Mind Over Marshmallows

Step into the science of smart choices! Join us for a fun, hands-on interactive event for children aged 5–12 and their grown- ups, where science meets everyday life.Through exciting hands-on activities, games, and challenges, families will explore the fascinating science of how we make choices.

Together, you'll discover how people balance short-term rewards with long-term goals, learn from past experiences, and navigate everyday decisions—for example those involving money and spending.Along the way, you'll uncover the powerful role emotions play in decision-making. From excitement and anticipation to uncertainty, disappointment, regret, and relief, we'll explore how feelings can shape the choices we make.

✨ Learn together
✨ Play together
✨ Build skills for life

Perfect for curious minds and families who want to make smarter choices.

The event will feature a range of hands-on activity stations inspired by current psychological research and designed for children aged 5-12. Led by researchers specialising in child development, decision-making and emotions, activities will explore topics such as self-control, delayed gratification and anticipating future feelings through fun, interactive games.

Dr Agnieszka Graham, Senior Lecturer, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast

Dr Sara Lorimer, Lecutrer in Cognative Psychology, University of Ulster 

Professor Teresa McCormack, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast

Dr Bethany Corbett, Lecturer in Developmental/Educational Psychology, University of Ulster

In person participatroy event, 2-hour drop in format

Children aged 5-12 and their parents/caregivers

16/10/2026