People wander about the pre-historic life exhibit during the 12th annual Family Halloween Party at the U-M Exhibit Museum of Natural History today.

Mark Bialek | For AnnArbor.com

Skeletons, Batmans and Dorothy took over the University of Michigan’s Exhibit Museum of Natural History today for its annual Family Halloween Party.

The museum's dinosaur skeletons and fossils created the perfect backdrop for a fun and educational Halloween party. In the foyer, a giant spider on its web looked down on the little trick-or-treaters and their families as costumed volunteers handed out treats.

More than 2,500 visitors stopped by for the party, organizers said.

All four floors of the museum were decorated. At different stations, children could make crafts, get treats or just learn something new. A jar of jelly beans ushered little princesses, superheroes and the like into a room for story time.

Bella Konrad, 4, of Ann Arbor, checks out a wolverine during the Halloween Party.

Mark Bialek | For AnnArbor.com

Down the hall, Darth Vader learned about blue-tongued skinks. A motley crew gathered around to pet a giant boa constrictor.

For many families, the event was a chance to return to the museum. 

“It’s nice to come to the museum because we live in Ann Arbor and we rarely do come unless we have visitors,” said Rula Bawaradi, whose daughter, Salma, was dressed as vampire.

While walking past the impressive displays of fossils, one little boy proudly proclaimed, “I’m not afraid of those dinosaurs.” 

Perhaps that's because he was dressed as one.

• Find more Halloween events in the Ann Arbor area.

Sanjay Rau, 5, of Ann Arbor, wore a dinosaur costume during the 12th annual Family Halloween Party.

Mark Bialek | For AnnArbor.com

Ann Dwyer is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach the news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.