Whether we can explain it or not, science plays apart of every aspect of our lives, from gravity to electricity. If you’ve ever wanted to play Einstein and actually delve into the mysteries of the scientific world, than this upcoming week is for you. San Diego is having a massive science take over starting this weekend thanks to the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering. And, if you don’t have time to check out all the exhibits, San Diego has plenty of other permanent science-related places to visit.
This Saturday, March 5th, the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering will kick off with a free (yes, free!) all-day event at Petco Park. This is the 8th year that the Festival will be celebrating everything STEM (that is, Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). The festival will prove captivating for everyone from pre-schoolers to senior citizens. Hands-on activities are geared towards educational fun; you’ll be learning while enjoying yourself. The goal of the festival is to show visitors of all ages that science can indeed be fun. Saturday’s event is from 10 AM to 5 PM, but the learning will continue until March 13th with over 70 different science-related activities spread through out San Diego County. A detailed list of the all fun can be found HERE.
The San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum must have had the Einstein quote that “Imagination is more important than knowledge,” in mind when designing their space. The museum’s goal is to expand minds through educational fun and imagination. At the outdoor garden space kids are encouraged to get outside and get their hands dirty while they learn about ecosystems, nutrition, food, and sustainability. Kids can get their hands wet at the living water table that teaches about water conservation, pollution prevention, solar energy and the weather.
There are also plenty of indoor activities where kids can learn about STEM while enjoying themselves. For those who are more artistically minded, there is also an area where young ones can use their imagination to create plays, music, and original pieces of art. Admission starts at $6, with military and veteran discounts available with a valid military ID. The museum is open daily from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (closed on major holidays).
Disguised learning continues at the Reuben H Fleet Science Center at Balboa Park. Famous for their stunning IMAX movies, the Science Center also has equally stunning exhibits that celebrate science, from water and energy to technology. There are a bevy of rotating exhibits and 12 permanent exhibitions, many of which will be fun for children (although adults will be equally fascinated). From learning about the microcosmic happenings in human body at the Cellular Journey exhibit to the ever-expanding cosmos and space exploration in Origins in Space. Visitors are encouraged to look, listen, touch, and create.
Currently there is an exhibit called Taking Shape that is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Hundreds of rolls of packing tape are unrolled and bound together to create a translucent landscape complete with tunnels and rooms with plastic floors and walls. Miles of tape and plastic wrap create a cocoon of mazes as passageways curve, slope and twist. And, all the plastic will be recycled when the exhibits ends on June 12. The Science Center is open 365 days a year. Admission for adults (ages 13 and up) is $20; senior citizens are $18; children (ages 3 to 12) are $17. Admission includes entry to one of the IMAX films.
For a more grown-up use of STEM, check out Zymology 21 a science-inspired restaurant and bar in Gaslamp Quarter. Imagine cocktails served in test tubes, beakers, sometimes fizzing as drinks are poured over dry ice. Zymology 21 has an inventive brunch and dinner menu that is also not to be missed. Green Eggs and Grilled Lamb might sound a bit scary, but this tasty dish gets the ‘Green’ from the arugula and pesto (not food dye) that is mixed in with the eggs, and is a delectable choice. One of the most popular (and award winning) entrees is the Chicken and Waffles, a generous portion of an herb cheddar waffle topped with brined chicken breast and habanero agave nectar. Zymology 21 is also known for their extra-friendly staff, who will let you know when to pull out your camera for those moments when your cocktail is about to fizz and steam. Truly this is a unique experience that can’t be replicated at home or in a classroom.
You don’t need to be a rocket scientist or have a special degree to enjoy the scientific world. Book a stay at Mission Bay Vacation Rentals and let the educational fun begin. San Diego has plenty of opportunities to learn while having a great time, it’s all relative, after all.
