Calendar of Events

Join us in The Shop to combine creativity and technology when you design your own custom video game controller. Using a variety of materials and a Makey Makey board, you can design and test a controller you can actually use to play games on your favorite console. 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…

3D printing technology is changing the fields of design and manufacturing at a rapid rate. Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to witness the layer-by-layer creation of various objects, learn about the materials and technologies involved, and understand the applications and implications of 3D printing across industries like healthcare, engineering, and art.

Join us in The Shop to combine creativity and technology when you design your own custom video game controller. Using a variety of materials and a Makey Makey board, you can design and test a controller you can actually use to play games on your favorite console. 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…

Young discoverers will be asked to create geometric shapes and patterns using rubber bands on a pegboard, enhancing spatial awareness and creativity. Please note: This activity is offered as part of The Discovery’s Small Wonder Wednesday program and is limited to attendees ages 5 and under.

Prepare for lift-off when you build a rocket using the provided template and then test your rocket’s flight capabilities using the museum’s air launcher to send your spacecraft soaring! Note: This activity is designed for all ages. Younger rocket builders may require assistance from an adult/caregiver. Multiple attempts to successfully build and launch a rocket are encouraged.

Prepare for lift-off when you build a rocket using the provided template and then test your rocket’s flight capabilities using the museum’s air launcher to send your spacecraft soaring! Note: This activity is designed for all ages. Younger rocket builders may require assistance from an adult/caregiver. Multiple attempts to successfully build and launch a rocket are encouraged.

Join us in The Shop and make your stylish tote from previously used fabric! This hands-on activity lets you design and assemble a unique, eco-friendly tote you can use to carry books, toys, and nearly anything else. Unleash your creativity and leave with a stylish and functional accessory. 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…

Join us in The Shop and make your stylish tote from previously used fabric! This hands-on activity lets you design and assemble a unique, eco-friendly tote you can use to carry books, toys, and nearly anything else. Unleash your creativity and leave with a stylish and functional accessory. 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…

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.

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.

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 put your creativity and your crafting skills to the test when you design your very own stuffed dinosaur. With the help of the museum’s educators, you’ll use available materials to design and fill your own plush dino. Best of all, what you make 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 practice the safe use…

Visit The Shop to create a dinosaur-themed classic wooden pull toy. Choose from a variety of materials and go to work with your choice of woodworking tools to create a prehistoric toy that will fondly follow you everywhere you go! 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 The Shop to create a dinosaur-themed classic wooden pull toy. Choose from a variety of materials and go to work with your choice of woodworking tools to create a prehistoric toy that will fondly follow you everywhere you go! 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 The Shop to create a dinosaur-themed classic wooden pull toy. Choose from a variety of materials and go to work with your choice of woodworking tools to create a prehistoric toy that will fondly follow you everywhere you go! 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 The Shop to create a dinosaur-themed classic wooden pull toy. Choose from a variety of materials and go to work with your choice of woodworking tools to create a prehistoric toy that will fondly follow you everywhere you go! 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.

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.

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.

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 like a sewing machine, hot glue and fabric glue to create nearly anything you can imagine out of fabric. Best of all, what you create is yours to keep! 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.

In The Shop, hands-on gets serious. During Open Build, take your pick from a variety of materials and use real tools to design and build nearly anything you can imagine. Best of all, what you create is yours to keep! 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.

Get ready for a hauntingly good time at The Discovery’s 13th 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 suggested, but not required. A note about costumes: For the safety of all visitors, costumes with weapons of any kind are not allowed.     

Celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) at The Discovery when you make your own wearable Calavera, a traditional symbol of the holiday. Design and decorate your own colorful skull mask to celebrate the holiday or any time of the year. 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 are encouraged to help young tinkerers use the…

A Catrina doll is a representation of the iconic skeleton woman, La Catrina, who is a symbol of the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration. In this activity, museum visitors will make their own Catrina doll using colored paper, packing peanuts, and a variety of other craft supplies for decoration. Note: This activity is designed for all ages. Younger participants may require assistance from an adult/caregiver. Adults are encouraged to help young particpants use the tools and…