Calendar of Events

Get ready for the 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse when you visit The Shop to create your own model of our solar system. Using available tools and materials, you can create a working model of the planets that orbit our sun. With the knowledge you’ll gain, you’ll be ready to fully enjoy the eclipse happening on Saturday, October 14. Please note: The Shop offers access to real tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents/caregivers are encouraged to help…

Visit The Shop to create a do-it-yourself eclipse viewer. Using available materials and an ordinary cardboard box, you can create a viewer that will allow you safely observe the annular solar eclipse on Saturday, October 14, 2023. You’ll also have the chance to learn more about the science of solar eclipses. 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…

Visit The Shop to create a do-it-yourself eclipse viewer. Using available materials and an ordinary cardboard box, you can create a viewer that will allow you safely observe the annular solar eclipse. You’ll also have the chance to learn more about the science of solar eclipses. 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.

On October 14, 2023 people across the western United States will witness the sun disappearing behind the moon, turning daylight into twilight, causing the temperature to drop rapidly, and creating a phenomenon called a ring of fire. Prime viewing of the eclipse from The Discovery will occur at approximately 9:21am. 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse Although Reno will not be in the direct path of the annular solar eclipse, viewing will still be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For this awe-inspiring event, the…

It’s officially fall y’all! The perfect time to visit The Shop to use a variety of availability materials like wood, cardboard, fabric, plastic, fall-themed decorations, and more to create fabulous fall decor. Best of all, what you make is yours 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.

All Hallow’s Eve is almost here! The perfect time to visit The Shop to use a variety of availability materials like wood, cardboard, fabric, plastic, Halloween-themed decorations, and more to celebrate the season. Best of all, what you make is yours 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.

Join experts from Nevada Department of Wildlife to explore what makes Nevada wild! NDOW representatives will open the door for museum visitors of all ages to learn more about the bats, birds, snakes and lizards of Nevada, and learn how to become a confident, competent and ethical outdoor enthusiast. The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) is the state agency responsible for the restoration and management of fish and wildlife resources, and the promotion of boating safety on Nevada’s waters. NDOW…

All Hallow’s Eve is almost here! The perfect time to visit The Shop to use a variety of availability materials like wood, cardboard, fabric, plastic, Halloween-themed decorations, and more to celebrate the season. Best of all, what you make is yours 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.

Join experts from the National Forest Foundation to learn about the importance of maintaining a healthy watershed. The National Forest Foundation is the leading organization inspiring personal and meaningful connections to our National Forests, the centerpiece of America’s public lands. Chartered by Congress, the National Forest Foundation was created with a simple mission: bring people together to restore and enhance our National Forests and Grasslands.

All Hallow’s Eve is almost here! The perfect time to visit The Shop to use a variety of availability materials like wood, cardboard, fabric, plastic, Halloween-themed decorations, and more to celebrate the season. Best of all, what you make is yours 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.

All Hallow’s Eve is almost here! The perfect time to visit The Shop to use a variety of availability materials like wood, cardboard, fabric, plastic, Halloween-themed decorations, and more to celebrate the season. Best of all, what you make is yours 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.

Head to The Discovery for a hauntingly good time at the 12th annual Halloween Trick or Treat. Visit the museum in costume and trick-or-treat from gallery to gallery. There’ll be spooky decorations and delicious treats for all the friendly or scary ghosts, ghouls and goblins who dare to attend. Advance tickets are encouraged but not required. A note about costumes: For the safety of all visitors, costumes with weapons of any kind are not allowed.     

All Hallow’s Eve is almost here! The perfect time to visit The Shop to use a variety of availability materials like wood, cardboard, fabric, plastic, Halloween-themed decorations, and more to celebrate the season. Best of all, what you make is yours 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.

It’s officially fall y’all! The perfect time to visit The Shop to use a variety of availability materials like wood, cardboard, fabric, plastic, fall-themed decorations, and more to create fabulous fall decor. Best of all, what you make is yours 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.

Hands-on gets serious in The Shop! In this material-specific session of Open Build, you’ll use real tools to build nearly anything you can imagine out of cardboard. Best of all, what you create is yours 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 use the tools and materials safely in this space.

Join experts from the National Forest Foundation to learn about the importance of maintaining a healthy watershed. The National Forest Foundation is the leading organization inspiring personal and meaningful connections to our National Forests, the centerpiece of America’s public lands. Chartered by Congress, the National Forest Foundation was created with a simple mission: bring people together to restore and enhance our National Forests and Grasslands.

Hands-on gets serious in The Shop! In this material-specific session of Open Build, you’ll use real tools to build nearly anything you can imagine out of cardboard. Best of all, what you create is yours 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 use the tools and materials safely in this space.

Visit The Shop to craft a whimsical owl using a pine cone. Using assorted craft supplies, you can create an owl that is as funny or fantastic as you can imagine. 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.

Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to design a mini ecosystem. Learn about the balance of nature when you assemble layers of rocks, soil, plants, and decorations. Through guided instruction, visitors will understand how these elements interact to create a sustainable environment within a closed container. 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.

Join experts from Nevada Department of Wildlife to explore what makes Nevada wild! NDOW representatives will open the door for museum visitors of all ages to learn more about the bats, birds, snakes and lizards of Nevada, and learn how to become a confident, competent and ethical outdoor enthusiast. The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) is the state agency responsible for the restoration and management of fish and wildlife resources, and the promotion of boating safety on Nevada’s waters. NDOW…

Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to design a mini ecosystem. Learn about the balance of nature when you assemble layers of rocks, soil, plants, and decorations. Through guided instruction, visitors will understand how these elements interact to create a sustainable environment within a closed container. 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.

Join experts from the National Forest Foundation to learn about the importance of maintaining a healthy watershed. The National Forest Foundation is the leading organization inspiring personal and meaningful connections to our National Forests, the centerpiece of America’s public lands. Chartered by Congress, the National Forest Foundation was created with a simple mission: bring people together to restore and enhance our National Forests and Grasslands.

Join visiting artist Zoe Bray to create unique crafts using natural materials. Using sticks, leaves, rocks, and a variety of other natural materials, you can create artistic seasonal decorations. Sessions begin at 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm and 4:00pm. Capacity is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

Visit The Shop to craft a whimsical owl using a pine cone. Using assorted craft supplies, you can create an owl that is as funny or fantastic as you can imagine. 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.