kidFEST: Taking toddlers on a fun science ride
For over a century, Union Station has been the area embarkation point and a national transport hub for adventure. And this is the second year Kansas City’s iconic depot has been the jumping-off place for science buffs from toddlers on up in quest of new experimental adventures in science.
The beloved landmark’s award-winning, internationally recognized Science City is hosting the second annual kidFEST on Saturday, Sept. 3.
The daylong event uniquely gears science to children as young as three. The programs
are designed to spellbind, astound and engage toddlers and make science, technology, engineering and math accessible, viable and appealing.
“We feel it’s important to have this early education event,” said Science City program coordinator, Margaret Hoang. “It shows that education in science can start as early as three or younger. We encourage families to be here and have fun with science.”
Science City’s kidFEST 2016 kicks off with family yoga. Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably and wear tennis shoes.
“We want to get families participating together in activities,” Hoang said.
Demonstrations in the test kitchen will be practical and educational and promote healthy eating.
Attendees will learn about choosing a variety of fruits and vegetables and what a “colorful, healthy plate” should look like. There will be experiments in a vacuum chamber and “animal chats” in Science City’s Nature Center. Through interactive design, attendees will learn about the center’s mammal and reptile residents. Some of the educators will be bilingual.
There will be sensory activities, balloon artists creating sophisticated and simple objects, fingerprinting and face painting. Kid-centered, hands-on maker activities will pique interest and impassion fledgling inventors and do-it-yourselfers. A special schedule and programming in the planetarium will allow guests to tour Kansas City’s night sky and learn about the cosmos. KZPT-FM (99.7 “The Point”) will be broadcasting live. And Smokey the Bear will make a special guest appearance.
“There will be something new to do every hour,” Hoang said.
This year’s musical entertainment lineup includes the blues-influenced tunes of Funky Mama and the Caribbean-inspired harmonic rhythms of Cathy Conley and her steel drums.
kidFEST runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $13.50. Special pricing for kids 12 years and under is $7. Tickets can be purchased online (www.unionstation.org) or at Union Station.
The event takes place in Science City’s wheelchair-accessible, 80,000 square-foot space. There’s a four-level parking garage in the west yards. Parking rates range from $3 for two hours up to $12 for eight or more hours.
Last year, over 600 guests attended kidFEST.
“I observed parents learning with their kids and younger and older siblings working together on projects,” Hoang said. “The kids were really learning and having fun; they were definitely engaged.”
Occurring during the Labor Day weekend, kidFEST is one of many area events taking place on Saturday. But kidFEST offers a unique family-friendly experience.
“This excellent event proves that people are never too young to learn about science,” Hoang said. “It’s the perfect platform for children to experience hands-on the fun of science.”
Located on Union Station’s lower level, Science City opened in 1999. It aims to teach visitors about science, technology, engineering and math, commonly abbreviated as STEM.
“We’re extremely excited to have kidFEST again,” Hoang said. “It’s going to be a fun, good day.”
