Little Hands Make Big Science at the Children’s Museum of Wilmington’s Science at Play Event

Wilmington, NC — April 6, 2026 — The Children's Museum of Wilmington is participating once again in the North Carolina Science Festival with Science at Play on Saturday, April 18th from 9am to 12pm. The Museum is ecstatic to host this full morning science extravaganza that encourages STEM learning through hands-on discovery.

Visitors to Science at Play can expect to see science come to life for even the littlest of learners. "When kids explore science through play, they develop skills that will benefit them for a lifetime," says Program Coordinator at CMoW, Anna Harris. "We can't wait to welcome guests for a day of discovery, excitement, and learning!" The event will offer many hands-on activities for kids including investigating ooey-gooey materials like slime, building and designing a collaborative city, exploring the science of the body, and more!

The Children's Museum of Wilmington is also thrilled to welcome several special guests that will help offer more science experiences and lessons to visitors. Engineers from the North American Young Generation in Nuclear will be returning again this year to educate guests about nuclear power and technology. Robots from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Department of Computer Science will be present for children to play with and learn about the basics of robotic programming.

Last, award-winning science communicator, Maynard Okereke (also known as the Hip Hop M.D.) will be at Science at Play to read and discuss his new book, "Zombie Spiders & Asteroid Blasters: 16 Incredible Ways that Scientists are Changing the World." The Museum is one of the only east coast stops on Mr. Okereke's book tour. He hopes that his new book will help spark curiosity in young learners and inspire students to pursue something amazing in science.

The Children's Museum of Wilmington is a long-time participant in the North Carolina Science Festival and they are excited to participate in this year's event with the theme Science Matters. "The theme of Science Matters reflects how science touches every part of our daily lives in North Carolina, from our communities and economy to our health and environment," says Director of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, Todd Boyette.

The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, along with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill lead the statewide science initiative that is going on its 16th year this April. The 2026 NC Science Festival is expected to surpass 4 million in cumulative participation with events spanning across all 100 counties in the state.

Tickets for Science at Play are $5 for members and $15 for non-members and can be purchased at https://www.playwilmington.org/science.

The Museum is dedicated to offering interactive and fun events like Science at Play that encourage positive childhood interaction and memorable youth experiences.

For press inquiries or more information about the event, please contact:

Anna Harris

Phone: 910-254-3534 x 100

Email: anna@playwilmington.org

Website: www.playwilmington.org

About The Children's Museum of Wilmington

The Children’s Museum of Wilmington is a non-profit organization committed to inspiring creativity, exploration, and lifelong learning in children through hands-on exhibits, educational programs, and exciting events. The Museum serves as a hub for playful learning and community engagement for families across southeastern North Carolina.

About North Carolina Science Festival 

Founded in 2010, the North Carolina Science Festival is the first statewide science festival in the United States. Through a series of community-based events each April (hosted by schools, colleges, libraries, museums, parks, businesses, and other local organizations), NCSciFest celebrates the economic, educational, and cultural impacts of science in North Carolina.