Family Science Festival Will Blend Education, Free Fun for All

September 24, 2026 - 04:25 PM

Mt. SAC’s Natural Sciences Division is holding its annual Family Science Festival on Saturday, October 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Science Quad area and Building 4 pathway on campus.

“The public should expect another fun and educational day for the entire family — hands-on science activities, robotics, arts and crafts, planetarium shows (every hour starting at 10 a.m.), tours of museums and the Wildlife Sanctuary, a science trivia game, and raffles,” says Jenny Leung, Professor of Chemistry and STEM Center Faculty Liaison.

There also will be music, food, and photo opportunities.

“We have invited our mascot Rizzly the Grizzly to make a guest appearance at the festival this year,” Leung says, “so we hope that the kids will enjoy taking pictures with Rizzly.”

The community event is free, and visitors also can find complementary parking in Lot B.

Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring bottled water, especially if they plan to experience the tours.

“We have two types of tours planned — an on-going self-guided tour through the Exploratorium and the Meek Collection and a guided tour of the Wildlife Sanctuary,” Leung says. “In the Exploratorium, guests can see displays of science instruments, minerals, fossils, etc. In the MEEK, they will see a taxidermy collection of animals from different continents. In both spaces, guests will be able to connect with and ask questions to our science faculty.

“Toward the end of the event, we will have a guided walking tour of the Wildlife Sanctuary, where guests can see and learn about local plants, animals, and their habitats.”

Attendees can also learn about STEM programs from local four-year universities and the STEM clubs at Mt. SAC. Activity booths and live experiments will give children and adults alike the full science experience.

“We want our guests to remember that science is both educational and fun,” says Leung, who highlighted a Mentos geyser, sun telescopes, and drones as must-see demonstrations. “We hope that our young guests will be inspired to continue learning and doing science in school and beyond.”

To register for the event, visit www.mtsac.edu/chemistry/fsf. To support the Family Science Festival and keep this event free, visit https://www.mtsac.edu/foundation/divisions/natural-sciences-division.html.