Seasonal celebration aims to blend family fun with conservation at the Science Center
The Greensboro Science Center will welcome visitors to its second annual Fall Fest on Saturday, Sept. 12, offering an evening of autumn-themed activities, animal interactions and fundraising to support the institution's conservation work.
Organizers plan to run the event from 6 to 8:30 p.m., using outdoor spaces across the campus when weather permits. The center says the family-focused gathering will feature games, arts and crafts, face painting and other attractions designed to engage children while highlighting the Science Center's educational mission.
"We've got fall-themed games, we've got crafts, we've got snacks," said Jessica Gooch of the Greensboro Science Center. "Goat yard will be open. We will have volunteers in here so that you can actually come and pet goats during your visit."
Goat petting, a crowd favorite from last year's inaugural Fall Fest, returns this year along with several other perennial activities. Staff members told WE NEWS they are adding new elements and increasing the number of games to broaden the event's appeal to children of various ages.
Organizers emphasized that the festival doubles as a conservation fundraiser. While specific fundraising targets and ticketing details were not provided in the release, the Science Center has previously used special events to support animal care, habitat improvements and education programs. The event will proceed rain or shine, with an indoor contingency plan should weather force a move inside.
What families can expect
The evening is structured to be interactive and accessible for families emerging from the summer schedule but not yet fully in fall routines. Highlights confirmed by the Science Center include:
- Seasonal games and expanded game selection compared with last year
- Hands-on arts and crafts geared to young visitors
- Face painting and other familiar festival attractions
- A chance to interact with animals in the farm area, including supervised goat petting
While the outdoor areas are the primary setting, staff said that if a storm or heavy rain moves through the Triad that night, organizers will relocate appropriate activities indoors—potentially swapping some farm access for indoor exhibits such as the touch pool.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, Sept. 12 |
| Time | 6 – 8:30 p.m. |
| Location | Greensboro Science Center (outdoor areas; indoor backup plan if needed) |
| Main attractions | Games, crafts, goat yard, face painting, animal encounters |
For Greensboro families, the timing provides an opportunity to enjoy a community evening that mixes entertainment with educational messaging about wildlife and habitat protection. The event also gives the Science Center a chance to reach families who may not be regular visitors but are looking for a seasonal outing that supports local conservation work.
Officials with the center said they hope Fall Fest will inspire younger attendees and provide hands-on experiences that encourage curiosity about science and animals. The return of several activities from the first Fall Fest, combined with the planned additions, reflects a push to make the event a recurring highlight of the Science Center calendar.
Residents seeking up-to-date information about admission, volunteer opportunities or other logistics should consult the Greensboro Science Center's official channels. As with many community events, organizers advise planning ahead for parking and potential crowds, particularly if weather keeps programming indoors.
This year's Fall Fest continues the Science Center's broader efforts to connect recreation and conservation, offering a family-friendly evening that supports educational programs and animal care at one of Greensboro's major cultural attractions.
