Wonder Funday Draws Two Hundred to Exploratorium

The Exploratorium’s Wonder Funday brought over 200 parents and children to Pier 15 on October 5 for the eighth annual family fundraising event supporting STEAM education access across the Bay Area. Family Host Committee Co-Chairs Michalia Negri, Sydney McDowell and Aurelie MacDonald welcomed families who tinkered with exhibit prototypes, examined cheek cells under microscopes, created paper circuits and traversed the Tactile Dome in a hands-on celebration of science, technology, engineering, art and math.

McCalls Catering and Events provided kid-friendly favorites like hot dogs and fried chicken sliders. For the grownups, Fort Point Beer Company and Emeritus Vineyards donated beverages for the reception held in Fisher Bay Observatory overlooking the stunning view. Event committee members including Kate Cobert, Chrissy Darrah-Gothelf, Allison Dillon, Greg Pang and Destine Fitzsimons helped families collaborate on activities including mural coloring, creating wearable Pi bracelets and testing teamwork through group challenges. The facility’s Kanbar Forum featured a silent disco from HUSHconcerts paired with Exploratorium Cinema Arts archive films. This year’s fun-filled family event raised crucial funds for community access programs including the Field Trip Program, which provides free admission for Title I schools, ensuring thousands of Bay Area students can experience transformative STEAM learning that sparks lifelong curiosity.