Calendar of Events

Visitors will be given a half sheet with a colorable superhero on it. They can color it and design the costume, create a backstory, and write down the powers their superhero would have. Please note: This activity includes access to tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young inventors use the tools and materials safely in this space.

Stop by The Discovery’s Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent your own superhero. envision superpowers, create the backstory, design the costume, and more! Please note: This activity includes access to tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young inventors use the tools and materials safely in this space.

Stop by The Discovery’s Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent your own superhero. envision superpowers, create the backstory, design the costume, and more! Please note: This activity includes access to tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young inventors use the tools and materials safely in this space.

Ynes Mexia (May 24, 1870 – July 12, 1938) was a Mexican-American botanical collector and explorer. She is known for her vast collection of novel specimens of plants and flora, obtained by more than a decade of solo field expeditions in the Americas. Visit The Shop to make your own pocket field notebook, a tool in science for collecting scientific observations. After personalizing your Discovery Field Journal, head over to our Energy exhibit to complete a fun exercise in plant identification. Please…

The Discovery’s EMPOW[HER] Collective for Women & Girls in STEM is excited to host the inaugural Girls’ STEM Career Day, a special day designed to help girls and young women explore career possibilities in the STEM fields. Connect with representatives from local STEM businesses and organizations, explore a wide variety of STEM careers, and be inspired by a keynote speaker and expert panel of women in the STEM fields. 10:00am – 3:30pm Museum exploration and interaction with STEM professionals, businesses…

Ynes Mexia (May 24, 1870 – July 12, 1938) was a Mexican-American botanical collector and explorer. She is known for her vast collection of novel specimens of plants and flora, obtained by more than a decade of solo field expeditions in the Americas. Visit The Shop to make your own pocket field notebook, a tool in science for collecting scientific observations. After personalizing your Discovery Field Journal, head over to our Energy exhibit to complete a fun exercise in plant identification. Please…

Stop by The Discovery’s Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent your own superhero. envision superpowers, create the backstory, design the costume, and more! Please note: This activity includes access to tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young inventors use the tools and materials safely in this space.

Ynes Mexia (May 24, 1870 – July 12, 1938) was a Mexican-American botanical collector and explorer. She is known for her vast collection of novel specimens of plants and flora, obtained by more than a decade of solo field expeditions in the Americas. Visit The Shop to make your own pocket field notebook, a tool in science for collecting scientific observations. After personalizing your Discovery Field Journal, head over to our Energy exhibit to complete a fun exercise in plant identification. Please…

Dogs are easy to train. Bugs are not. Except for this cute little fella. He always does what you tell him. But can you program him to navigate an obstacle course or perform a specific action? Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to find out if you have what it takes to code a bug!

Coordinated by the University of Nevada, Reno Aerospace & Defense Academy and AHA Projects, the second annual SciVenture Science Fair showcases innovative projects by young talent in Northern Nevada. Reno’s long-standing tradition of an annual science fair was held at UNR, but during the COVID-19 pandemic the fair was lost. Now, thanks to the passion of two local hight school students, Reno is bringing back the Science Fair—stronger than ever. SciVenture is more than a science competition—it’s an opportunity for…

Dogs are easy to train. Bugs are not. Except for this cute little fella. He always does what you tell him. But can you program him to navigate an obstacle course or perform a specific action? Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to find out if you have what it takes to code a bug!

Can you outrun a leprechaun? Find out at the 14th Annual Leprechaun Race on Sunday, March 15, 2026. The Leprechaun Race is a family-friendly event perfect for first-time 5K participants, families, and seasoned runners alike blending fun, fitness, and community spirit. Whether you’re chasing a PR or chasing rainbows, you’ll find plenty of smiles along the route! This year’s race starts and ends at Reno City Plaza, but a portion of the proceeds still go to The Discovery, Reno Running…

Dogs are easy to train. Bugs are not. Except for this cute little fella. He always does what you tell him. But can you program him to navigate an obstacle course or perform a specific action? Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to find out if you have what it takes to code a bug!

Visitors can use a variety of pieces that could be used to create a new sport, or innovate a sport they like. pieces are cones, various sports pieces, some baskets, small pallets, Tinkertoys and Lego. Please note: This activity includes access to tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young inventors use the tools and materials safely in this space.

The Brain Bee is a regional neuroscience competition for high school students, connected to a global initiative inspiring future neuroscientists. It motivates students to explore the brain and pursue careers that advance treatments and cures for neurological disorders.

Visitors can use a variety of pieces that could be used to create a new sport, or innovate a sport they like. pieces are cones, various sports pieces, some baskets, small pallets, Tinkertoys and Lego. Please note: This activity includes access to tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young inventors use the tools and materials safely in this space.

Step into the fascinating world of the human brain at The UNR Neurology Club’s Neuroscience Fair! Explore interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and live demonstrations that uncover how we think, feel, learn, and remember. This fair encourages the inquiring minds of all ages to discover the science behind what makes us who we are.

Visitors can use a variety of pieces that could be used to create a new sport, or innovate a sport they like. pieces are cones, various sports pieces, some baskets, small pallets, Tinkertoys and Lego. Please note: This activity includes access to tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young inventors use the tools and materials safely in this space.

The Discovery will be open 10:00am to 5:00pm on Monday, March 23 and Monday, March 30, 2026 during Washoe County School District’s spring break. Be sure to check out the calendar of events to see all of the exciting things happening at the museum.

Visitors can use a variety of pieces that could be used to create a new sport, or innovate a sport they like. pieces are cones, various sports pieces, some baskets, small pallets, Tinkertoys and Lego. Please note: This activity includes access to tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young inventors use the tools and materials safely in this space.

Get under the hood at The Discovery! Motor on down to The Discovery for a day filled with hands-on automotive themed activities for car enthusiasts of every age. Join experts from NAPA AutoCare Centers to explore the inner workings of automobiles and the systems that make them go, turn and stop. Here are some of the exciting things happening on this special day:

Visitors can use a variety of pieces that could be used to create a new sport, or innovate a sport they like. pieces are cones, various sports pieces, some baskets, small pallets, Tinkertoys and Lego. Please note: This activity includes access to tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young inventors use the tools and materials safely in this space.

The Discovery will be open 10:00am to 5:00pm on Monday, March 23 and Monday, March 30, 2026 during Washoe County School District’s spring break. Be sure to check out the calendar of events to see all of the exciting things happening at the museum.

Create a character that will grow with the spring flowers in The Shop. Using soil, grass seed, and a variety of other materials, you can create a character that, when nurtured carefully, will grow a healthy crop of grass hair! Please note: The Shop offers access to real tools and materials that can cause injury if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young tinkerers use the tools and materials safely in this space.