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www.balboapark.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 17, 2010

Park-Wide Science Family Day Kicks off

San Diego Science Festival 2010

San Diego-Learning science is rarely as much fun as when 20 Balboa Park institutions put their heads together to present a Science Family Day. Taking place on Saturday, March 20, the park-wide Family Day kicks off the weeklong San Diego Science Festival 2010, as various museums and cultural institutions feature science-related hands-on activities and special programs for kids of all ages.

Children 17 and under will be admitted free with a paid adult admission at participating museums, and a free drawing at the Balboa Park Visitors Center will give away ten pairs of tickets to Seussical at the San Diego Junior Theatre, Old Town Trolley and Seal Tour tickets, and two Kill-a-Watt units from SDG&E, among other prizes.

From March 20 to 27, San Diego Science Festival 2010 will present programs throughout the county, culminating in the free Science Expo at PETCO Park on March 27, which will feature more than 150 hands-on exhibits and 20 stage performances. For a complete schedule, visit www.sdsciencefestival.com.

All Balboa Park Science Family Day activities take place on March 20 from 11:00am to 3:00pm unless otherwise noted in the schedule below. For updates, visit www.balboapark.org.

Balboa Park Family Day Activities/Offers:

Children 17 and under are free with paid adult unless otherwise noted.

Japanese Friendship Garden-Use the investigative tools in the Garden Explorer Cart to explore plants, wildlife, and culture inside the garden.

Mingei-Learn how lighting, color, and angles can add a new dimension to art and see how the "Science of Lighting" plays a role in lighting design.

Museum of Man-In the Forensics Workshop visitors will examine the bones of humans and other closely related hominids as well as measure a skull's features to solve a fossil mystery.

Museum of Photographic Arts-Walk into an oversized (9 x 7 foot) camera obscura, a device that led to the invention of photography, in front of the museum.

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center-Inspired by the new IMAX^® film HUBBLE make your very own spectroscope to measure the light coming from distant stars. Also, take the Hubble Trivia Challenge for a chance to win astronaut ice cream and other prizes.

Free gallery admission for all ages and $8.50 IMAX admission for all ages all day.

San Diego Air & Space Museum-As part of the Paper Airplane Festival, fold many different types of alien and space-themed paper airplanes and then enter them in competitions. Children 17 and under are free with paid adult; adult discount coupons available at http://sandiegoairandspace.org/upcoming/paf2010.html; does not include The Science of ... Aliens admission. Discounted opportunities for children and adults to see The Science of ... Aliens will be available that day to festival attendees. Please ask at the admissions desk for more information.

San Diego Automotive Museum-Learn about the "Economy of Motion" and see some of the finest micro-cars ever built as well as a glimpse into the future of electric car technology.

San Diego Floral Association-"The Butterfly Project" in the Zoro Garden includes a treasure hunt, butterfly craft projects, face painting, and storytelling with Ruby Hart.

Free admission for everyone all day

San Diego Hall of Champions-Free admission for everyone all day

San Diego Historical Society-A mock archaeological dig will show visitors how historians learn about the past and how weather and insects affect the preservation of objects and documents.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum-Learn how a steam engine functions and make a paper-based steam engine.

San Diego Museum of Art-A museum-wide family festival will feature science-related art-making activities, gallery tours, live music, and dance. Free admission for everyone all day.

San Diego Natural History Museum-Explore the incredible variety of plants found in San Diego, preview the Plant Atlas Project, and learn practical ways to identify plants. Children 17 and under free with a paid adult. Admission does not include the 3-D theater.

San Diego Youth Symphony-Listen to free open rehearsals from 8:30am to 6:45pm in the Casa del Prado.

San Diego Zoo-A booth near the Balboa Park Visitors Center will feature hands-on activities to highlight the exciting conservation work of the San Diego Zoo's Institute for Conservation Research. The San Diego Zoo will not be offering discounted admission.

Spanish Village-Spanish Village artists will demonstrate how science is used to alter and or enhance different art forms. Some hands-on experiences will be available to children.

Free admission for everyone all day

Timken Museum of Art-Professional storyteller, Harlynne Geisler, will share a lively tale inspired by science and an artwork in the museum's collection. 11:00am only; seating is limited. Free admission for everyone all day.

UNA International Gift Shop-One free flag per family while supplies last.

Veterans Museum & Memorial Center-See exhibits showing "Advancements in Battlefield Medicine: WWII - The Present" from 10:00am to 1:00pm.

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