The Seattle Design Festival is a week-long downtown event in which designers, architects and other creative minds build things to represent the annual theme. This year's theme is balance, which asks how design can foster a society that balances the needs of all of its people and the planet. The resulting installations could be called sculptures, games, social experiments, or all three.
Kids and adults can explore them free of charge. Here are some of the more appealing activities for kids happening during the Seattle Design Festival Block Party, Aug. 24-25 at Lake Union Park.
1. Act | React. All kids love balloons. In this art installation, a dense grid of balloons fills a 10×10 footprint. Each balloon is connected to another by a long piece of string. Pull up or down on one string to trigger the opposite reaction in the partner balloon. This exhibit will be in a constant state of change and motion, reflecting our human capacity to be flexible and adapt.
2. Flapping Animals. Tinker Tank at Pacific Science Center invites you to create paper flapping animals. You'll make mobiles to balancing the wings and body of your creations so they can flap and fly. Choose whichever animal you'd like, real or make-believe, and see where your imagination can take you.
3. Recycling Rundown. A colorful, interactive ball run simulates how recycling facilities sort out materials. Guess which bin each item will wind up in, and see how many items you get right.
4. In Knots. Pillars rise out of the landscape at this art installation. They serve as checkpoints to house resources you'll need as you journey through the installation's pathways. As a result, the landscape will continue to morph as users interact with it and change and shape the experience for other users.
5. Games of Balance. Collaborate with other players as you balance your way out of a puzzle. This interactive installation celebrates the diversity of skills and opportunities in our community and reflects on privilege and cooperation.
Here's the complete list of activities happening during the Seattle Design Festival Block Party.
