Super Science Saturday FAQ

Get your questions answered through our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Super Science Saturday.

Where is the event located? 

The event is hosted at the NSF NCAR Mesa Lab at 1850 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder, CO 80305. Take a look at our Plan Your Trip page to learn how to navigate from the parking lot to the building. The building has a strict parking and occupancy capacity. Please consider carpooling, biking, or hiking to the event! 

What should I expect from the event? 

This fun extravaganza is a celebration of Earth science! There will be tables with activities, science demonstrations from the NSF NCAR Wizards, face painting, and much more. We pull out all the stops for this one-day event, all in the name of exploring science.

What is the noise level like during the event? 

For those who may get overstimulated, please keep in mind that this is typically a loud and crowded event. We have a quiet room available for any visitors who may need a place to retreat. If a private room is needed, please request assistance from someone at the Welcome Table. 

Who should attend the event?

Anyone is welcome at Super Science Saturday! This event is designed for families with young children (typically ages 4-12 years old); however, we do get attendees of all ages who want to learn more about science in a fun and interactive way. 

Are tickets necessary to reserve in advance? 

There is no ticketing process to attend Super Science Saturday. You can come and go at your leisure, but please note that there may be a wait if the building is at capacity.

Some shows during the event will require a wristband for attendance to ensure we maintain the capacity of certain rooms. Pick up a wristband outside of the auditorium, which the Welcome Table can help direct you to. These wristbands tend to sell out quickly due to high interest, so visit this table early if you want to attend a show.

Do we have to pay to attend? 

Super Science Saturday is a free event for the public! Thanks to the National Science Foundation (NSF), the UCAR Center for Science Education (SciEd), and Friends of the National Center (FoNC) for this showcase event. There is neither an entry fee nor a parking fee.

Will the event be inside or outside? 

Potentially a combination of both, depending on the weather! We plan an indoor-outdoor event, but if the weather doesn't cooperate, we will move some festivities inside. Plan to dress accordingly if you would like the full indoor-outdoor experience.

Is there a private nursing room? 

A private nursing room is available for attendees to use during the event. To access this room, please proceed to the Welcome Table in the Mesa Lab lobby. You will be given a badge to enter the room and be guided to its location. Once you are finished using the space, please return the badge to the Welcome Table. 

Are masks or vaccinations required to attend the event? 

Currently, masks and vaccinations are not required to take part in the event. Please keep in mind that some activities are located in the building, where it may get crowded at times. Visitors are more than welcome to wear a mask at their discretion. On the day of the event, each visitor should assess their general health. If someone feels or appears ill, we ask that person to return on another day. 

Will food and drink be available?

The NSF NCAR Café is open for food and beverage service during the event, and you can purchase your lunch by card or cash. There are also several water fountains available throughout the building, both for drinking and refilling water bottles. 

Where are ADA drop-off and parking located? 

If you need drop-off with ramp entry, you can do so just after the stop sign on the right-hand side by the trailhead. This route is a short uphill driveway to the building. If you need a route without a hill, please speak to a parking attendant, and they can direct you to an alternate location. There are 10 ADA-compliant parking spots at the beginning of the parking lot. For more information, visit our helpful tips page. 

Will there be a photographer at the event? 

We may have a professional photographer onsite during this year's event. Based on the photo and recording policy in the Mesa Lab building and property, you consent to having your image or likeness captured by the photographer when you are onsite. The resulting materials, including photos, video, and audio recordings, may be used by UCAR, without restriction, in news and promotional materials, on UCAR websites, and in similar vehicles in support of the nonprofit research and education mission of UCAR.

If you do not want to be photographed or recorded, please notify the individuals capturing the photos. If you see a use of your image or likeness displayed on a UCAR website that you would like removed, you can contact scied@ucar.edu.