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2025 San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering is Coming 3/1/25!

Abby H.


It’s back! This event is super fun, and FREE! We’ve gone in the past and my kids have loved it!
The annual San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering’s signature event returns to Petco Park and will be held on Saturday, March 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Festival will be a full day of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) fun provided by hundreds of San Diego area businesses, schools, libraries, and museums. Admission is free and open to the public, no registration is required. A clear bag policy will also be in effect.

This year’s event is presented by Illumina Corporate Foundation and will feature more than 100 booths. New to the event this year:

  • Construction Corner: From interactive building challenges to demonstrations of cutting-edge technology, this space highlights sustainable building, structural design and the latest construction materials.
  • Cybersecurity Zone: An interactive space to dive into the fundamentals of online safety, ethical hacking, encryption, and cyber defense. Also includes demonstrations on how to protect personal data and digital landscapes.
  • ‘All Hands’: The Navy’s virtual reality experience gives attendees the chance to step aboard an aircraft carrier.
  • Algae Foundation: Explore sustainable solutions for the planet.

“The San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering aims to make learning exciting and accessible for all ages by immersing kids and adults in STEAM education,” says Sara Pagano, Managing Director, San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering. “The event also highlights San Diego’s leadership in the science industry, breaking down even the most complex topics to make them clear and engaging for everyone.”

There will be dozens of returning hands-on learning experiences, interactive activities, and experiments to inspire kids (and kids at heart!) to engage in all things STEAM including:

  • DNA fun and genomics education with Illumina Corporate Foundation
  • The pre-K zone is filled with engaging activities for little learners
  • Virtual reality experiences
  • Ecovivarium, and Parks & Rec
  • Rockets and explosions with General Atomics
  • Make slime, learn about underwater sea life, play with robots and more!
  • Art Pavilion infuses the STEM experience with live artists
  • College and Career Connections allow students to consider career pathway options

All EXPO DAY ‘Know Before You Go’ tips and updates are listed at: lovestemsd.org.

Gift Ideas for the Creative Person in Your Life

Abby H.

With the gift-giving holidays coming up, I’m trying something new this year. I’ll be posting several gift guides with different themes. These themes are based on the people I shop for, and you probably have some similar people on your gift-giving list.

I’ve been scouring the web looking for different, fun gifts for the creative people in my life. I’ve found some pretty good deals and gift ideas.

First off is Craftsy. I love Craftsy. They have all sorts of video tutorials for sewing, baking, knitting, painting, drawing- You Name It! They have a great deal where you can have unlimited access to over 1,500 instructional video classes across more than 20 categories, Craftsy has something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, with Craftsy Membership Sharing, you can share your membership with up to three of your closest friends or family members at no additional cost to you or your guests. With this special offer get Craftsy Premium Membership for ONLY $2.49 for your first full year. 

I’m getting my mom a Craftsy membership- She loves watching craft videos on Youtube, and I feel like this takes it up a notch.

Next up are the gifts for the person who loves to draw and color. Bitty Bird loves to color and she loves alcohol markers. She has a small 20-color set she bought with her allowance earlier this year, but she’s been eyeing the marker sets from Ohuhu. I’m not sure which set I’ll buy her yet, but it will be her “big gift” of the year. One thing I love about Ohuhu markers is that they sell ink refills for them!

If you have a little artist in your family, Ooly has a great gift guide for this year.

They have gifts for every little artist on your list:

If you’ve got a more serious artist or creative type on your list, Blick Art Materials is a great go-to. From acrylic paints to tie-dye supplies, Blick has an amazing selection of creative supplies. Currently, there is a coupon code for free shipping too! Free Shipping for orders $49+. Use promo code CFEZ.

Black Friday Big SaleFor the Lego/Brick builder in your life, Let Bricks has some cool MOC’s (MOC stands for My Own Creation) on sale.

Let Bricks has its own Gift Guide with lots of great options for any budget.

I’ve already got a couple sets picked out for the special builders in my life.

**This post may contain affiliate links, for more information about how we use affiliate links, please visit our Disclosure page.**

 

Toys, Books, and Art Supplies Deals At Target This Week!

