Grab your favorite mask and head outside to explore the great outdoors! From discovery walks to our NEW City Science Quest, these 2021 Atlanta Science Festival events will satisfy any explorer’s curiosity!

Orienteering Scavenger Hunt | Saturday, March 13th (Multiple Dates) at 7:00 AM

Presented by: DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Affairs

Mason Mill Park contains a 100-acre forest with many surprises. This self-guided scavenger hunt will help you find 100-year-old dams, fairy houses, gnome homes, decorated Christmas trees, interesting graffiti, City Champion trees, and many other unusual things. But to find these spots, you’ll have to use your wits to solve clues and your compass-orienteering skills to find the way. Are you up to the challenge?

Electronic and touch-free, in-person pick up of the scavenger hunt instructions will be available at Mason Mill Park. This program is self-guided and appropriate for social distancing.

Botanical Mysteries | Saturday, March 13th (Multiple Dates) at  9:00 AM 

Presented by: Atlanta Botanical Garden

Use your super sleuth skills to solve botanical mysteries at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. For this self-led adventure, families pick up a guide in the Visitor Center before embarking on their botanical voyage through the beautiful spring garden. The journey will include 5 stops where families become plant scientists to solve puzzles and uncover clues. We recommend that families bring their own clipboard and writing utensil. Suggested ages: 6 – 10.

Note: This opportunity is available on March 13 & 14 from 9am – 5pm and on March 16 – 21 from 9am – 7pm. The Garden is closed on Monday, March 15.

Check out Atlanta Botanical Garden’s COVID-19 precautions here. Register here.

Cascade Springs Discovery Walk | Saturday, March 13th at 10:00 AM

Presented by: Science ATL

Science is all around us, often hidden in everyday places – where we live, where we play, and where we walk. On four guided Discovery Walks, you will uncover some of this secret science on family-friendly 2-4 mile routes with ten intriguing science stops. Pick up a free Discovery Walk map and take your family on a COVID-friendly science adventure through some of the coolest neighborhoods and parks in Atlanta.

All walks are self-guided. Map handout will be contactless and handled only by masked volunteers. Register here.

Decatur Discovery Walk | Saturday, March 13th at 10:00 AM

Presented by: Science ATL

Science is all around us, often hidden in everyday places – where we live, where we play, and where we walk. On four guided Discovery Walks, you will uncover some of this secret science on family-friendly 2-4 mile routes with ten intriguing science stops. Pick up a free Discovery Walk map and take your family on a COVID-friendly science adventure through some of the coolest neighborhoods and parks in Atlanta.

All walks are self-guided. Map handout will be contactless and handled only by masked volunteers. Register here.

CCPLS Family Tech Time Experience | Saturday, March 13th (Multiple Dates) at 10:00 AM

Presented by: Cobb County Public Library System

Head out to the STEM Bio Walk at the Mountain View Regional Library to celebrate the history of STEM and the women who made it happen. This self-paced experience is available Saturday, March 13 through Friday, March 26, 2021. Using QR codes, kids grades K-5 can use a smart phone or tablet to discover the role of women in STEM.

While you are here, pick up a Brown Bag STEM Take and Make kit per household (while supplies last – you will need to have registered for this) to do science at home during our online guided event on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 4:30PM.

Air Quality Scavenger Hunt | Saturday, March 13th at 11:00 AM

Presented by: Emory University

Calling all community scientists and amateur sleuths! Ever wanted to work with researchers, hunting ways to change the world? Here’s your chance! Air Emory, in partnership with Science ATL, is hosting an Air Quality Scavenger Hunt! Your mission is to use clues and an Air Emory sensor to collect air quality data around Historic Fourth Ward Park to be used by environmental scientist Eri Saikawa, Associate Professor for the Emory Department of Environmental Sciences, and her team. So, pull on your lab coats and lace up your hiking boots for this one-of-a-kind environmental experience right in Atlanta’s own backyard. Register for which 30-minute time slot you want and we’ll see you there! 

For a related at-home or in-class competition for grades 6-12, check out the Georgia Air Quality Challenge.

In order to protect participants and researchers, participants will be given the opportunity to sign up for assigned time slots to pick up and return air sensors (no more than 12 per time slot). Though this is an outdoor event, masks are still required for participants when they are retrieving or returning tools. Hand sanitizer and disposable masks will be available for participants. Register here.

City Science Quest | Saturday, March 13th at 4:00 PM

Presented by: Science ATL

Gather your wits and mobile devices, for your quest awaits… Uncover Atlanta’s innovations, discoveries, and STEM careers by completing missions from the comfort of your own home in this app-based scavenger hunt.

