This spring, Prescott families are invited to step into a world of curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning at the YES! Explorers Challenge, an interactive STEAM event hosted by Yavapai Exploration & Science (YES!). Designed especially for children ages 5–12, the event blends science, technology, engineering, art, and math into a playful outdoor experience that sparks imagination and builds confidence.
The YES! Explorers Challenge will take place on Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Granite Creek Park. Young explorers will rotate through a series of engaging activity stations that encourage experimentation, collaboration, and creative problem-solving — all in a relaxed, family-friendly environment.
Hands-On Learning That Feels Like Play
At the heart of the Explorers Challenge are five hands-on STEAM activities, thoughtfully designed to meet kids where they are developmentally while still challenging them to think critically and creatively. Rather than passive learning, children are encouraged to touch, build, test, and explore — discovering that learning happens best when curiosity leads the way.
The $25 per child registration includes:
- A YES! Explorers Challenge T-shirt
- Participation in five STEAM activity stations
- Take-home goodies to extend the experience beyond the park
Each activity is designed to foster confidence and resilience, helping kids learn that trying, testing, and even making mistakes are all part of the discovery process.
About Yavapai Exploration & Science (YES!)
Yavapai Exploration & Science is a Prescott-based nonprofit dedicated to making STEAM education accessible, inclusive, and engaging for children and families throughout Yavapai County. YES! believes that curiosity is a powerful tool — and that every child deserves opportunities to explore how the world works through hands-on, inquiry-based learning.
Through community events like the Explorers Challenge, outreach programs, and interactive experiences, YES! creates welcoming spaces where children can see themselves as scientists, engineers, artists, and innovators. Their programs are intentionally designed to complement traditional education by offering real-world applications of STEAM concepts in fun, approachable ways.
YES! also places a strong emphasis on equity and access, working to remove barriers to STEAM education and ensuring families from all backgrounds feel invited to participate.
Building Confidence, Curiosity, and Community
Events like the YES! Explorers Challenge do more than teach science concepts — they help children develop confidence in their abilities, strengthen teamwork skills, and build a lifelong love of learning. By hosting the event outdoors at Granite Creek Park, YES! creates a setting that feels open, welcoming, and connected to the community it serves.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to take part alongside their children, making the day not just an educational experience, but a shared family memory. It’s also an opportunity for families to connect with a local nonprofit that is deeply invested in nurturing the next generation of thinkers and problem-solvers.
Why STEAM Education Matters
STEAM education plays a critical role in preparing children for the future — not just academically, but creatively and emotionally. By integrating art with science and engineering, YES! helps kids understand that innovation is fueled by imagination as much as technical skill.
The Explorers Challenge is a reminder that learning doesn’t have to be intimidating or rigid. It can be joyful, hands-on, and rooted in community — and it can start as simply as a child asking, “What happens if I try this?”
Families interested in attending are encouraged to register early, as space is limited. For more information visit: https://www.yes-az.org/yes-explorers-challenge