Abby H.

Target has some really great deals this week on toys and books- perfect for stocking up for the upcoming holidays!

Score a $5.00 Target Gift Cards when you spend $15+ on toys or books.

There are of course exclusions, click on the image and learn more.

And if that’s not enough for you, you can also score 25% off one toy with Target Circle here.

Target has started their Black Friday Sale early, and there are a lot of really great offers this week, as well as more planned throughout November.

If you have an artist in the fam, Target is offering 50% off selected Art & Writing kits this week. I know my littlest would totally dig this Sharpie set. 

If you are a military veteran or active duty member, Target has a thank you discount currently- just in time for Veteran’s Day! Get 10% off two separate purchases (restrictions apply). This discount is redeemable Oct 30 – Nov 12. Click here to learn more and details on how to verify!

And remember that you can save an extra 5% at Target every time you shop with your RedCard. You can learn more and apply here or in store. This 5% stacks with other coupons, discounts, and deals.

Target also gives you a discount of five cents per reusable shopping bag that you use per transaction- just remember to bring the bags in your car into the store!

Ooly: Awesome Gifts for your Little Artist!

Abby H.

Recently our friends over at Ooly sent us a little box full of creativity. The kids and I love to do art, make stuff, and express our creative sides. I was stoked to receive the Rainbow Sparkle Glitter Markers, and Chunkies Paint Sticks.

Margaret and I had a blast! The glitter markers are incredible. The glitter is very fine and sticks onto the artwork, even after the marker ink has dried. We colored and colored, without any loss of color or glitter coming from the markers. Parents, I repeat: There is NO glitter transfer!!

And the Chunkies? Perfection. She loves to paint, but I don’t love the setup and mess. These Chunkies solved my problems and let her express her creativity with paint. She loved that the paint dries quickly, and it didn’t get all over her hands (issues that we’ve had with other brands of paint sticks).

Ooly has art supplies for any level of an artist, in several mediums. If you haven’t embraced your inner artist, but love planners or journaling, Ooly has you covered too. They have a pretty extensive of cool journaling and planner supplies!

They’ve put together a Gifts under $20 section, which is perfect for holiday gift exchanges, as well as 8 Bonus Boxes. OOLY’s Holiday Bonus Boxes offer an array of goods to keep you crafting, drawing, painting, and molding. Find the one that’s just right for you and bring your vision, story, or design to life! I’m picking up a bonus box for each of the kids for the winter holidays. I know the kids will love the freedom and creativity each bonus box brings.

And shopping with Ooly gets even better- Now through November 7th, score a free set of Stampables Scented Double-Ended Stamp Markers with any purchase of $60+. Details can be found here.

Disclosure: Ooly sent us samples to try without an expectation of a review, however, once I received the markers and paint sticks, I was so excited to share them with you, I jumped at the chance to share their deals. I love supporting local companies!

 

October is Kids Go Free Month 2022 Edition!

Abby H.

October is a great time to be a kid in San Diego!

This October 1-31, kids 12 and under receive free admission at many arts, cultural, and science museums and historical sites in San Diego County.

For those of us with curious kids, this is perfect! Kids can get into over 40 museums in the San Diego area free with paying adults (all the info can be found here).

Some of the participating organizations include:

Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Fleet Science Center (Galleries only)
Heritage of the Americas Museum
Japanese Friendship Garden
Living Coast Discovery Center
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Marston House Museum & Gardens
Mingei International Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Museum of Making Music
Museum of Photographic Arts
San Diego Air & Space Museum
San Diego Automotive Museum
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
San Diego History Center
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center
Timken Museum of Art (it’s always free for everyone FYI)
Women’s Museum of California

A full list can be found here. Oh, and as part of free October, Kids can get into the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park free when accompanied by a paying adult!  Other Kids go free attractions include: Legoland, Sea World, and the USS Midway!!

