Free OC Fair Imaginology Youth Expo in Costa Mesa

Have you ever wondered how math can help you cook … or what causes a rainbow … or how baby chicks know when to hatch? Set a course for full STEAM ahead to OC Fair’s Imaginology, April 13-15, where science, technology, engineering, art and math come alive in the most fun and exciting ways.

At Imaginology, kids and their families will not only see a world of wonder, but can participate in a wide range of fun and educational hands-on activities designed to inspire and encourage academic and career exploration. We have attended several years in a row and love it every time. There is always a wide variety of new and interesting activities to peak my children’s attention. Here’s a look at years past!

Imaginology 2018 Daily Activities

At the Action Gallery North

The Reptile Zoo – Interact with a variety of reptiles
Scholastic Book Fair – Power your imagination with books
Live birds with Golden West Bird Breeders

At the Action Gallery South

Woodworking 101 with OC Scroll Saw Association – Learn basic skills like hammering, drilling
Creative Crafting – Use your imagination to create anything you want
Sew Easy – Learn the basics to make a plush piggy
Sun Prints – Use the power of the sun to make camera-free photographs
Tech Play – Interactive LED installation with Elenco Snap Circuit toys and Makey Makey
Conrado Sanchez Technology Museum – Play with first home computers, vintage gaming systems
Clay Play with OC School of the Arts and Aardvark Clay
Imaginative Self-Portraits with Pop Up Studios
IKEA – Use engineering skills to build a chair

At the Centennial Farm

Blacksmith – Watch Christian work his magic
OC Beekeepers – Learn about backyard beekeeping and see a real hive in action
Touch Table – Use your senses to explore the garden
UCCE Master Gardeners – Learn about ladybugs
Cow milking on the demo cow, Maxine
Ox demo (closed 12:30-1:30 p.m.)
Great Egg-Scape – Watch chicks hatch from eggs
Kruse Feed and Supply – Learn bout backyard chickens

At the Country Meadows

Ag-Ventureland – 10 agriculture-related hands-on activities (ages 2-6)
Physical Physics – Learn the physics involved in hula-hooping
Fishing in the City – Try your hand at casting a line
Dig for Roots – Harvest and plant root vegetables
Radish Seed Planting – Plant radish to take home
City of Costa Mesa – Find an activity in your city

At the The Hangar

Aerospace Adventure – Laptop flight simulators, flying demos, make-and-fly paper gliders

At the Heroes Hall Lawn

The Amazing Maze – Find your way through!

At the Livestock Area

4-H/FFA livestock animals on display

Main Mall

Raising Cane’s – Practice the velocity and angle of a throw with cornhole
Model train exhibit by Del Oro Pacific Modular Railroaders
Activities also hosted by AMO Marketing, YMCA, ScholarShare and Tough Turtle Turf

OC Promenade

Hands-on module trains with OC Modual Railroaders
Brain Flakes – A creative and educational alternative to building blocks

Youth in Orange County, from pre-school through high school, are also invited to showcase their talents in individual and group project competitions in a variety of subjects including Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math.

Field Trips to Imaginology 2018

Field Trip Day at Imaginology 2018 is on Friday, April 13 from 9 am – 3 pm. It is FREE for all students and chaperones to attend. Schools and large groups of 10 or more are encouraged to register ahead of time, but it is not required. All groups will be accommodated and no groups will be turned away.