[ we make science jokes, periodically ]

SteamRocket's Valley Kids PlayFest Draws Hundreds in Indio

The city of Indio came alive on Saturday, 27th July, as families from Desert Hot Springs to Mecca gathered for a day filled with fun, creativity, and community spirit to celebrate the International Day of Play. Sponsored by The LEGO Foundation and ChangeX, and organized by SteamRocket in partnership with the Indio Library and Little Street Music Hall, this vibrant event was a testament to the power of play in bringing people together.

The two-hour event, hosted at the Little Street Music Hall, welcomed nearly 350 attendees who enjoyed various interactive activities to inspire imagination and joy. The Indio Library kicked off the festivities with a captivating storytime session, reading On Top of Spaghetti by Paul Brett Johnson. Children were then invited to create their own spaghetti and meatballs craft, sparking creativity and laughter among the young participants.

SteamRocket, known for its innovative approach to learning and play, set up a series of interactive games that encouraged community members to engage and connect. The event brought families together in a joyful and playful environment, from creative building challenges to exciting group activities.

Little Street Music Hall/Encore Coffee provided the perfect backdrop for the day’s festivities. The venue offered ample space for activities and featured musical instruments that added a harmonious touch to the event. With its official opening just weeks away, Little Street Music Hall gave attendees a sneak peek of the exciting cultural experiences soon to be part of the Indio community.

Speaking on behalf of SteamRocket, Elle Decker expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved: "A huge thank you to the Indio Library, Little Street Music Hall, The LEGO Foundation, and ChangeX for making the International Day of Play a stellar success. We are thrilled by the turnout and the enthusiastic participation from the community. This event truly showcased the importance of play in bringing people together, and we’re excited to continue this journey with our Valley Kids PlayFest, bringing joy and creativity to even more locations across the desert in the coming months."

The International Day of Play celebrated creativity and fun and reminded us of the important role play plays in fostering connections and building community. As SteamRocket looks forward to expanding its reach with future events, the success of this day promises even more opportunities for families to come together, learn, and play.