Prepare to be frightened!

Riah King-Wall is menaced by a ghostly ancestor. PHOTO/ STUART MUNRO

Children young and old are to put on their spookiest costumes and head for Whanganui Regional Museum for a spot of Halloween horror on Friday night.

This year's Halloween Night at the Museum goes from 5-7pm, museum programmes officer Riah King-Wall said.

"There will be a whole bunch of Halloween shenanigans going on, based on the idea of the museum coming to life."

She's promising spooky skeletons, gigantic spiders and portraits that come alive. Ultraviolet light will be used in darkened areas to make scary outlines glow.

It will be too frightening for children under five. Those aged five to nine are advised to be there from 5pm to 6pm.

After 6pm the fear factor will be amped up, for older children.

The cost will be a gold coin donation, to cover costs, and any child under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Children will have a chance to pose for photographs and be given a choice of treats at the end of their fright session.

The show is put on by museum staff, and volunteers rostered to help out on the night.

Ms King-Wall said staff had help and costumes from Mainstreet Whanganui, which used to put on a Halloween trick or treat night downtown, but no longer does.

Halloween Night at the Museum is for everyone. Anyone who needs help with access can get it by ringing the museum on 349 110 during working hours.