Compete against other curious kids and adults as you submit photos, videos, and text evidence to earn points for completing missions. Prizes will be awarded! Registration gives you access to any or all of the three scheduled two-hour sessions; each session will offer new missions! The other sessions are scheduled on March 21 at 4pm and March 27 at 9am. 

You’ll need a smartphone or tablet, wifi access, and some help may be required from family members. Adults should work together with elementary or middle school kids, but older players should be able to manage on their own. 

Register here.

Cascade Springs Discovery Walk | Sunday, March 14th at 1:00 PM

Presented by: Science ATL

Science is all around us, often hidden in everyday places – where we live, where we play, and where we walk. On four guided Discovery Walks, you will uncover some of this secret science on family-friendly 2-4 mile routes with ten intriguing science stops. Pick up a free Discovery Walk map and take your family on a COVID-friendly science adventure through some of the coolest neighborhoods and parks in Atlanta.

All walks are self-guided. Map handout will be contactless and handled only by masked volunteers. Register here.

Decatur Discovery Walk | Sunday, March 14th at 1:00 PM

Presented by: Science ATL

Science is all around us, often hidden in everyday places – where we live, where we play, and where we walk. On four guided Discovery Walks, you will uncover some of this secret science on family-friendly 2-4 mile routes with ten intriguing science stops. Pick up a free Discovery Walk map and take your family on a COVID-friendly science adventure through some of the coolest neighborhoods and parks in Atlanta.

All walks are self-guided. Map handout will be contactless and handled only by masked volunteers. Register here.

Fernbank Forest Night Walk | Friday, March 19th at 7:30 PM 

Presented by: Fernbank Museum

Enjoy a guided walk through Fernbank Forest as the sun sets and into the early evening. Test out your senses to see how you would fare as a nocturnal animal, and maybe even observe some if you’re lucky!

Fernbank requires face coverings in all indoor and outdoor spaces and adheres to all current guidelines, including physical distancing. Attendance is strictly limited to 15 participants and advance reservations are required. See FernbankMuseum.org/Safety for more information. Register here.

Zoo Seekers! | Saturday, March 20th at 9:30 AM

Presented by: Zoo Atlanta

Be one of the first to explore the Zoo with a new lens, through the NEW Zoo Seekers program!  Designed for families, this safe, self-guided, discovery program will encourage you to use your senses to uncover the unique ways that zoos participate in saving wildlife and wild places.  With the help of a borrowed Exploration Pack containing observation and measurement tools, you and your family will visit zoo habitats and animals, completing hands-on activities and practice skills used by scientists working to protect the environment. This program is for all ages, inspiring you to learn more about animals, zoos, careers, and the natural world.

Register at the link where you’ll have the chance to select a specific time slot to join in on the fun! Zoo admission is included in your ticket cost.

Backpacks will be sanitized between users. Standard safety precautions from Zoo Atlanta, including masks, will be in place. Learn more here: https://zooatlanta.org/visit/zoo-atlanta-and-the-coronavirus-covid-19/ Register here.

Beltline and Piedmont Park Discovery Walk | Saturday, March 20th at 10:00 AM

Presented by: Science ATL

Science is all around us, often hidden in everyday places – where we live, where we play, and where we walk. On four guided Discovery Walks, you will uncover some of this secret science on family-friendly 2-4 mile routes with ten intriguing science stops. Pick up a free Discovery Walk map and take your family on a COVID-friendly science adventure through some of the coolest neighborhoods and parks in Atlanta.

All walks are self-guided. Map handout will be contactless and handled only by masked volunteers. Register here.

Sweet Auburn Discovery Walk | Saturday, March 20th at 10:00 AM

Presented by: Science ATL

Science is all around us, often hidden in everyday places – where we live, where we play, and where we walk. On four guided Discovery Walks, you will uncover some of this secret science on family-friendly 2-4 mile routes with ten intriguing science stops. Pick up a free Discovery Walk map and take your family on a COVID-friendly science adventure through some of the coolest neighborhoods and parks in Atlanta.

All walks are self-guided. Map handout will be contactless and handled only by masked volunteers. Register here.

Sensory Garden Scavenger Hunt | Saturday, March 20th at 1:00 PM

Presented by: The Branch Out Initiative

In this sensory scavenger hunt, you will get to search for sensory experiences and native plants and animals across Grant Park. Along the way, you’ll stop at checkpoints throughout the park to pick up supplies for an at-home planting activity with video instructions. This is a self-paced event; you can arrive at any time within the 1-4pm window.

