
Calendar of Events
Past Events

Hands-on DNA Lab
Reno, NV 89501 United States
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a molecule found inside cells that carries the genetic information needed for an organism to develop and function, essentially acting as the “blueprint” for life. In this hands-on activity in The Discovery’s Microsoft STEM Lab, participants will explore DNA from protein folding to strawberry DNA extraction, learning what DNA is, how it works, and why it is so important.
Find out more »
Stuffed Hearts
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Dr. Maya Adele Logan was a Black woman and the first woman to perform open heart surgery. This procedure took place at Harlem Hospital. She would later develop her specialty in children’s heart surgery. Taking inspiration Dr. Logan, visitors will 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…
Find out more »
Stuffed Hearts
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Dr. Maya Adele Logan was a Black woman and the first woman to perform open heart surgery. This procedure took place at Harlem Hospital. She would later develop her specialty in children’s heart surgery. Taking inspiration Dr. Logan, visitors will 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…
Find out more »
Presidents’ Day: Museum Open
Reno, NV 89501 United States
The Discovery will be open 10:00am to 5:00pm on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 17, 2025. For more information about what’s happening at the museum, check out the calendar of events or explore exhibitions.
Find out more »
Small Wonder Wednesday
An event every week that begins at 9:00 am on Wednesday, repeating until June 25, 2025
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Join us here at The Discovery every Wednesday for a special morning just for young learners ages 5 and under. Hear stories, climb the clouds, create art, and enjoy the entire museum for a full hour before it opens to everyone! Please note: Admission during Small Wonder Wednesday is limited to families with children ages 5 and under only. Visitors with children age 6 and older can visit the museum beginning at 10:00am. Presented with support from:
Find out more »
$5 Admission After 4:00pm
An event every week that begins at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, repeating until June 25, 2025
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Every Wednesday, beginning at 4:00pm, museum admission is just $5 per person! And best of all, the museum stays open until 8:00pm so there’s plenty of time to explore! Members and children under age 1 are always free.
Find out more »
Open Build in The Shop
One event on February 19, 2025 at 4:00 pm
One event on March 12, 2025 at 4:00 pm
Reno, NV 89501 United States
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.
Find out more »
Invent a Robot
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Visitors will be given access to craft supplies and cardboard pieces (including recycled materials like plastics) and asked to create a robot of their own design, they will be prompted to think about its function and what it needs to do those things. Does it drive? It will need wheels!
Find out more »
Robot Faces Research Study
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Join our friends from the University of Nevada, Reno to experiment with robot facial expressions. Facial expressions can be critical in day-to-day communication, but many traditional robot faces lack expressiveness and flexibility. Through a simple and fun art activity, participants in grades kindergarten through 5th can help researchers learn how to design robot faces that are more trustworthy. Study conducted by the University of Nevada, Reno, National AI Institute for Exceptional Education and the Socially Assistive Robotics Group.
