BRICKLab Returns to Prince Albert Science Centre for Weekend Fun

The popular BRICKLab event is making a much-anticipated return to the Prince Albert Science Centre on November 29 and November 30, following a successful initial run in 2022. Located in the Gateway Mall, this interactive experience aims to engage both children and adults in creative play through a variety of Lego-themed activities.

According to Sandra Williams, chair of the Science Centre, the event has become a staple for the community. “It’s a super popular event for us,” she stated, highlighting the imaginative and exploratory nature of Lego. “The ages that Lego covers is from really two years old to right up to 99. It’s a phenomenal way to see kids of all ages and adults of all ages engage in creativity.”

The inaugural BRICKLab was organized in collaboration with SLUG, a group of Lego enthusiasts based in Saskatoon. Although SLUG will not participate this year, the Science Centre decided to host the event independently to continue fostering creativity in the community.

Exciting Activities Await Participants

This year’s BRICKLab features several engaging activities designed for hands-on fun. One highlight is the Wacky Races ramp, where children can build their own Lego cars and race them down a specially designed ramp. In addition, a life-size Tetris game will be available, allowing participants to engage with bricks in a new and exciting way. Williams elaborated, “Tetris is just another way of building with bricks. It’s not Lego, obviously, but it’s another way to build with bricks.”

The event also includes smaller Lego pieces and Duplo bricks for younger children, fostering an inclusive environment for all ages. “We have the small size Lego, the Duplo for smaller hands, and then the life-size bricks,” Williams explained. Although the larger bricks cannot be called Lego due to trademark restrictions, they still provide an opportunity for participants to create structures that mimic real-life objects.

Effective promotion played a key role in generating interest for BRICKLab. The event was advertised on a billboard at the intersection of 15th Street and Second Avenue, as well as through the Science Centre’s Facebook page and website. Schools in Prince Albert also contributed by sharing information about the event on EDSBY, a digital platform for educational communications.

Encouraging Family Participation

The Science Centre aims to make the event accessible and appealing to families by introducing a new payment structure. Participants pay $10 each, but accompanying adults can attend free of charge. “Typically, if the adults were to come by themselves, they would pay $10. But if they’re bringing their little ones with them, then we’re saying we’re not charging the accompanying adult,” Williams noted. This initiative encourages parents to engage with their children in creative activities, enhancing the overall experience for families.

With a successful turnout already anticipated for the upcoming weekend, the Science Centre encourages families to visit after the Santa Claus Parade on November 29. “Come warm up in the Brick Lab. Enjoy the Santa Claus Parade and when you’re coming back to Gateway Mall, hit us up. We’re right here,” Williams added.

For those interested in future events, the Science Centre invites the public to check their Facebook page or website at princealbertsciencecentre.ca for updates and further activities. As BRICKLab gears up for another exciting weekend, it promises to be a wonderful opportunity for creativity and family bonding in the heart of Prince Albert.