This event was designed with disabled participants and their families in mind, but anyone can participate! If distance or physical accessibility are potential barriers to participation, feel free to contact Branch Out —we’ll do our best to adapt the materials for your family’s needs.

Register here.

Wildflower Walk | Sunday, March 21st at 9:30 AM

Presented by: Fernbank Museum

Join us for a small group walk to celebrate the beginning of spring in Fernbank Forest and learn about the different kinds of native wildflowers found in Atlanta.

Meet in Museum lobby, and we’ll head out from there.

Fernbank requires face coverings in all indoor and outdoor spaces and adheres to all current guidelines, including physical distancing. Attendance is strictly limited to 15 participants and advance reservations are required. See FernbankMuseum.org/Safety for more information. Register here.

Beltline and Piedmont Park Discovery Walk | Sunday, March 21st at 1:00 PM

Presented by: Science ATL

Science is all around us, often hidden in everyday places – where we live, where we play, and where we walk. On four guided Discovery Walks, you will uncover some of this secret science on family-friendly 2-4 mile routes with ten intriguing science stops. Pick up a free Discovery Walk map and take your family on a COVID-friendly science adventure through some of the coolest neighborhoods and parks in Atlanta.

All walks are self-guided. Map handout will be contactless and handled only by masked volunteers. Register here.

Sweet Auburn Discovery Walk | Sunday, March 21st at 1:00 PM

Presented by: Science ATL

Science is all around us, often hidden in everyday places – where we live, where we play, and where we walk. On four guided Discovery Walks, you will uncover some of this secret science on family-friendly 2-4 mile routes with ten intriguing science stops. Pick up a free Discovery Walk map and take your family on a COVID-friendly science adventure through some of the coolest neighborhoods and parks in Atlanta.

All walks are self-guided. Map handout will be contactless and handled only by masked volunteers. Register here.

Proctor Creek Trash Trap Tour | Thursday, March 25th at 10:00 AM

Presented by: West Atlanta Watershed Alliance

Join us for a field trip to Proctor Creek watershed to view our Trash Trap Network! We’ll tour one location where all ages can access Proctor Creek, participate in an aquatic trash assessment, evaluate methods used by the trash trap team, compare different trap technologies on their effectiveness, and discuss pollution and downstream impacts to coastal waters if the trash had not been interrupted and removed. We’ll also discuss potential recycling and reuse opportunities for the plastics and other materials found in the traps. We won’t get into the creek during the tour, but you will work with the trash team who does wade in to remove the trash and facilitate the trash inventory.  

Everyone will have their temperature taken upon arrival and masks are required. We ask that you sanitize your hands throughout the tour and practice 6′ social distancing. Participation will be limited to 20 people. Register here.

Proctor Creek Trash Trap Tour | Thursday, March 25th at 12:30 PM

Presented by: West Atlanta Watershed Alliance

Join us for a field trip to Proctor Creek watershed to view our Trash Trap Network! We’ll tour one location where all ages can access Proctor Creek, participate in an aquatic trash assessment, evaluate methods used by the trash trap team, compare different trap technologies on their effectiveness, and discuss pollution and downstream impacts to coastal waters if the trash had not been interrupted and removed. We’ll also discuss potential recycling and reuse opportunities for the plastics and other materials found in the traps. We won’t get into the creek during the tour, but you will work with the trash team who does wade in to remove the trash and facilitate the trash inventory.  

Everyone will have their temperature taken upon arrival and masks are required. We ask that you sanitize your hands throughout the tour and practice 6′ social distancing. Participation will be limited to 20 people. Register here.

Mathvenger Hunt | Saturday, March 27th at 1:00 PM

Presented by: Agnes Scott College

Do you like doing scavenger hunts but wish they were nerdier? Do you enjoy solving fun math problems but also want a lot of pointless walking around between questions?  If so, join us for what a Google search claims is the only Mathvenger Hunt in the history of the Western Hemisphere! 

For those who love DIY projects and don’t mind getting their hands dirty, here are our top picks for hands-on science activities during the 2021 Atlanta Science Festival! Please note: some events may require purchasing supplies or picking up a kit.

STEMStar Day with K.I.D.S. Club | Saturday, March 13th at 11:45 am (multiple times available)

Presented by: Georgia Tech CEISMC

Love to code? Always wanted to know how to build a robot? Curious about science?  Join K.I.D.S. Club and STEAM Workshop at Georgia Tech for an afternoon of exciting hands on STEM workshops. From the comforts of your home, meet professional STEMStars while building and creating cool STEM projects. Register here.

