Inspire Your Kid to Imagine, Create & Innovate!

Are you looking for a way to nurture and grow your kids’ artistic talents, math skills, history interest, or engineering mindset? Introduce them to a dynamic learning experience that is also fun? Provide them with a creative outlet that also challenges them?

Destination Imagination of New York (NYDI) helps kids explore their interests and talents while building confidence, problem-solving skills, and lifelong friendships.

Through engaging, hands-on team challenges, students learn to think creatively, collaborate, and tackle complex problems—all while having an amazing time.

NYDI is now enrolling teams throughout New York!

Exclusive Offer

Macaroni KID parent-organized teams receive 25% off NY tournament fees. Mention "Macaroni KID" when you contact us to receive your discount.

To learn more or to start your team contact:

Region	Director	Email	Phone
Eastern NY	Martha	[email protected]	(914) 440-0470
Western NY	Jon	[email protected]	(716) 320-0474

Not located in New York? See our Affiliate List to find your local Destination Imagination affiliate orgranization!

What Is Destination Imagination?

Destination Imagination is an award-winning STEAM-based program where students work in teams to solve exciting, open-ended challenges spanning disciplines such as engineering, storytelling, improvisation, and performance.

Instead of memorizing answers, kids learn how to think—developing creativity, resilience, communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills that benefit them in school and beyond.

Why Parents Love Destination Imagination

We empower young people to become the creative, collaborative leaders of tomorrow.

Imagine your child...

Excited to tackle difficult problems
Confident sharing new ideas
Working together with teammates
Finding creative solutions no one else imagined
Learning that perseverance leads to success

That's what Destination Imagination is all about.

Students participating in a Destination Imagination tournament

Skills That Last a Lifetime

Destination Imagination Alumni carry the skills they learned in our program long after their last tournament, and use them throughout their lives. Many continue as volunteers to help future generations benefit from the experience.

Jenna Pressman, a master’s degree recipient in engineering, has applied the creative and leadership skills she learned to both her personal and professional life, as she stated:

“I learned to take charge, drive conversations when people disagreed, and keep the environment collaborative. These are not easy skills to learn, but DI helps you rise to that challenge. I also learned to think on my toes with confidence, which was critical when presenting my master’s degree thesis.”

Supported by Educators Across New York

NYDI partners with teachers, school districts, parents, and communities across the state that are committed to education. We have long-standing programs in Westchester County and the Buffalo region:

Tracy Taylor, Elementary School Principal, Blind Brook-Rye Union Free School District, says as a school administrator and volunteer:

“As an educator and volunteer with Destination Imagination of NY, I have witnessed firsthand the value of DI and how student-driven learning can look when students truly take ownership.”

Mike Lovering, 6th Grade Teacher at Orchard Park Middle School, sees the positive impact of DI in the classroom:

“Because DI encourages kids to take on challenging work, they learn to appreciate that struggle leads to unique, thoughtful outcomes. I also don’t have to motivate DI students to meet classroom expectations—they push themselves to exceed them.”

Mike isn't just a supportive educator! He's an 10-year alumnus of Destination Imagination, and has served as a Team Manager and Appraiser for over 20 years.

We inspire young people to imagine and innovate today so they become the creative and collaborative leaders of tomorrow.

To learn more or to start your team contact:

Region	Director	Email	Phone
Eastern NY	Martha	[email protected]	(914) 440-0470
Western NY	Jon	[email protected]	(716) 320-0474

Not located in New York? See our Affiliate List to find your local Destination Imagination affiliate orgranization!

The Nuts & Bolts

Who

Students in grades K-12 and University can participate in Destination Imagination by forming or joining a team.

When

The DI season begins in the fall, aligning with the start of the school year. Teams select a Challenge to solve and work together on their solutions for 3–5 months, meeting more frequently as the season progresses.

The Journey

Destination Imagination is a journey of discovery, creation, and exploration, in which kids are the heroes! Ideas come from the team members; adults are present to explain the challenge, support, teach skills, and ensure safety.

The Destination

Teams present their solutions at our NY Regional Tournaments in late winter, and the top teams advance to our Affiliate Tournament (state finals), taking place in early spring. Top NY teams are invited to Global Finals, in late May.