Harry Potter’s Forbidden Forest Returns
Some evenings call for leaving the city behind and stepping into a different world. We headed to Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Yorktown Heights for Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience, which has returned to Westchester four years after its 2022 run. Presented by Warner Bros. Discovery and Fever, the nighttime attraction brings the wizarding world into the woods, combining familiar film moments with new opportunities to become part of the magic. Forbidden Forest Experience
The forest setting is central to the experience. Rather than recreating the outdoors inside an exhibition hall, the trail uses the surrounding woodland as its stage. Lighting, sound, and special effects transform the trees and pathways into a setting inspired by the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. There is a natural sense of anticipation built into the format: following the path means discovering what waits farther into the darkness. Fever
This year’s return also gives previous visitors a reason to come back. According to the organizers’ announcement, a new chronological journey connects scenes along the route, introducing additional interactive encounters and spell-casting experiences. For longtime fans, that progression offers a different way to revisit familiar stories—not through another movie marathon, but by moving through moments drawn from the films.
Magical creatures are a major part of the adventure, with Hippogriffs, unicorns, and mischievous Nifflers appearing along the illuminated trail. But the experience is not simply about looking. Interactive spell-casting moments invite guests to practice their wandwork and try conjuring a Patronus. That opportunity to participate gives the evening its playful appeal, turning a woodland walk into a chance to act out a little wizarding-world wish fulfillment. Fever
Beyond the trail, a themed village offers food and beverages for purchase, while an on-site shop carries Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts merchandise. It gives visitors a place to extend the outing before returning to the Muggle world, whether that means stopping for a bite or browsing for a souvenir. Forbidden Forest Experience
For New Yorkers looking beyond the usual dinner-and-drinks routine, the combination of an outdoor setting and interactive storytelling makes this a distinctive evening excursion. It lends itself to a family outing, a date night, or a gathering of friends who still know exactly which Hogwarts house they belong to. The attraction welcomes all ages, although organizers note that some darker or spider-themed elements may feel spooky to younger visitors. Families can review the FAQs on the official experience website before booking. Forbidden Forest Experience
Plan Your Visit
Allow approximately 60–90 minutes for the experience, and wear warm layers and sturdy shoes suitable for uneven woodland paths. Timed-entry tickets are advertised starting at $35.90 for adults and $28.90 for children, with prices dependent on the selected session. The event takes place at FDR State Park, 2957 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights. Drivers should use the Taconic State Parkway entrance, not the U.S. Route 202/Crompond Road entrance. Forbidden Forest Experience
Check available dates and reserve your tickets through Fever, or visit the official Westchester event page for additional details.