ImagineNation Kids Expo Brings STEM Fun, LEGO Builds, and Robots to Katy Merrell Center This June
Summer kicks off with a cosmic twist in Katy as the ImagineNation Kids Expo returns to the Merrell Center from June 20–22, offering three full days of hands-on learning, STEM excitement, and creative discovery for the whole family.
Packed with interactive exhibits, robots, animation labs, and even a friendly space alien named Zarnok, this year’s expo is anything but ordinary. The event blends high-energy fun with real-world science and art—inviting kids to build, explore, and imagine new worlds right here on Earth.
“We wanted to create an environment where kids of all ages could be curious, inspired, and engaged — not just entertained,” said Stacie Bowles, the event’s producer and founder of the well-known Home for the Holidays Gift Market. "Our mission is to bring together the best in innovation and education to help spark dreams and ideas that could shape the future."
Where Creativity Meets Curiosity
The ImagineNation Kids Expo is built for young minds who love to tinker, dream, and explore. This year’s event lineup includes:
- AI, robotics, and engineering exhibits for hands-on STEM learning
- Virtual reality experiences and animation workshops
- Face painting, laser tag, and five LEGO build zones
- Meet-and-greets with Ghostbusters, Star Wars characters, and more
- Katy Rock Mining gem dig and plenty of take-home treasures
From building cities out of bricks to learning how bio-tech can spark the changes of tomorrow, the expo creates opportunities for kids to get messy, make something new, and maybe even spark a lifelong interest in science or art.
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And then there’s Zarnok—the galaxy-hopping alien “visitor” whose discovery of Earth’s imaginative children (after surviving a marshmallow meteor storm, no less) kicked off the event’s otherworldly theme. His mission? To gather fellow space travelers and experience Earth’s most creative expo. You can hear his full story in a charming 60-second audio commercial on SoundCloud.
According to the lore, after his surprise landing at last year’s expo, Zarnok returned to his home planet bursting with enthusiasm—and a mission. “Their young ones build worlds with plastic bricks and battle villains dressed like snack cakes! We must attend this Earth ‘expo’ and… BRING EVERYONE!” he broadcasted to the people of Wonderton. That spirited message kicked off a new chapter of cosmic curiosity, capturing the heart of what ImagineNation is all about: playful innovation, wild creativity, and the kind of joyful discovery that inspires kids to dream bigger than ever.
Supporting Kids Who Need It Most
Beyond the science and fun, the ImagineNation Kids Expo has heart. A portion of proceeds will go to Champions Kids Camp, a Houston-based nonprofit helping children heal from adversity through music, art, and storytelling.
“We are honored to partner with ImagineNation Kids Expo to continue our mission of giving kids a safe place to express themselves, discover new talents, and find hope after hardship,” said Bill Nash, co-founder of Champions Kids Camp alongside his wife, Kim. The couple—both Grammy-winning songwriters—have long used creativity as a path to healing.
More Than Just a Weekend Event
Whether your child is a future engineer, budding artist, or just in it for the laser tag and LEGOs, there’s something for everyone. Admission is family-friendly, and every attendee receives a special ImagineNation shopping bag filled with educational goodies and ways to engage even after the event ends.
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Originally launched in Katy, the expo is now expanding to three Texas cities—Katy, Rosenberg, and New Braunfels—as it continues to build a movement around curiosity, connection, and community.
For tickets, vendor info, and the full event schedule, visit ImagineNationExpo.com. To learn more about the nonprofit beneficiary, visit ChampionsKidsCamp.org.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