Let’s Go Full STEAM Ahead! | Saturday, March 13th at 10:00 am 

Presented by: STEM Compass

All aboard!! Are you ready for the ultimate STEAM Experience?  This is the one for you! Your STEAM Kit is the Key to fun and hands-on connections for Elementary, Middle and High School Explorers.  From making squishy circuits from scratch, de-mystifying the DNA and RNA Code to making your own wind generator, this day of discovery is your ultimate destination for STEAM Connections!

To take it the next level, our High School students will also learn about STEAM scholarship opportunities. Each grade group activity will conclude with a STEAM Speaker who will bring our explorers full circle to make the career connection to what they have created. Jump on the train and let’s get ready to Go Full STEAM Ahead! Register here.

Spill the Tea: Kitchen Science in Action | Thursday, March 18th at 6:30 pm

Presented by: STEMComm VIP, Georgia Institute of Technology College of Sciences

Have you ever wanted to learn more about the speed of light and pH indicator chemistry? Do you want to learn how to make mug cakes and butterfly peaflower tea from the comfort of your home? If you said yes to either or both of those questions, then join the Georgia Tech STEMComm team for the tastiest science demonstration in Atlanta!

At this event, we’ll send you a cooking kit and our team will take you step by step through the process of how to make a mug cake and steep butterfly peaflower tea, while discussing how to find the speed of light with chocolate and how pH impacts the color of tea. All you need is a microwave (perfect for a dorm room “kitchen”!), and there will be options available for any dietary restrictions (gluten-free, vegan, etc.). Register here.

Solar Power: Designing a new way of life! | Saturday, March 20th at 3:30 pm

Presented by: MODA

The time has come to step up, humans! If we want to keep our earth sustainable for life, we need to commit to cleaner energy sources. MODA wants to help you learn and the sun is ready to help us out! Join us to learn more about how we can use solar energy to power a wide variety of household items.

Sign up to get a kit and tune into our session for guidance on how solar panels and solar energy work and instructions on how to assemble the kits. You can transform your life with clean energy! Register here.

Seed Power: Tasting, Exploring and Growing! | Sunday, March 21st at 1:00 pm

Presented by: Small Bites Adventure Club  

Seeds are tiny, but powerful and grow into beautiful plants that feed us! Let’s learn more together! Sign up for a virtual lesson of tasting, movement and exploration of seeds and plants! 

We’ll send you a kit that will have all you need to plant and care for a sugar snap pea. You’ll get a guided journal to help you observe and record plant growth and stages. Register here!

World of Architecture Mini Youth Conference | Sunday, March 21st at 1:00 pm

Presented by: The Community Academy for Architecture and Design, Inc. 

Calling young architects! Join us online to explore what it takes to become an architect and fun topics in the field like environmental design, African-centered architecture, and designing in claymation. We’ll do some simple and fun projects to increase your family’s exposure to this incredible industry! Register here.

Cleaning up in Atlanta | Wednesday, March 24th at 1:00 pm

Presented by: The Clorox Company

Ever look at the products on the shelves and wonder what it took to get them there?  Join us for this virtual event where we will investigate the Clorox wipes plant in Metro Atlanta and how the team members there manufacture this product to champion people to be well and thrive every single day.  We will close out the session with a hands on chemistry demo since science is worth exploring. Register here.

CCPLS Family Tech Time’s Brown Bag Science | Wednesday, March 24th at 4:30 pm

Presented by: Cobb County Public Library System

CCPLS Family Tech Time moves online exploring STEM concepts with live demos and hands-on experiments for grades K-5. You and your family can follow along live to learn more about STEM and have fun with hands-on learning. Register for a free Brown Bag STEM Take and Make Kit containing materials and a list of common household items needed to conduct three experiments (Family, K-2 and 3rd-5th).

When you register, you’ll get to select which Cobb County library branch you want to grab your free kit(s) from (Mountain View, East Cobb, Sewill Mill or Gritters) – available while supplies last. One kit per child will be available for pickup between March 17-24. If you’d rather buy your own materials, check back here by March 5 for a list of materials you’ll need on hand. Register here.

UGA Extension Metro Atlanta Virtual Family Science Night | Thursday, March 25th at 6:00 pm

Presented by: UGA Extension

Come join the fun at the UGA Extension Virtual Family Science night as you explore science through hands-on and engaging activities! This kit based science night will provide families with all the necessary supplies to explore three science concepts through family friendly experiments live via Zoom with Extension staff.  Don’t miss out on the fun as you learn more about chemistry, earth science, and life science in the comforts of your own home! Register here.