The Bishop Museum is loaded with family-friendly events this weekend that don't cost an arm and a leg to take part in.

The biggie is its fifth annual Mad About Science Festival taking place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Great Lawn.

For three bucks (nonresidents, $15.95), kama'aina as well as military and their families can: 1) learn about climate change through hands-on activities; 2) enjoy a petting zoo and pony rides; 3) tour the museum; 4) try the keiki climbing wall; or 5) check out the Animation exhibit.

"When families decide to come to Bishop Museum events like Mad About Science, it's not only more affordable than going to the movies, but a chance for the entire family to experience something different in one place," said Donalyn Dela Cruz, public affairs director for the museum. "Admission to this event allows access to all of Bishop Museum's exhibit halls."

The festival, along with Animation and most museum events, offers hands-on, educational experiences. Saturday's festival is also unique in that it offers behind-the-scenes tours of natural science exhibits.

"This is the only time during the year when the public can sign up to see and learn about some of the millions of specimens that we have here at Bishop Museum," Dela Cruz said.

One feature of the festival lets visitors walk a carbon footprint trail and learn how to reduce their carbon imprint with daily choices.

There's also a mythbusters' station offering clear answers about climate change, a pedal-power station for keiki and a new "Science on a Sphere" program that will be unveiled.