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10 Things To Know About The Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience

This family-fun experience will be here through January 2024
Rebecca Silvestri
hp
Photo: Rebecca Silvestri

Spooky season may be over, but wizarding wonders remain at the Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Little Elm.

In this enchanting experience, visitors will embark on an outdoor trail adorned with mystical creatures like Hippogriffs, unicorns and Nifflers, where they can even try their hand at casting spells. The adventure concludes with a captivating themed village, offering delectable food, drinks and a gift shop.

Here are 10 things to know before you go:

Book Early

If you can, select to go on the first time slot available after they open. The whole experience will be less crowded and you can expect more fun and less waiting. Lines for the different experiences are well-managed but at the 6 p.m. entry time, there were minimal lines.

Bring The Kids

It is totally kid-friendly — we visited with 5 and 7-year-olds and they had a blast (nothing scary here). The walk isn't too long for little legs and there are lots of hands-on experiences to keep them amused. 

Pack The Stroller

If you are taking kids, bring along a stroller or trolley. This is about a 45-minute walk and the trail is almost completely paved so a stroller just makes the whole thing easier with littles who mighty get tired. 

Use The Bathrooms Before

There are no restrooms on the trail. But there are restrooms at the start and at the end, so go before you get started on the experience.

Not All The Characters

Don't expect to see any of the actual Harry Potter characters (like Harry, Hermione and Ron), although Hagrid does make an appearance. This experience focuses on Harry Potter's Forbidden Forest so there are a lot of spiders and birds and mythical creatures such as a unicorn, Hippogriff and Nifflers, for example. 

Take Your Time

You can spend as much time on the trail as you like. Once you start the trail it is a self-guided tour — meaning you can move at your own pace and double back, if you want.

Pack Some Snacks

You can take your own food and drink. My family has quite a few food sensitivities so we took some of our own snacks along. Food and drinks can also be purchased at the event. 

Wear Those Costumes 

It's fun to dress up! It's certainly not required but if you're a big Harry Potter fan, dressing the part certainly adds to the fun — and makes for better photo ops!

Join In On The Magic

You can take your own wand! If you have your own Harry Potter wand, take it along — there are some fun opportunities to cast a spell. If you don't have one, no worries —  there are plenty on hand for you to borrow.

Best For Last

The best photo opportunities and hands-on experiences are at the very end of the trail. This is where you'll find the chance to have a "wizard dual" or cast a spell and blow something up. 

Overall, it's a really fun experience, especially for kids. 

Tickets can be purchased here.