
Calendar of Events
Upcoming Events › Hands-on Activity

Build a Boat
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Visit The Shop to design and build your own version of a nautical vessel. Using a selection of buoyant materials and a variety of tools, you can create a boat and then test its seaworthiness. Please note: The Shop offers access to real tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young tinkerers use the tools and materials safely in this space.
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Build a Boat
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Visit The Shop to design and build your own version of a nautical vessel. Using a selection of buoyant materials and a variety of tools, you can create a boat and then test its seaworthiness. Please note: The Shop offers access to real tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young tinkerers use the tools and materials safely in this space.
Find out more »
Spark!Lab Invention Day
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Invention is a process! You’re invited to visit The Discovery’s Spark!Lab Smithsonian to explore the steps in the invention process including think it, sketch it, create it, tweak it, and sell it. Visit a station for each step in the process and who knows, you might just invent something new! Please note: Spark!Lab offers access to tools and materials that can cause injury if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young inventors use the tools and materials safely in this space.
Find out more »
Stuffed Sharks
One event on July 9, 2025 at 10:30 am
One event on July 8, 2025 at 10:30 am
One event on July 12, 2025 at 10:30 am
One event on July 13, 2025 at 12:30 pm
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Visit The Shop to put your creativity and your sewing skills to the test when you design your very own stuffed shark. You’ll use available materials to design and fill your own stuffed shark to keep! 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 practice the safe use of the tools and materials in this space.
Find out more »
Spark!Lab Invention Day
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Invention is a process! You’re invited to visit The Discovery’s Spark!Lab Smithsonian to explore the steps in the invention process including think it, sketch it, create it, tweak it, and sell it. Visit a station for each step in the process and who knows, you might just invent something new! Please note: Spark!Lab offers access to tools and materials that can cause injury if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young inventors use the tools and materials safely in this space.
Find out more »
Stuffed Sharks
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Visit The Shop to put your creativity and your sewing skills to the test when you design your very own stuffed shark. You’ll use available materials to design and fill your own stuffed shark to keep! 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 practice the safe use of the tools and materials in this space.
Find out more »
Invent a Spaceship
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Humans have long endeavored to travel among the stars. To do so, we need innovative spaceships that go farther and faster than ever before. Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent a spacecraft using recycled materials, considering things like how it will be powered, where it will travel, who will be at the controls, and other important aspects of the mission. Please note: This activity includes access to tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to…
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Open build: Cardboard Robots
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Visit The Shop to create a robot friend using a variety of materials including cardboard. Use real tools and combine a variety of materials to create your version of a robot that can help you accomplish daily tasks. Best of all, what you make is your to keep! Please note: The Shop offers access to real tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents/caregivers are encouraged to help young tinkerers use the tools and materials safely in this space.
Find out more »
Invent a Spaceship
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Humans have long endeavored to travel among the stars. To do so, we need innovative spaceships that go farther and faster than ever before. Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent a spacecraft using recycled materials, considering things like how it will be powered, where it will travel, who will be at the controls, and other important aspects of the mission. Please note: This activity includes access to tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to…
Find out more »
Open build: Cardboard Robots
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Visit The Shop to create a robot friend using a variety of materials including cardboard. Use real tools and combine a variety of materials to create your version of a robot that can help you accomplish daily tasks. Best of all, what you make is your to keep! Please note: The Shop offers access to real tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents/caregivers are encouraged to help young tinkerers use the tools and materials safely in this space.
Find out more »
Invent a Spaceship
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Humans have long endeavored to travel among the stars. To do so, we need innovative spaceships that go farther and faster than ever before. Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent a spacecraft using recycled materials, considering things like how it will be powered, where it will travel, who will be at the controls, and other important aspects of the mission. Please note: This activity includes access to tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to…
Find out more »