Hundreds of young families packed a park in City Heights this weekend, for a chance to meet their favorite characters, listen to storytellers, and get creative with crayons. It was the Project Qkids Expo, and it was more than just a fun family outing. It was also a chance for parent and their children to prepare for that big step into kindergarten.

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"I think a lot of the parents are really surprised by the information they can pick up here today -- information and tools about organizations that care" said Karen Rostodha of KPBS. The public television station helped sponsor the event in partnership with KGTV, and the First 5 Commission of San Diego.

KGTV brought in the Children's 10 Mobile, to provide free health, nutrition, safety, and fitness information to parents. Health workers tested children's sight, and ran them through simple tests to make sure they have reached all their developmental goals.

Their parents faced a test of their own. Volunteers stopped cars as they drove in and checked to make sure child safety seats were installed correctly.

But not everything was so serious. A stop in the Rad Hatter's tent brought out the kid in everyone, no matter what age.

"The kids get a chance to express their creativity (by making) a hat that they can take out and wear places," says Jennifer Lamon, who showed the budding artists how to decorate their paper bag hats with crayons, markers, feathers, and glue.

The goal of the Project QKids Expo was to ensure that all San Diego County children, ages zero to five, are healthy and ready to learn when they enter kindergarten.

If you missed the expo, you can still learn more about Project QKids at www.projectqkids@kpbs.org. Or call (619) 296-1502 for more information.