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Our guest list will be announced in the summer of 2023.
Mr. Scott encourages children to ask questions, try different ways of using materials, and explore the world around them. Mr. Scott shares inexpensive (or free) ways to interact with children and help them discover the wonders surrounding them. Whether it be a new way to look at trees or a fun new way to spell their names. Explore more
WQPT PBS KIDS Club members receive admission to the Imagination Station VIP Event and are invited to participate in our WQPT PBS KIDS Club on-air spot that will run all year on WQPT.
In addition, kids (and their families) receive a variety of WQPT PBS KIDS Club goodies including a NEW member benefit, WQPT PBS Passport, giving you access thousands of hours of PBS on-demand program content.
Actual Activity Stations will be announced in the Summer of 2023.
Select one or two "must see" stations and go there first. Your (morning or afternoon) timed admission provides you access to two hours of educational fun!
With more than 20 stations, it's unlikely that you'll see everything. Maps are available when you arrive so you can plan your fun! Our volunteers are also available to help.
Each station is themed around a PBS KIDS® character or program, and typically includes: Meet and greet time with a character, plus an activity or game and a "make-and-take" craft.
Meet Arthur, Volunteer for the River Bend Foodbank.
Meet Cat (from Peg + Cat), roll the dice, play hop scotch, and make an egg maraca.
Meet Cat in the Hat, design a bridge, play Marble Run, and build a bird house.
Meet Clifford, explore a measuring station, play bean bag toss in a dog bowl, and make a Clifford puppet.
Meet Curious George, build with Mega Blocks, construct a castle, and make a Curious George puppet.
Meet Daniel Tiger, call a friend, program a parent to walk a tightrope, and make a Grr-ific Card for a friend.
Meet Katerina Kittycat, play emotions dominoes game, practice setting the table, and make a headband.
Meet Luna, draw a map to your house, find your way through a maze, and take home a luggage tag.
Meet the Man in the Yellow Hat, build with Lincoln Logs, play the yellow hat ring toss game, and make your own yellow tie.
Read aloud to therapy dogs from the QC Canine Assistance Network and receive a paw print wristband.
Hear a story from librarians and receive a free bookmark.
Meet Mr. Scott, make a bug collage, go on a bug hunt, and make a safari hat.
Meet Nature Cat, design with Tangrams, search for fossils, and make a leaf rubbing.
Become an Odd Squad agent and solve odd problems. You will also decode your own Agent number.
Meet Peg (from Peg + Cat), help sort coins, go on a pattern walk, and color by number.
Get creative and help WQPT design a logo.
Meet Jet Propulsion, help Earth revolve around the sun, scoot to the moon, and make your own constellation.
Have fun doing science activities and experiments with Dr. Logan and his students from Western Illinois University
Meet Super WHY! play letter Jenga, spell your name by jumping, and make a picture frame.
Naturalist Dave Murcia from the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will showcase a snake, turtle, and bird of prey.
YOU be the talent in the WQPT-TV studio and see yourself on camera behind a news desk.
Imagination Station is held on the campus of Western Illinois University–QC located at 3300 River Drive, Moline.
Parking* is available at either end (east or west) of the WIU-QC campus. FREE Shuttle Service, which will run continuously from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. approximately every 20 minutes between the Western Illinois University campus and the TaxSlayer Center (west end) parking lot in Moline. *Subject to change.
For a more detailed map, download a map of the WIU-QC campus.
WQPT–Quad Cities PBS is hosting this family event aimed at having fun with entertaining and educational activities for everyone. Super special guests (like Clifford & Daniel Tiger) have their own station with fun activities, great stories and a career exploration track—all reinforcing the learning concepts related to their specific program.
Imagination Station is held on the campus of Western Illinois University-Quad Cities located on the Moline riverfront at 3300 River Drive.
View map
Activities are targeted for children ages 1–7, however all ages are welcome.
Yes! Although the event is free, an admission ticket is required.
Because of the generous support from our sponsors, the event is completely free to the public. You simply need to register, download, print and bring your ticket to the event.
Learn more about becoming an event sponsor.
YES! To ensure that everyone can have a quality experience, we are staggering admission times to AM and PM.
The AM/Morning admission session is 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
The PM/Afternoon admission session is 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Parking is noted above. Or take advantage of the FREE Shuttle Service, which will run continuously from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. approximately every 20 minutes between the Western Illinois University campus and the TaxSlayer Center in Moline.
No. Guests are responsible for their own coats and personal belongings. Please plan accordingly. WQPT, event sponsors and Western Illinois University-QC are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
No. Please note: Food and drinks are not allowed in classrooms or Computer Labs. Bottled water is allowed in rooms except for computer labs. Please help us keep the Western Illinois University campus clean. Thank you.
If a child becomes separated from your group, please report it immediately to the Information Booth at the 1st floor entrance of Riverfront Hall on the Western Illinois University campus.
Yes! We recommend you bring a collapsible or umbrella stroller and park it in the designated stroller parking areas. You may also want to use a sling or backpack. WQPT, Western Illinois University–QC, and event sponsors are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged strollers.
Yes! Sign up today!
More than 200 volunteers are needed over the two-day period to assist with set-up, parking, activities, characters, entertainment and tear down. Volunteers will receive a t-shirt and lunch during their shift. Volunteers will be sent additional information after sign up and are encouraged to attend a volunteer orientation the week prior to the big day.
Volunteers are encouraged to be 18 or older. Youth volunteers 14–18 are encouraged to participate with a parent/guardian.
No. Only official Imagination Station sponsors and WQPT PBS approved activities are allowed to participate. Outside vendors or sales consultants are not allowed. Contact us for more information.