their own pace, though the website estimates completion in 60 to 90 minutes.
After making their way through the forest, visitors emerge into a Hogsmeade-style village with more than 50 food and beverage options and over 100 exclusive "Harry Potter" merchandise items.
HBO's new "Harry Potter" television series is set to premiere Dec. 25.
