The Discovery

In this active and imaginative play experience, toddlers will explore winter sports. They will build motor skills, coordination, and early physical confidence while pretending to be winter athletes. This activity celebrates movement, sensory exploration, and pretend play—no snow required!

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.

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.

Register for a LEGO® Robot Rumble session and you’ll learn how to build and code the ultimate autonomous, fighting robot using using LEGO® Mindstorms. Then, test your bot’s capabilities when you pit it against your fellow participants in a head-to-head battle. Your objective? Push your competitor’s bot out of the ring to declare victory!

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.

In this exciting and bubbly experiment, children will use colorful heart-shaped baking soda creations and watch them fizz and bubble! This STEM-based sensory activity introduces children to basic chemistry concepts like reactions and states of matter while also encouraging curiosity, observation, and fine motor control.

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.

The Discovery will be open 10:00am to 5:00pm on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 16, 2026. For more information about what’s happening at the museum, check out the calendar of events or explore exhibitions.

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,…

Get ready to protect humanity from demons using engineering! This program will take budding female engineers on an adventure to the Hunmoon through a variety of hands-on activities. Create wearable LED tech, be a back-to-back builder, compete in an egg drop challenge, design a demon trap, and more. The Saja Boys won’t stand a chance against participants in this STEM Lab designed specifically for girls!

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,…

May the odds be ever in your favor when you take part in a variety of activities inspired by the popular dystopian series including a bow-and-arrow contest, Hunger Games trivia battle, creating a medicine parachute, designing a custom Tribute, and more! You can also try a “Nightlock Berry” cocktail created by expert mixologist Michael Moberly. Happy Hungry Games! Labs, lectures and experiences at this Social Science will include: Tribute Training Hone your skills and ready yourself for battle with a…

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.

The Discovery’s EMPOW[HER] Collective for Women & Girls in STEM is excited to host the inaugural Girls’ STEM Career Day, a special day designed to help girls and young women explore career possibilities in the STEM fields. Connect with representatives from local STEM businesses and organizations, explore a wide variety of STEM careers, and be inspired by a keynote speaker and expert panel of women in the STEM fields. 10:00am – 3:30pm Museum exploration and interaction with STEM businesses and…

Coordinated by the University of Nevada, Reno Aerospace & Defense Academy and AHA Projects, the second annual SciVenture Science Fair showcases innovative projects by young talent in Northern Nevada. Reno’s long-standing tradition of an annual science fair was held at UNR, but during the COVID-19 pandemic the fair was lost. Now, thanks to the passion of two local hight school students, Reno is bringing back the Science Fair—stronger than ever. SciVenture is more than a science competition—it’s an opportunity for…

Get under the hood at The Discovery! Motor on down to The Discovery for a day filled with hands-on automotive themed activities for car enthusiasts of every age. Join experts from NAPA AutoCare Centers to explore the inner workings of automobiles and the systems that make them go, turn and stop. Here are some of the exciting things happening on this special day:

Celebrate the science, technology, and pop culture surrounding one of the most famous non-events in history. Party like its 1999 when you delve into activities inspired by the late 90’s and early 2000’s including booyah buttons, PS2 battles, millennium snapshots, Y2K fashion faux paus, and much, much more! It’s gonna be the bomb.com! Labs, lectures and experiences at this Social Science are still being finalized. Please check back. Due to the popularity of the Social Science event series, we strongly…

Explore the art of the steal at this Social Science inspired by the science and tech used to pull off the biggest heists. Get ready to steal the crown jewels when you take part in activities including stealing the gold, creating Italian Job pasta art, escaping a laser maze, posing for mugshot, and a whole lot more! Make history and get the goods! Labs, lectures and experiences at this Social Science are still being finalized. Please check back. Due to…