Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Westchester

Whether or not you're a Harry Potter fan, Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is a must-see. The experience is essentially a walking track through a real forest filled with fantastic creatures and interactive fun in Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, which is a little over an hour's drive north of New York City. 

At the entryway, a statue of Harry Potter's stag Patronus keeps watch. Adjacent to the statue, visitors will discover a Hogsmeade-style village where they can find hot beverages or a cool glass of non-alcoholic butterbeer, as well as confectionery shops, snack shops, and gift shops.

As you continue on the voyage, a witch or wizard who displays their deluminator abilities may be found along a lighted route. The journey through the lit-up forest then starts, with the music from the movies playing throughout and the trees and lights creating a surreal, almost otherworldly ambiance.

At the start of the trail, you will encounter Rubeus Hagrid and his trusty sidekick, Fang. As you make your way further into the Forbidden Forest, you'll see Buckbeak the Hippogriff, Nifflers guarding their valuables, centaurs, acromantulas and many more. There are unexpected surprises around every corner.

The whole event is interactive, so individuals who wish to dress in their Hogwarts House robes and wand may take pictures, fight, or use the Patronus spell. Spells may be performed using specialized wands that will be given.

Another rest stop and facilities are located halfway down the path, so you may stop there before continuing into the forest. Visitors are led to a spectacular conclusion before departing the event, which sends them into the gift store.

You will be sorry if you miss this experience! When you go, be sure to bundle up and wear outdoor shoes since this is an outdoor winter event in the forest of NY. As part of the experience's partnership with One Tree Planted, visitors have the opportunity to donate the cost of a tree, which will support sustainability and forestry initiatives. Donating $1 buys a tree within One Tree Planted's projects and contributes towards creating the forests of the future.

For more information and tickets please visit: https://hpforbiddenforestexperience.com/westchester/