Getting Hands-on at the 'Science of Gingerbread' Exhibit

Guess who met up with Santa at Discovery Cube Los Angeles?

Christmas and all of its accompanying holiday fun could not get started fast enough this year! So the kiddos and I could not wait to deliver CC's gingerbread house creation to Discovery Cube Los Angeles' annual "Science of Gingerbread" competition—and check out the rest of the exhibit as well!

CC enters her creation!

After dropping off her gingerbread masterpiece, we went inside to check out all of the new, hands-on features that are part of the "Science of Gingerbread" exhibit, which runs through Jan. 3, 2016, at Discovery Cube LA.

First, we met up with Santa (pictured up top). I was so excited that Will was OK with sitting on Santa's lap. He can sometimes be wary of sitting on anyone's lap—including his parents'—so this was a big success.

Then we saw a gorgeous display of gingerbread houses that had been entered into the competition. People got so creative! Loved the oversized marshmallow pigs. We'll have to try those next year.

The kids also indulged in a little cookie decorating. (The next sessions will come this weekend.) Somehow they both managed to cover their faces in frosting, but hey, it was fun for them to pick the color of icing and sprinkles for their cookies, so why not?

CC and Will could not resist the Gingerbread Derby, which invites kids build their own race cars out of fun, edible materials like graham crackers, jelly beans, mints (for wheels) and gummy bears. Will, who has a total sweet tooth like his mom (ahem), basically just wanted to eat it until he realized that his car could actually move—and raced really well on the exhibit ramp.

CC and Will build their gingerbread race cars.

While this was our last activity for the day, there were plenty of other fun holiday-themed activities for kids to do.

They can also learn about chemistry in the kitchen—which ingredients dissolve more easily in water? There's also the Gingerbread Spice and Build a House Learning Stations and the Science of Snow Stage Show. Take a pic with Santa this weekend or between Dec. 19-24.

CC and Will show off—and start eating—their gingerbread cars.

We had a fantastic time, and the kiddos are already asking to go back!

Discovery Cube Los Angeles
The Science of Gingerbread (November 27-January 3)
11800 Foothill Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 91342
Tickets: $10 for adults and kids through January 3. Kids ages 2 and under are free.

(Disclosure: I am being compensated for this post in my position as a #DiscoveryCubeMoms LA Ambassador. All opinions, however, are my own.)