Mars and Stars Event at Irvine Park

Credit: JPL

I just came home from spending a beautiful afternoon at Irvine Park. I met up with my blogging buddy, Michele, from Fun Orange County Parks for a play date. The kiddos had a great time exploring, playing and having a great time at Irvine Park Railroad’s Pumpkin Patch.

While I was there I noticed a sign for the upcoming Mars and Stars night out, taking place on October 8th at 6pm. Mars and Stars is a combined effort between OC Parks and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL). These very special event is free to the public and is perfect for your little space ranger. The event includes presentations by experts in robotic space exploration, children’s crafts, storytime with OC Public Libraries, stargazing presented by OC Astronomers and scale models of Mars rovers.

JPL will present the Mars Science Laboratory Mission, focusing on the engineering side of the mission. Nagin Cox Assistant Flight System Engineering Manager for the mission will lead the presentation and discuss the new mission technology. This mission is part of NASA’s Mars Exploration Programs, a long-term effort of robotic exploration of the red planet. The inflatable Curiosity Rover will again be on display. The OC Zoo and Irvine Park Railroad will remain open until dusk for extended family activities.

All events and parking are free to the public, reservations are required. A perfect family adventure through the galaxy at OC Parks.

I really can’t wait to take my kiddos. My daughter and son love learning about space and this seems like it would be fun for the entire family.  To learn more about this super fun event head here.

What: Mars and Stars Event- Irvine Park

When: Saturday, October 8th at 6pm.