One of my favorite local outings is a visit to Santa Ana’s Discovery Science Center.  The 59,000 square foot museum was designed to spark children’s natural curiousity with it’s permanent and seasonal interactive exhibits.  For the last 10+ years, the museum has been working to educate and increase awareness, understanding and appreciation of science, math, and technology.  What we really enjoy about the museum is that there is always something new!

Last week, The Science of Gingerbread opened for the 5th year in a row. The exhibit features hands-on food science activities, interactive learning stations, model trains, and over 100 gingerbread houses (including mine!).  Each year, local families, corporations, and schools submit entries to the Gingerbread Competition.

What do you think? Do I have a chance at winning?

Before the exhibit opened, some local bloggers got together at Sur La Table for some Gingerbread House Decorating.  Here are some of our creations:

This year, DSC will feature cookie decorating demonstrations, special guest speakers, stage shows, and visits from Santa.

Here is a brief schedule of the activities planned through January 2, 2011:

Hands-On Kitchen Science Activities: Daily through Jan 2

“A Matter of Taste” Stage Show: 11a,1p,3p,4p; Sat/Sun through Jan 2

Award Winning Gingerbread Displays: Daily through Jan 2

Photos w/Santa Claus: 11am-3pm; Dec 4&5,11&12,18-24

Cookie Decorating: 11:30a, 1:30p, 3:30p; Dec 4&5,11&12,18-30

Train Modeling Demonstrations: Schedule TBD

Gingerbread House Workshops:

• Sat, Dec 18: Garden Grove ROP
• Sun, Dec 19: Tracy Lopez

Once I visit the exhibit, I’ll update you with photos!

For more information about Discovery Science Center, just visit their website.

No compensation was received for this post.  Media tickets and a gingerbread house to decorate were provided.