The robot R2-D2, a large lizard riding around on its owner’s arm, and a whole bunch of scientists and science educators welcomed kids to Family Science Days on Saturday. Stomping on plastic bottles to launch rockets at different angles and painting with glowing bacteria were some of the popular activities.

This free event is open to the public and continues on Sunday in the Hynes Convention Center Exhibit Hall at the AAAS Annual Meeting. Families with children, teenagers and young adults can take part in a Meet the Scientists event, hand-on activities, and stage shows.