Calendar of Events

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.

Visit The Shop to create the perfect Valentine’s Day decoration. Using hammers, nails, and a colorful selection of yarn and string, you can create a unique piece of decor filled with love. 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 tools and materials safely in this space.

Visit The Shop to create the perfect Valentine’s Day decoration. Using hammers, nails, and a colorful selection of yarn and string, you can create a unique piece of decor filled with love. 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 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 wood. 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.

Tickets for this event are sold out. No tickets available at the door.   Now boarding at Platform 9 3/4 for your opportunity to explore the science of witchcraft and wizardry. Take on the Whomping Willow, play Quidditch Remixed, create your own personal wand, explore the potion lab, flex your knowledge in the Potter trivia challenge, and so much more! Fear not, Muggles are encouraged to attend, too. Labs, lectures and experiences at this Social Science will include: Nail The Whomping Willow…

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.

November 2022 marked 100 years since British archaeologist Howard Carter unearthed King Tutankhamun’s tomb. In the years since that legendary find, the tombs of these ancient rulers continue to provide surprising insights into life and death in ancient Egypt. Visit The Discovery during this unique themed week to explore the captivating aspects of Egyptology through a variety of hands-on activities. Create a pharaoh’s crown in The Shop, explore the science of mummification in Spark!Lab Smithsonian, learn to read and write hieroglyphics,…

November 2022 marked 100 years since British archaeologist Howard Carter unearthed King Tutankhamun’s tomb. In the years since that legendary find, the tombs of these ancient rulers continue to provide surprising insights into life and death in ancient Egypt. Visit The Discovery during this unique themed week to explore the captivating aspects of Egyptology through a variety of hands-on activities. Create a pharaoh’s crown in The Shop, explore the science of mummification in Spark!Lab Smithsonian, learn to read and write hieroglyphics,…

November 2022 marked 100 years since British archaeologist Howard Carter unearthed King Tutankhamun’s tomb. In the years since that legendary find, the tombs of these ancient rulers continue to provide surprising insights into life and death in ancient Egypt. Visit The Discovery during this unique themed week to explore the captivating aspects of Egyptology through a variety of hands-on activities. Create a pharaoh’s crown in The Shop, explore the science of mummification in Spark!Lab Smithsonian, learn to read and write hieroglyphics,…

Inspired by author Hiromu Arakawa, visit The Shop to use cardboard and other recycled and consumable materials to design and build mechanical hand. In 2001, Hiromu Arakawa created “Fullmetal Alchemist,” a Japanese manga series. This series has sold over 64 million volumes worldwide. 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 members of the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) here at The Discovery and get up close and personal with pesky mosquitos. Visitors will be able to examine mosquitos and their larvae through microscopes, learn about the life cycle of these pests, play games, make crafts, and more.

Inspired by author Hiromu Arakawa, visit The Shop to use cardboard and other recycled and consumable materials to design and build mechanical hand. In 2001, Hiromu Arakawa created “Fullmetal Alchemist,” a Japanese manga series. This series has sold over 64 million volumes worldwide. 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.

Can you outrun a leprechaun? Find out at the 11th Annual Leprechaun Race on Sunday, March 12, 2023. This family-friendly 5K run/walk starts and finishes at The Discovery and will take you on a tour through the streets of the Midtown and Wells Avenue neighborhoods. Don’t despair if the leprechaun beats you to the finish. For every runner, jogger or walker the leprechaun passes, the pot of gold grows in size. Who will benefit from the increased pot of gold?……

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…

Beneath the surface of the world’s rivers swim mysterious giants. Giant freshwater fish measuring six feet or longer and weighing more than 200 pounds! Explore Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants and join National Geographic Explorer and University of Nevada, Reno professor Dr. Zeb Hogan on a quest to find and study these rare, colossal, and often mysterious fish. From mythical tales and storied traditions, to threats and conservation efforts, gain a greater appreciation for the important…

Despite their small size, the cloud seeding team at Desert Research Institute has a mighty impact on Nevada and the West by increasing snow pack in targeted areas by up to 20 percent. Join us at this edition of Science Distilled to delve into the world of cloud seeding and its impact on our increasingly drought-stricken region. This event features a short documentary film and panel discussion followed by audience Q&A. Location: Downtown Reno Library, 301 S. Center Street, Reno…

In honor of the debut of Monster Fish: In Seach of the Last River Giants, visit The Shop to create a monster fish of your very own. Using a variety of fabrics, batting, hot glue and fabric glue, you can create a cozy monster fish that’s 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.

The Discovery invites you to explore Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants, the exciting new featured exhibition that takes you on a journey with National Geographic Explorer and University of Nevada, Reno professor Dr. Zeb Hogan to find and study rare, colossal, and often mysterious fish. Monster Fish features 6,000 square feet of stunning life-size sculptures, interactive exhibits, and evocative video installations that put you face-to-face with more than 20 fish species. Embark on a global journey to storied…

In honor of the debut of Monster Fish: In Seach of the Last River Giants, visit The Shop to create a monster fish of your very own. Using a variety of fabrics, batting, hot glue and fabric glue, you can create a cozy monster fish that’s 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.

The Discovery invites you to explore Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants, the exciting new featured exhibition that takes you on a journey with National Geographic Explorer and University of Nevada, Reno professor Dr. Zeb Hogan to find and study rare, colossal, and often mysterious fish. Monster Fish features 6,000 square feet of stunning life-size sculptures, interactive exhibits, and evocative video installations that put you face-to-face with more than 20 fish species. Embark on a global journey to storied…

Visit The Shop to design and build your own version of a nautical vessel. Using a selection of buoyant materials and a variety of tools, you can create a boat and then test its seaworthiness. 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 design and build your own version of a nautical vessel. Using a selection of buoyant materials and a variety of tools, you can create a boat and then test its seaworthiness. 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.

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 create a sculpture using decorative Washi tape. Combine wire and a wooden base to create an armature to then layer various Washi tape designs on to create nearly anything you can imagine. 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 tools and materials safely in this space.