
Calendar of Events
Past Events › Hands-on Activity

Cardboard City
One event on December 29, 2024 at 12:30 pm
One event on January 1, 2025 at 4:00 pm
One event on January 4, 2025 at 10:30 am
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Work with fellow museum visitors in Spark!Lab Smithsonian to create an expansive cardboard city. Build homes, skyscrapers, churches, parks, stores… whatever you can imagine. This is an ongoing collaborative project that will grow and change throughout the day. 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.
Find out more »
Do-it-Yourself Snow Globe
One event on December 27, 2024 at 10:30 am
One event on December 28, 2024 at 10:30 am
One event on December 29, 2024 at 12:30 pm
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Visit The Shop for a unique opportunity to create a classic snow globe. Combine a plastic jar with a variety of festive miniature items to create a classic winter scene. 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 »
Cardboard City
One event on January 5, 2025 at 12:30 pm
One event on March 26, 2025 at 4:00 pm
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Work with fellow museum visitors in Spark!Lab Smithsonian to create an expansive cardboard city. Build homes, skyscrapers, churches, parks, stores… whatever you can imagine. This is an ongoing collaborative project that will grow and change throughout the day. 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.
Find out more »
Do-it-Yourself Snow Globe
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Visit The Shop for a unique opportunity to create a classic snow globe. Combine a plastic jar with a variety of festive miniature items to create a classic winter scene. 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 »
Wooden Pull Toys
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Visit The Shop to create a classic wooden pull toy. Choose from a variety of materials and go to work with your choice of woodworking tools to create a toy that will dutifully follow you wherever 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.
Find out more »
Wooden Pull Toys
One event on December 31, 2024 at 10:30 am
One event on January 1, 2025 at 10:30 am
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Visit The Shop to create a classic wooden pull toy. Choose from a variety of materials and go to work with your choice of woodworking tools to create a toy that will dutifully follow you wherever 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.
Find out more »
Wooden Pull Toys
One event on December 31, 2024 at 10:30 am
One event on January 1, 2025 at 10:30 am
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Visit The Shop to create a classic wooden pull toy. Choose from a variety of materials and go to work with your choice of woodworking tools to create a toy that will dutifully follow you wherever 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.
Find out more »
Cardboard City
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Work with fellow museum visitors in Spark!Lab Smithsonian to create an expansive cardboard city. Build homes, skyscrapers, churches, parks, stores… whatever you can imagine. This is an ongoing collaborative project that will grow and change throughout the day. 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.
Find out more »
Do-it-Yourself Wooden Racer
An event every day that begins at 10:30 am, repeating until January 4, 2025
One event on January 5, 2025 at 12:30 pm
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Visit The Shop to put your automotive design skills to the test. Using wood and a variety of tools, you can design and build your very own race car. 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.
Find out more »
Do-it-Yourself Wooden Racer
An event every day that begins at 10:30 am, repeating until January 4, 2025
One event on January 5, 2025 at 12:30 pm
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Visit The Shop to put your automotive design skills to the test. Using wood and a variety of tools, you can design and build your very own race car. 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.
Find out more »
Cardboard City
One event on December 29, 2024 at 12:30 pm
One event on January 1, 2025 at 4:00 pm
One event on January 4, 2025 at 10:30 am
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Work with fellow museum visitors in Spark!Lab Smithsonian to create an expansive cardboard city. Build homes, skyscrapers, churches, parks, stores… whatever you can imagine. This is an ongoing collaborative project that will grow and change throughout the day. 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.
Find out more »
Do-it-Yourself Wooden Racer
An event every day that begins at 10:30 am, repeating until January 4, 2025
One event on January 5, 2025 at 12:30 pm
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Visit The Shop to put your automotive design skills to the test. Using wood and a variety of tools, you can design and build your very own race car. 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.
Find out more »
Cardboard City
One event on January 5, 2025 at 12:30 pm
One event on March 26, 2025 at 4:00 pm
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Work with fellow museum visitors in Spark!Lab Smithsonian to create an expansive cardboard city. Build homes, skyscrapers, churches, parks, stores… whatever you can imagine. This is an ongoing collaborative project that will grow and change throughout the day. 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.
Find out more »
Do-it-Yourself Wooden Racer
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Visit The Shop to put your automotive design skills to the test. Using wood and a variety of tools, you can design and build your very own race car. 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.
Find out more »
Open Build: Fabric
One event on January 11, 2025 at 10:30 am
One event on January 12, 2025 at 12:30 pm
Reno, NV 89501 United States
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.
Find out more »
Open Build: Fabric
Reno, NV 89501 United States
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.
Find out more »
Open Build: Fabric
Reno, NV 89501 United States
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.
Find out more »
The Buzz About Bees
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Join our friends from the Northern Nevada Beekeepers Association for a hands-on exploration of beekeeping. Starting with a short presentation on the life of a bee, participants will then rotate through activities designed to help them explore various aspects of bees and beekeeping. Activities will include beekeeping attire, candle making, honeycomb crayons rubbings, and more! Two sessions beginning at 10:30am and 1:00pm. Preregistration is not required, but capacity is limited so prompt arrival is recommended. Northern Nevada Beekeepers Association The…
Find out more »
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…
Find out more »
Small Wonder Wednesday: Plasma Cars
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Young learners will explore gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination when they take a spin on one of The Discovery’s plasma cars. Hop on, wiggle, and navigate your way around a designated area in the museum. Beep beep! 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.
Find out more »
Snowflake String Art
One event on January 25, 2025 at 10:30 am
One event on January 26, 2025 at 12:30 pm
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Visit The Shop to create the perfect decoration for winter. Using hammers and nails, you can create a winter-inspired shape to trace with festive winter string. Best of all, what you make is yours to take home! 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 »
Snowflake String Art
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Visit The Shop to create the perfect decoration for winter. Using hammers and nails, you can create a winter-inspired shape to trace with festive winter string. Best of all, what you make is yours to take home! 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 »
Snowflake String Art
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Visit The Shop to create the perfect decoration for winter. Using hammers and nails, you can create a winter-inspired shape to trace with festive winter string. Best of all, what you make is yours to take home! 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 »
Open Build: Yarn
One event on April 6, 2022 at 2:30 pm
One event on January 29, 2025 at 4:00 pm
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Hands-on gets serious in The Shop! In this material-specific session of Open Build, you’ll use real tools to create nearly anything you can imagine out of yarn, ribbon, twine, mason line, and more! Learn to make t-shirt yarn and try other techniques like weaving, crochet, knitting, and macramé. 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…
Find out more »