Fall Family Festival

As far as we know, aliens have not landed at Garden in the Woods. You might wonder, though, after checking out the bright metal dishes adorned with greenery in the flying saucer gardens. They're just one of the kid-friendly attractions in "Art Goes Wild," an exhibition showcasing native plants. The fiddlehead labyrinth mimics the coil of the fiddlehead fern, inviting visitors to wander along its circular paths beneath the shade of an autumn tree canopy. Venture deeper into the forest to the mini-garden park and make a dish garden to take home. After exploring connections between art and nature, check out Ed Laquidara's Animal Adventures and Curious Creatures. A Canadian lynx, giant anaconda, albino Burmese python, and a 6-foot monitor lizard are some of the critters you'll meet. The festival is a good excuse to visit the 45-acre garden, where thousands of plants are showing their autumn colors. Noon-4 p.m. (animal shows 1-2 & 2:30-3:30 p.m.). Free with admission: $7, $5 seniors and students, $3 ages 6-18. Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Road, Framingham. 508-877-7630. newenglandwild.org