*Some museums charge fees for special exhibitions, programs or films. Some museums may limit offer use to once per month per guest. Purchase of a Balboa Park Explorer Pass does not qualify as a paid adult admission for the Kids Free in October program. Purchase of a Go San Diego Pass or card does not qualify as a paid adult admission for the Kids Free in October program at most museums; call museum(s) before visiting to enquire. 

The San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering is back!

Abby H.

After a two-year hiatus, the San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering is back in action and better than ever! Events include two block parties, interactive classroom learning, a movie night, a recycled art competition, weekly podcasts, a group hike, and much more! “We are so excited to be back this year! This next month is packed with both in-person and virtual events for families in our community,” said Sara Pagano, Managing Director of the Festival. “After a two-year hiatus, more than ever, our annual celebration of all things STEAM is so needed to inspire the next generation to a love of science and art.”

Starting tomorrow, there are tons of fun events for kids of all ages to enjoy through mid-May!

Barrio Logan Science and Art Expo Mercado Del Barrio: 1900 Main Street, San Diego, CA 92113 

  • April 16th 2022, 10:00AM-2:00PM

  • Combining culture, science, and art, the day will include a mix of student competitions, art displays, live exhibits, hands-on STEAM booths, and more!

  • This is a family-friendly environment where curiosity and exploration intersect creativity and culture.

Live Stage Event at Fleet Science Center 10am-2pm

  • Thursday, April 28th, 2022

  • Live stage performances featuring all things STEAM: rockets, reptiles, robotics, and more! Lineup to be announced soon.

North County STEAM Block Party 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Del Mar, CA 92014

  • May 1st 2022, 12:00PM-3:00PM, San Dieguito County Park

  • Join other industry partners and community organizations for a scavenger hunt with a twist.

  • Attendees will receive park maps for a scavenger hunt through the park’s nature trails, along with passport books to visit the booths to win prizes.

  • The day will include a family-friendly band and BYOP (bring your own picnic) if you choose!

STEAM Movie Night Waterfront Park: 1600  Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101

  • May 7th, 2022, 5:30PM-7:30PM. The movie starts at 7:30pm

  • The theme of the night will be “building community with STEAM.”

  • Before the movie starts, attendees will be able to engage with different booths, each with hands-on STEAM activities.

Live Well Trails Challenge Ranger-led hike starts at 10:00AM, at the Birdwatching on the Nature Center Loop at San Elijo Lagoon.

  •  May 7th, 2022 9:00AM

  • Participants will adventure to some of the most popular and picturesque parks in San Diego with the first one being at Nature Center Loop at San Elijo Lagoon.

Classroom Connections  

  • March 15th-May 15th

  • This year the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering will match classrooms at various grade levels with local STEAM industries to cultivate STEAM excitement and provide resources that many classrooms go without.

Stump a Steam Pro Saburo Muraoka Elementary School: 1644 Santa Alexia Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91913

  • Wednesday, May 4th 1-2:30pm

  • Science speed round discussion for 3rd graders to introduce them to a dozen STEAM professionals from different industries.

  • Students will have the opportunity to “stump” the pros to win points for their class.

Weekly “Women Who Inspire” Podcast Through May 10th (All new this year!)

  • Episodes will cover successful women in the science, engineering, and art fields. They will dive into their backgrounds and find out what influenced their career trajectory.

For more information, visit lovestemsd.org or call 858-455-0300 ext. 4152. Connect on Facebook (facebook.com/loveSTEMsd), Instagram (@lovestemsd), and Twitter (@LoveSTEMsd).

Drowning in Kids Artwork? Check out Artkive!

Abby H.

This is a long-running dilemma in the life of every parent. What to do with all of the art projects the kids make at school, camp, or even at home? If you save them all, you’ll have a Hoarders-esque situation in a few years, especially if you have multiple kids.

I learned about Artkive last night and I had to share. I know there are many of you in this spot, And Artkive looks like a great solution.

Preserve your kids’ artwork with Artkive. Fill the Artkive box with your kids artwork and receive high quality, hardcover, keepsake books. I think these books would make great gifts for relatives that don’t live close by.

I will be going through my literal BOXES of each kids art over the next few weeks and finding art to send to Artkive.