Find out more »
Functional Furniture
Reno, NV 89501 United States
In 1885, Sarah E. Goode became the first African American woman to be granted a patent for her invention, the cabinet bed. This is an example of functional furniture, which is a versatile space-saving item that can preform multiple tasks. Today, based on Sarah Goode’s invention, we have the Murphy bed and the hide-a-bed. Join us in The Shop and build your own contraption that can do two things at the same time. Using available supplies, visitors will have the…
Find out more »
Invent a Robot
Reno, NV 89501 United States
The future of robotics is promising. But what can robots do to help humans in our daily lives? Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent a robot using a variety of craft supplies and recycled materials that can aid in daily tasks. 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 »
Social Science: Spells & Incantations
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Wands at the ready? Alohomora! Prepare to explore science inspired by the wizarding world. Create a custom wand, formulate a magic potion, find the golden snitch, play Sonorus Bingo, and a whole lot more. Fear not, Muggles are welcome to attend this Harry Potter inspired event as well. Labs, lectures and experiences at this Social Science will include: Wands at the Ready! Put your magical powers to work when you create a custom wand you can use to cast spells…
Find out more »
Functional Furniture
Reno, NV 89501 United States
In 1885, Sarah E. Goode became the first African American woman to be granted a patent for her invention, the cabinet bed. This is an example of functional furniture, which is a versatile space-saving item that can preform multiple tasks. Today, based on Sarah Goode’s invention, we have the Murphy bed and the hide-a-bed. Join us in The Shop and build your own contraption that can do two things at the same time. Using available supplies, visitors will have the…
Find out more »
Invent a Robot
One event on March 2, 2025 at 12:30 pm
One event on March 5, 2025 at 4:00 pm
Reno, NV 89501 United States
The future of robotics is promising. But what can robots do to help humans in our daily lives? Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent a robot using a variety of craft supplies and recycled materials that can aid in daily tasks. 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 »
Small Wonder Wednesday
An event every week that begins at 9:00 am on Wednesday, repeating until June 25, 2025
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Join us here at The Discovery every Wednesday for a special morning just for young learners ages 5 and under. Hear stories, climb the clouds, create art, and enjoy the entire museum for a full hour before it opens to everyone! Please note: Admission during Small Wonder Wednesday is limited to families with children ages 5 and under only. Visitors with children age 6 and older can visit the museum beginning at 10:00am. Presented with support from:
Find out more »
$5 Admission After 4:00pm
An event every week that begins at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, repeating until June 25, 2025
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Every Wednesday, beginning at 4:00pm, museum admission is just $5 per person! And best of all, the museum stays open until 8:00pm so there’s plenty of time to explore! Members and children under age 1 are always free.
Find out more »
Modeling Clay Creations
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Modeling clay is a great way to start a project. It’s easily malleable consistency makes it easy to use (and reuse) for creating a prototype for nearly any project. Visit The Shop to try your hand at using modeling clay to design 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 cause injury if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help…
Find out more »
Invent a Robot
Reno, NV 89501 United States
The future of robotics is promising. But what can robots do to help humans in our daily lives? Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent a robot using a variety of craft supplies and recycled materials that can aid in daily tasks. 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 »
Invent a Robot
One event on March 2, 2025 at 12:30 pm
One event on March 5, 2025 at 4:00 pm
Reno, NV 89501 United States
The future of robotics is promising. But what can robots do to help humans in our daily lives? Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent a robot using a variety of craft supplies and recycled materials that can aid in daily tasks. 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 »
Small Wonder Wednesday
An event every week that begins at 9:00 am on Wednesday, repeating until June 25, 2025
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Join us here at The Discovery every Wednesday for a special morning just for young learners ages 5 and under. Hear stories, climb the clouds, create art, and enjoy the entire museum for a full hour before it opens to everyone! Please note: Admission during Small Wonder Wednesday is limited to families with children ages 5 and under only. Visitors with children age 6 and older can visit the museum beginning at 10:00am. Presented with support from:
Find out more »
$5 Admission After 4:00pm
An event every week that begins at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, repeating until June 25, 2025
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Every Wednesday, beginning at 4:00pm, museum admission is just $5 per person! And best of all, the museum stays open until 8:00pm so there’s plenty of time to explore! Members and children under age 1 are always free.
Find out more »
Invent a Robot
Reno, NV 89501 United States
The future of robotics is promising. But what can robots do to help humans in our daily lives? Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent a robot using a variety of craft supplies and recycled materials that can aid in daily tasks. 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 »
Build a Board Game
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Elizabeth Magie created the Landlord’s Game in 1904. In the Landlord’s Game, players roll dice and as they make their way around the game board they can buy popular locations in New York. Does this sound familiar? Put your do-it-yourself skills to work in The Shop when you use real tools and materials to create your own fun game to play with family and friends. Please note: The Shop offers access to real tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly.…
Find out more »
Build a Board Game
Reno, NV 89501 United States
Elizabeth Magie created the Landlord’s Game in 1904. In the Landlord’s Game, players roll dice and as they make their way around the game board they can buy popular locations in New York. Does this sound familiar? Put your do-it-yourself skills to work in The Shop when you use real tools and materials to create your own fun game to play with family and friends. Please note: The Shop offers access to real tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly.…
Find out more »