Calendar of Events

To accompany the opening of the 2026 Olympics spark!lab will have shaping shoes. an activity that focuses on the functionality of shoes and recognizing them as an invention. Using a cardboard shoe base, tape, ribbon and other decorative materials visitors can make a shoe that is brand new, or create a new design prototype while focusing on what its function will be. Please note: This activity includes access to tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged…

Get prepared for Valentine’s Day the Discovery way. Visitors can create their own stuffed hearts using colorful fabrics, soft poly-fil, and sewing supplies. This activity is a delightful and fun way to learn basic sewing skills and take home a handmade, heart-shaped treasure. 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.

To accompany the opening of the 2026 Olympics spark!lab will have shaping shoes. an activity that focuses on the functionality of shoes and recognizing them as an invention. Using a cardboard shoe base, tape, ribbon and other decorative materials visitors can make a shoe that is brand new, or create a new design prototype while focusing on what its function will be. Please note: This activity includes access to tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged…

Get prepared for Valentine’s Day the Discovery way. Visitors can create their own stuffed hearts using colorful fabrics, soft poly-fil, and sewing supplies. This activity is a delightful and fun way to learn basic sewing skills and take home a handmade, heart-shaped treasure. 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.

To accompany the opening of the 2026 Olympics spark!lab will have shaping shoes. an activity that focuses on the functionality of shoes and recognizing them as an invention. Using a cardboard shoe base, tape, ribbon and other decorative materials visitors can make a shoe that is brand new, or create a new design prototype while focusing on what its function will be. Please note: This activity includes access to tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged…

Get prepared for Valentine’s Day the Discovery way. Visitors can create their own stuffed hearts using colorful fabrics, soft poly-fil, and sewing supplies. This activity is a delightful and fun way to learn basic sewing skills and take home a handmade, heart-shaped treasure. 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.

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.

Visit The Shop to craft in celebration of Lunar New Year (Tuesday, February 17, 2026). Visitors will be supplied materials for simple circuitry to power LED lights. As we design our lanterns, we will think about embracing courage, balance, and new and exciting opportunities for this next year. 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.

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.

Visit The Shop to craft in celebration of Lunar New Year (Tuesday, February 17, 2026). Visitors will be supplied materials for simple circuitry to power LED lights. As we design our lanterns, we will think about embracing courage, balance, and new and exciting opportunities for this next year. 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.

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.

Visit The Shop to craft in celebration of Lunar New Year (Tuesday, February 17, 2026). Visitors will be supplied materials for simple circuitry to power LED lights. As we design our lanterns, we will think about embracing courage, balance, and new and exciting opportunities for this next year. 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.

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.

Dr. Gladys B. West (Oct. 27, 1930 – January 17, 2026) was a Black American mathematician. She is known for her pivotal contributions to mathematical modeling of the shape of the Earth, and her pioneering work was incorporated into the Global Positioning System (GPS). In The Shop, visitors can anticipate a creative and educational experience in cartography. They will construct 2D or 3D maps that represent terrain elevations, using a variety of materials. Through this activity, participants will learn about topography,…

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.

Dr. Gladys B. West (Oct. 27, 1930 – January 17, 2026) was a Black American mathematician. She is known for her pivotal contributions to mathematical modeling of the shape of the Earth, and her pioneering work was incorporated into the Global Positioning System (GPS). In The Shop, visitors can anticipate a creative and educational experience in cartography. They will construct 2D or 3D maps that represent terrain elevations, using a variety of materials. Through this activity, participants will learn about topography,…

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.

Dr. Gladys B. West (Oct. 27, 1930 – January 17, 2026) was a Black American mathematician. She is known for her pivotal contributions to mathematical modeling of the shape of the Earth, and her pioneering work was incorporated into the Global Positioning System (GPS). In The Shop, visitors can anticipate a creative and educational experience in cartography. They will construct 2D or 3D maps that represent terrain elevations, using a variety of materials. Through this activity, participants will learn about topography,…

Develop or refine your carpentry skills when you build a custom photo frame in The Shop. using a variety of tools and materials, you’ll create a frame perfect for your favorite photograph. Keep it for yourself or give it as a gift! 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.

Develop or refine your carpentry skills when you build a custom photo frame in The Shop. using a variety of tools and materials, you’ll create a frame perfect for your favorite photograph. Keep it for yourself or give it as a gift! 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.

Develop or refine your carpentry skills when you build a custom photo frame in The Shop. using a variety of tools and materials, you’ll create a frame perfect for your favorite photograph. Keep it for yourself or give it as a gift! 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.