  • Send us your Kids’ Art – Fill the box we send you with art and return it to us using the prepaid UPS label provided. A second payment will be due based on how much art you send back in your Artkive Box.
  • View your Art everywhere – Artkive professionally photograph your artwork and upload it to your account. View and share your pictures on any device and edit/approve your custom proofs online.
  • Receive your book – receive a high-quality, 8.5×11 inch hardcover book.
  • Get your shipping kit for just $39.

Review & Giveaway: Chalkola Chalk Markers!

Abby H.5 Comments

If your kids are anything like mine, quarantine2020 has been one long art project, punctuated by snack breaks.

The cool peeps over at Chalkola sent us a 40 pack of Chalk Markers and these are a game-changer!

The 40 pack is a mix of neon, classic, and metallic color.

Whether you’re a mom looking for holiday decorating with kids, a clean alternative to standard chalk or paint for the kids, a teacher on a quest for the most sought-after education classroom supplies, these markers are a must-have!

Not your average chalk markers! Unlike other chalk markers I’ve tried in the past, Chalkola offers high-quality water-based ink is washable and delivers smudge & dust free – saturated, clean, flowing fine lines that go on smooth and quick dry within minutes.

The best part- Chalkola Chalk markers are Kid safe and odor-free. The Xylene-free, dustless, nontoxic formula is both eco-friendly and safe for use at home, For Adults Coloring & Painting Canvas, Wedding parties, DIY crafts projects, in the classroom & kindergarten, and anywhere else that could use a vibrant touch.

Does all of that sound fun? Well, now it’s your turn to give these Chalkola Chalk Markers are try! I am giving away a 40 count box! Entering is easy- Leave a comment with your kid’s favorite color. I’ll select a winner on October 27th in the evening. The winner will be notified via email. Winner must reside in the US.

Giveaway: 30 days Unlimited Art Lessons with Young Art!

Abby H.10 Comments

One thing that my kids miss is art. Going to art classes, craft meetups, being creative, and learning new techniques.

 

I was so excited when Young Art reached out to me with an incredible offer for my readers! I am able to give away 25 memberships for 30 days of unlimited art classes with Young Art! WOW!

With 25 memberships so many of you will be able to share the love of art and creating with your kiddos!

 

What is Young Art? Young Art is on a mission to serve students, families, and the community by providing meaningful learning experiences through the virtual classroom. You can learn more here.

And the part I like the most is that not only do they do individual lessons, but they also offer family lessons, and even instruction for schools too!

Entering the giveaway is easy peasy! Leave a comment on this post letting me know what your kiddos favorite art or craft is. I’ll choose 25 winners on October 6th, 2020. I’ll contact winners via email.

October is Kids Go Free Month!

Abby H.

October is a great time to be a kid in San Diego!

This October 1-31, kids 12 and under receive free admission at many art, cultural, and science museums and historical sites in San Diego County. This year may be a little different with closures due to COVID-19, so please call each attraction prior to visiting.

For those of us with curious kids, this is perfect! Kids can get into over 40 museums in the San Diego area free with paying adults (all the info can be found here).

Some of the participating organizations include:

Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Fleet Science Center (Galleries only)
Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum
Heritage of the Americas Museum
Japanese Friendship Garden
Living Coast Discovery Center
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Marston House Museum & Gardens
Mingei International Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Museum of Making Music
Museum of Photographic Arts
San Diego Air & Space Museum
San Diego Automotive Museum
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
San Diego History Center
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center
Timken Museum of Art (it’s always free for everyone FYI)
Women’s Museum of California

A full list can be found here. Oh, and as part of free October, Kids can get into the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park free when accompanied by a paying adult!  Other Kids go free attractions include: Legoland, Sea World, and the USS Midway!!

*Some museums charge fees for special exhibitions, programs or films. Some museums may limit offer use to once per month per guest. Purchase of a Balboa Park Explorer Pass does not qualify as a paid adult admission for the Kids Free in October program. Purchase of a Go San Diego Pass or card does not qualify as a paid adult admission for the Kids Free in October program at most museums; call museum(s) before visiting to enquire.