Yesterday was the first Sunday with some really serious beach weather, instead we had to attend one of those events for children that you’d rather avoid on a Sunday, but you don’t really want your kids to miss. Most of my son’s friends were going with parents and siblings in tow, so we really could not miss it. This is the plea I used to persuade my husband to give up his chill out time and having to socialize instead putting to good use the Italian he has learned over the years. It turned out to be a very good day and I am glad we went. Even my husband enjoyed it, there were a few people he knows and likes to chat to and the atmosphere was quite relaxed. The event was a full day dedicated to science for kids, with workshops, games and exhibitions in a great setting just outside Alghero. The workshops and exhibitions were offered by the council so everything was free and they were hosted in a great villa within the Park of Porto Conte with access to the sea. The marina,  the small beach and the rocks where some of the workshops took place were only a short walk away.  My son took part in two workshops. The first one was about science experiments, a lot of hands-on simple scientific experiments finalised to learn the basics of science through play and  the other was called “Vision of a sub”, which took place on the beach where the children started by collecting algae, pebbles and other microorganisms to observe through a microscope. Then they put on mask and snorkel for a little snorkelling excursion guided by experienced staff.  The workshops were divided by age groups 4-6, 7-10 and 11-14 so there was something for everyone and the most popular events were repeated twice to allow for the high demand. Another fun and very educational workshop on the beach was the simulation of a volcano erupting using water, salt, bicarbonate of soda and vinegar.

I especially liked the exhibition about handmade toys with everyday objects and the children books display. I have bought a few books with a lot of idea for crafts and the exhibition guide so I will be making some of the toys for my Monday Crafts feature throughout summer.