Imagination Expotarium Drives Kids Into Their Minds

Saturday, Feb. 18

Are your stir-crazy kids conjuring up visions of the nearest orphanage or adoption agency? Before you entertain this fantasy, allow them to entertain their own at the Bayfront Convention Center's Imagination Expotarium. With interactive activities spread across eight "Imagination Islands," they may discover their calling. And you may think better of marooning them before the vernal equinox. 

These eight participating island nations include:

Fable Forest – story readings from special guests, a book store, and a meet-and-greet with "forest friends." Here's an early lesson about clique formation that should click.

Bwana Jungle – humans aren't the only animals that don't come with instructions. That's why Bwana Jim is here to educate your young about how to care for and be mindful of creatures at home and abroad. 

Campfire Canyon – foster appreciation for the great outdoors so you can finally have some peace and quiet indoors. Kids can learn about the environment, shoot a bow, and pet puppies and ponies (you'd better start erecting that stable).

Discovery Island – the intelligentsia of the Imagination Expotarium convene here, showing you how things work and the science of meteorology. What this may inspire, there's no predicting.

Princess Palace – here your child can be pampered or enjoy a makeover courtesy of the Fortis Institute or enjoy a cup of tea with the princesses of Once Upon A Party, LLC. Marrying a rich guy is still a very real fantasy.

Safety City – for the child with the noble aim of being a civil servant. Here your kid can mingle with police officers, firefighters, and EMTs and explore emergency vehicles. If they're not impressed with real heroes, a few superheroes will be on hand as well.

Treasure Island – the Scallywags crew is more fun than a barrel of rum, with treasure chests, games, and crafts for all your little landlubbers.

Sportlandia – shoot hoops with Clutch (Erie BayHawks) and hit home runs with C. Wolf (Erie Seawolves). Learn the value of exercise with the YMCA of Greater Erie as parents jump for joy. – Matt Swanseger

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday: noon to 3 p.m. // 1 Sassafras Pier // epe.ticketleap.com/imagineexpo // $10 per child with adult (incl. traveling sack and takeaways), $5 for each additional person over 12, free for children under 3