Silly Science Sunday set for Sept. 15 at Wean Park

Silly Science Sunday will look different this year as it moves from OH WOW! Children’s Center to Wean Park and Huntington Community Alley in downtown Youngstown.

The 14th annual event occurs 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 15. Parking will be available at the Covelli Centre, 229 East Front St., adjacent to Wean Park.

The free event is sponsored by David and Caroline Jones.

Silly Science Sunday features STEAM activities from a variety of exhibitors and provides families and learners of all ages the chance to discover, explore and engage with STEAM education and workforce opportunities in the Mahoning Valley.

Attendees can design and fly giant paper airplanes, play in bubbles, ride on robotic recliners and witness chemical reactions – activities provided by exhibitors.

Although the event is typically hosted outside the children’s museum on Central Square, road closures and the Realty Tower demolition led organizers to opt for relocation. OH WOW! will be closed during the event.

“We want people to experience OH WOW!, of course, but felt that moving Silly Science Sunday to a venue more easily accessible to our exhibitors and guests would make for a better experience overall,” said Katie Seminara-DeToro, executive director.

“Plus, the temporary location allows for new and exciting activities. We look forward to bringing Silly Science back to Central Square in 2025 and will provide admission passes to attendees for a future visit to the museum,” Seminara-DeToro said.

The event includes many of OH WOW!’s longtime partners, including Youngstown State University’s College of STEM, area robotics teams, Butler Institute of American Art, SMARTS, the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County and others.

Additional exhibitors include YWCA Mahoning Valley, First Robotics, Mahoning County Career and Technical Center (MCCTC), Valley STEM Academy, BRITE Energy Innovators, Home Depot/Austintown, Sharon Robotics, City Machine Technologies, Akron Children’s Hospital, America Makes and Roth ID Tag.

Food vendors include Sweet Sips, One Hot Cookie, Armida’s Cucina and R&J Smokers.

“Silly Science Sunday is a day meant for all ages to visit downtown and get excited about STEAM education in the Mahoning Valley,” said Colleen Ruby, director of operations. “We encourage exploration and experimentation at the museum every day, and Silly Science is an expansion of our mission. We appreciate the assistance of JAC Management Group accommodating our move.”

For more information, visit OH WOW!’s website.