Over 450 people walked through the doors at Karshner Museum and Center for Culture & Arts on Saturday. Families came to participate in the Puyallup School District and the Karshner Center’s final Family Festival for the 2017-18 season.

The event was titled “Our World: Science Exploration” and from noon to 5 p.m. families were entertained by various displays, presentations, and activities.

Children gathered on the floor and waited in anticipation of the Pacific Science Center’s Super Cool Science Show. The science show entertained the students and families with various experiments and audience participation.

There was a lot of excitement when the Point Defiance Zoo animals arrived. The zoo brought four different animals that amazed the children and parents. The children worked extremely hard at keeping still and not reach out to touch the animals. Zookeepers Suzanne and Maureen shared fascinating details on each animal: burrowing owl, iguana, fruit bat, and a sloth. After the zookeepers walked down the aisle with the animals, the children had an opportunity to ask questions.

Lego City population grew immensely during the day. Children of all ages used their imagination and creativity to build towers, houses, cities, and even mobile vehicles.

The Pacific Science Center interactive displays offered activities for kids to learn about various sciences through hands-on displays. Engaging interactive displays included learning to hang a suspended drawbridge, how lasers are affected by the material the laser is shined on, how solar panels work, or learning how gravity can be used to create a freestanding archway.

At the Washington State Fair Traveling Farm, kids had the opportunity to learn more about agriculture and farming through an interactive exhibit. Lessons included how food, water, and shelter make up a habitat for plants and animals as well as how food, fresh water, and breathable air make up our ecosystems. Some children even learned how to milk a cow at the model cow “Mini Maibelle.”

The Karshner Center hosted three Family Festival events this year and plans to continue to provide free fun family activities next year.