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SHASTA AND TEHAMA COUNTIES, Calif. — The sounds of laughter, music, and the occasional dinosaur roar filled two communities during this year’s Week of the Young Child, as families gathered for Dino Day: Roar and Explore — a sensory-rich event designed to support early childhood development through play.
Held on separate days at New Life Assembly of God in Corning and Win-River Resort & Casino in Redding, the events brought together hundreds of families, service providers, and community partners, all centered around a simple idea: children learn best when they are free to explore.
At New Life Assembly of God in Corning, families were welcomed into a similarly vibrant environment tailored to younger children and local accessibility. A dinosaur-themed photo station gave families a chance to capture memories, while interactive attractions like Squishy Doodle face painting and appearances from Dan the Dinosaur added to the excitement.
Across both locations, the event design remained consistent: open, engaging, and centered on sensory exploration. Children painted, built, danced, and played freely, while parents connected with local vendors offering resources, services, and support. The environment encouraged movement and interaction, allowing children of all developmental levels to participate comfortably.
For many staff members, the impact of the event was evident in how families engaged with the space.
“It is very rewarding that we impact our families with this type of event,” said Rosa Mena, a Senior Service Coordinator. “We are touching the communities.”
Children gathered closely for story time as Rosa brought stories to life, creating a calm and engaging moment amid the excitement of the day.
Rosa also emphasized the importance of inclusivity, noting the strong presence of bilingual families and the intentional effort to create a welcoming space for both English- and Spanish-speaking communities.
The expansion into Tehama County marked a significant step forward in accessibility, bringing the event closer to families who may not have been able to travel to larger cities in previous years. The Corning event, in particular, highlighted the importance of meeting families where they are.
Liliana Malagon, Case Management Supervisor, said the energy was evident from the moment families began arriving.
“The excitement of the kids as they walk in… they see the dinosaurs and all the activities,” Malagon said. “They’re not sure where to start because there’s so much for them to do.”
That sense of wonder was a defining feature at both locations. Whether it was a child cautiously approaching a moving dinosaur, eagerly jumping into a sensory activity, or proudly showing off face paint, the event created an environment where exploration came naturally.
Meanwhile, at Win-River Resort & Casino, the day began with a traditional dance ceremony from Redding Rancheria, grounding the event in cultural connection and community heritage. From there, the space quickly transformed into a hub of activity. Children moved between stations filled with hands-on experiences — from arts and crafts to movement-based play — while remote-controlled dinosaurs roamed the floor, capturing attention and sparking curiosity.
Excitement peaked whenever the event’s dinosaur made an appearance. Portrayed by Maizy Alspaugh and guided by handler Lydia Rojas, the lovable dinosaur quickly became a highlight for children, who eagerly gathered to meet, follow, and interact with it. The duo, both service coordinators at Far Northern Regional Center, helped create a playful, welcoming atmosphere that encouraged kids to fully embrace the spirit of Dino Day.
I spoke with several vendors at the event, including Kari Bullan of Shasta-Self Rescue Swim Academy, Hannah Houston of Redding Rancheria Head Start, representatives from CBEM LLC, and the team from SPOT Inc. Some were attending Dino Day for the first time, while others were returning after participating in previous years, all expressing excitement about being part of an event that continues to grow in reach and impact. For many, the experience goes beyond outreach, reflecting a deeper connection to the families they serve. “It means everything… being able to find different resources in the community so we can help them and help their children grow and learn,” Houston said.
As Week of the Young Child continues to grow across the region, events like Dino Day demonstrate the impact of combining education, community, and creativity. By transforming everyday spaces into immersive learning environments, organizers are helping families build stronger connections — not just with services, but with each other.
And for the children who attended, the takeaway was simple: a day filled with dinosaurs, discovery, and the freedom to explore.