IRVINE, CA (Sept. 25, 2015):  A Children’s Activities Area will offer families an array of entertainment options at the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2015, to be held Oct. 8-11 and Oct. 15-18 at the Orange County Great Park. The Solar Decathlon challenges collegiate students from across the country and around the world to design, build and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient and attractive.

The Children’s Activities Area adjacent to the Solar Decathlon Village will feature balloon artists, super inflatables, face painting and lawn games. In addition, families can explore the Great Park’s Farm + Food Lab and go for a ride on the Great Park Carousel.

The Children’s Activities Area is open weekends during the Solar Decathlon, October 10-11 and October 17-18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Solar Decathlon public exhibition continues until 7 p.m.

This is the second time the prestigious competition will be hosted by the City of Irvine and held at the Great Park; the 2013 contest drew 64,000 attendees. Visitors to the free Solar Decathlon will have the opportunity to tour 14 solar-powered houses, gather ideas to use in their own homes, and learn how energy-efficient and water-conservation features can help them save money.

More information on the Children’s Activities Area, including maps and parking information, can be found at cityofirvine.org/news-media/news-article/solar-decathlon-2015. For more on the Solar Decathlon, visit solardecathlon.gov.