World Finals is more than a just a competition! It’s a chance to explore a University campus, make new friends from around the world, and to stretch your creative problem-solving skills through all typesof special activities and events. Be sure to share all the fun with your friends and family at home using #odysseywf!

Creativity Festival
Test your creativity and skill at the Odyssey of the Mind Association booths that offer various creative challenges. NASA will also be back with a fun and interactive booth. Also, visit the CCI pin exhibit for some Odyssey history, see the Ranatra Fusca trophy, and much more. For more information download the Creativity Festival Flier.

NASA Activities
NASA will be offering different hands-on activities led by a NASA scientist during Classroom Activities. Plus, come join us at the NASA Science Talks where subject matter experts share their research. At the Creativity Festival, view satellite images of Earth and more! Attendance for all NASA hands-on activities is free, but you must register ahead of time. Find out more information and register here!

Odyssey Angels
Meet the Odyssey Angels group selected to attend World Finals. You can watch as its members showcase their creative project and how it helped their community. They will be presenting the project during the Creativity Festival, showtimes will be posted there. Also at the Creativity Festival, learn more about this community service initiative at the Odyssey Angels booth. There is more information if you download the Odyssey Angels Flier.

Float & Banner Parade
The Float & Banner Parade will be held on Thursday evening. All State, Provincial, and Country Associations, as well as other Unaffiliated State and Country Representatives, are encouraged to submit an entry. See teams from around the world express their creativity and pride for their association! Contact your Local Director if you want to participate in the parade with your association. Check out what is happening on campus each night here!

Graduation / Coaches Competition
Support fellow participants at a special graduation ceremony held for those missing their graduations to be at World Finals. Dr. Sam, OMER, and this year’s Spirit Award winner will attend. Afterwards, stick around for the Coaches Competition. Cheer on coaches as they solve a problem written especially for them. The competition is their chance to show off all the creative ideas they’ve kept to themselves during the year, so it’s sure to be fun! Both events are held on Friday starting at 7:00 pm. Coaches’ and Officials’ Competition Info.

Pin Trading
Trading Odyssey of the Mind pins is a tradition that goes back more than 35 years. Millions of pins have been traded and thousands of friendships have been made during this time. No one ever thought that pin-trading would become as popular and widespread as it is today. Over the years, Odyssey of the Mind has created an environment where people can trade pins without being disruptive to the competition. To keep pin-trading a positive experience for everyone, please read our pin trading rules.

ISU Campus
Explore ISU’s beautiful campus and all it has to offer! Teams have access to many recreational activities the University offers: swimming, bowling, basketball, and more! Learn more  here. Part of the recreation opportunities on campus include a Rock Climbing Wall. All minors must have a released signed by a parent or guardian to participate. Download the release form here.
Also be sure to check out ISU Cytes — a guide to fun locations throughout campus and Ames. Get the full college experience by visiting the Campustown district in Ames as well! Visit the Ames Campustown website here.

Downtown Ames
With more than 50 locally-owned specialty retail shops and restaurants, the Main Street Cultural District is the perfect destination to enjoy strolling along the beautiful sidewalks, visiting with the friendly shop owners and grabbing a bite to eat at any of the local restaurants. The Octagon Center for the Arts, providing gallery exhibits, art classes for children and adults and an art shop featuring Iowa artists. Enjoy a hands-on card making activity and take a guided exhibition tour to learn more about the art and artists represented in the current gallery exhibit. More information about downtown Ames here.

 

See times/locations: Schedule of Events

Have questions about activities? Check out the FAQ!