OC Fair’s Imaginology to power imaginations during weekend of free STEAM fun
COSTA MESA (April 10, 2023) – An electrifying buzz is in the air as the OC Fair & Event Center quickly becomes a place of wonder to engage young minds. Imaginology is set to occur this weekend, April 15-16, providing an array of hands-on STEAM learning.
This interactive event will give curious kids and their families a unique opportunity to experience the possibilities of a future in the STEAM fields. Imaginology is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free and most activities are included. Parking is $12 and some food options will be available for purchase.
The family festival will deliver an action-packed lineup of entertainment and activities, including:
Science exploration: Cast a fishing pole with the CA Department of Fish & Wildlife. Make 3-D printed items in the National College Resource Foundation’s STEAM mobile. Create clay bug fossils at Imaginology’s Science of Crafting booth. Plus, learn about foreign languages and exchange programs with Qui-Connect.
Tech lessons: Control robotic cubes with Girls Inc. of Orange County. Discover how marine animals survive in cold water with Newport Whales/American Cetacean Society. Hear about SWAT field operations and check out a vehicle with Costa Mesa Police Department. Work with Brain Builders to learn interactive building with Legos.
Engineering playtime: Learn how robots work by watching demonstrations hosted by techATTACK. Watch a magic show and learn cool tricks with Epic Magic Camp. Play with and hear sounds from various instruments brought by Orange Coast Musical Arts. Enjoy building with giant blocks at Imaginology’s Block Party.
Arts in crafts, displays and more: Local entertainers such as dance troupes, youth bands and musical ensembles will provide live entertainment on the Main Stage. Join hands-on crafting tutorials with take-home projects. Plus, Imaginology’s mural competition will be on display. Día Del Niño returns, bringing a fun mix of cultural arts, crafts and entertainment.
Math and strategy: American Ninja Warrior Adventure Park will be on-site to teach families how physics plays a vital role in successfully completing the obstacle course. Irvine Ranch Water District will demonstrate how its water meters determine water levels in soil and take part in the City of Newport Beach’s STEAM marble-run activity. On Saturday from 12:30-4 p.m., kids can put their math and logic skills to the test by participating in the Academic Chess Tournament of Champions. Registration is $30 at strategickids.com
Agricultural education: Livestock competitions and exhibits will be on display throughout Imaginology. OC Fair & Event Center’s year-round Centennial Farm will feature activities such as radish-seed planting and chick petting – don’t miss a peek at the farm babies! Visitors can also watch live demonstrations of goat-milking at Imaginology’s Pet Vet in the Millennium Barn.
Competitions: Registration for Imaginology’s cardboard engineering and the mural project contests are now closed, but there’s still time to enter the academic chess tournament ($30 fee). For more information, visit https://ocfair.com/imaginology/competitions-contests.
Explore: Secure an Imaginology Scavenger Hunt sheet near the entrance gate and collect stamps while enjoying the festival. Kids that interact with a minimum of 10 locations can earn a prize.