San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering Sparks Young Minds

The San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering took place at Petco Park on March 7, 2026, attracting a large crowd eager to engage with science and technology. This annual event showcased numerous hands-on learning experiences, interactive activities, and experiments related to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).

Families and students explored a variety of booths set up by organizations including the US Navy and Thermo Fisher. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in dynamic demonstrations, such as a captivating robot display that drew significant interest. Children were particularly engaged as they interacted with the exhibits, many of which encouraged direct participation.

At the Mad Science booth, young participants like Jaquim and Azel Medrano took part in building a cube structure, demonstrating the creative and collaborative spirit of the festival. The festival’s atmosphere buzzed with excitement, as children were encouraged to explore scientific concepts in a fun, hands-on manner.

One of the highlights was a demonstration where children could extract DNA from a strawberry, led by Steve Fred, who held up a vial of the extracted liquid. Such experiments provided a practical understanding of biology and chemistry, making complex concepts accessible to young minds.

Visitors were also treated to engaging activities at the SDSU Science booth, where kids enjoyed various science experiments that sparked their curiosity. Myra Plange, an enthusiastic eight-year-old, delighted in shooting smoke rings from a tub, showcasing the playful yet educational nature of the festival.

The event not only provided educational enrichment but also fostered a sense of community among attendees. Many families expressed their appreciation for the festival’s focus on STEAM education, highlighting its importance in inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.

As the day progressed, the enthusiasm remained palpable, with tons of visitors continuing to explore the various booths and activities. The San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering has solidified its place as a pivotal event for promoting science education and engagement among young people, ensuring that the excitement for discovery continues well beyond the festival.