The Discovery

Create a character that will grow with the spring flowers in The Shop. Using soil, grass seed, and a variety of other materials, you can create a character that, when nurtured carefully, will grow a healthy crop of grass hair! 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.

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.

Create a character that will grow with the spring flowers in The Shop. Using soil, grass seed, and a variety of other materials, you can create a character that, when nurtured carefully, will grow a healthy crop of grass hair! 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 will close at 5:00pm on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 to allow for our staff members to participate in an all-staff meeting and prepare for the busy summer months ahead. The Discovery will resume normal hours on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Please check our calendar of events for exciting things coming up here at The Discovery.

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.

Get organized for school or work with a homemade wallet of your own design! Join us in The Shop to engineer a functional pouch using Velcro, zippers, or buttons. Sewing skills are not necessary to complete this project. 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.  

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.

Get organized for school or work with a homemade wallet of your own design! Join us in The Shop to engineer a functional pouch using Velcro, zippers, or buttons. Sewing skills are not necessary to complete this project. 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.  

Join us to build your own insect and bee hotel! Perfect for nature enthusiast. This hands-on activity helps support local ecosystems. Create a cozy habitat for beneficial insects while learning about their vital role in our environment.* 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.

Join us to build your own insect and bee hotel! Perfect for nature enthusiast. This hands-on activity helps support local ecosystems. Create a cozy habitat for beneficial insects while learning about their vital role in our environment.* 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.

Celebrate the science, technology, and pop culture surrounding one of the most famous non-events in history. Party like it’s 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 will include: Party Like It’s 1999 Bask in all of the feel good hits of the late 90’s and…

In honor of earth day, in this hands-on activity, visitors can invent a device that will help keep Lake Tahoe’s beaches and shores clean using a variety of materials. What will you invent to help preserve one of America’s most beautiful lakes and the jewel of the Sierra? 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.

Join us to build your own insect and bee hotel! Perfect for nature enthusiast. This hands-on activity helps support local ecosystems. Create a cozy habitat for beneficial insects while learning about their vital role in our environment.* 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.

In this hand-on lab, participants will explore 3D printing in various forms, creating a better understanding of its applications and potential. This immersive lab includes an introduction to 3D printing including real-world uses. Participants will learn the history of the technology, create their own designs using 3D pens, and explore Tinkercad, the software used to create intricate 3D designs. Following the lab, participants’ designs will be printed and available for pickup the following weekend. Use of laptop computers, software, and…

In honor of earth day, in this hands-on activity, visitors can invent a device that will help keep Lake Tahoe’s beaches and shores clean using a variety of materials. What will you invent to help preserve one of America’s most beautiful lakes and the jewel of the Sierra? 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.

Join us to build your own insect and bee hotel! Perfect for nature enthusiast. This hands-on activity helps support local ecosystems. Create a cozy habitat for beneficial insects while learning about their vital role in our environment.* 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.

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.

In honor of earth day, in this hands-on activity, visitors can invent a device that will help keep Lake Tahoe’s beaches and shores clean using a variety of materials. What will you invent to help preserve one of America’s most beautiful lakes and the jewel of the Sierra? 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.

Join us to build your own insect and bee hotel! Perfect for nature enthusiast. This hands-on activity helps support local ecosystems. Create a cozy habitat for beneficial insects while learning about their vital role in our environment.* 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.

Join us to build your own insect and bee hotel! Perfect for nature enthusiast. This hands-on activity helps support local ecosystems. Create a cozy habitat for beneficial insects while learning about their vital role in our environment.* 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.

Humans have long endeavored to travel among the stars. To do so, we need innovative spaceships that go farther and faster than ever before. Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent a spacecraft using recycled materials, considering things like how it will be powered, where it will travel, who will be at the controls, and other important aspects of the mission. Please note: This activity includes access to tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young inventors…

Visit The Shop to create the perfect decoration for spring. Using hammers and nails, you can create a spring-inspired shape to trace with yarn. 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.

The Force is strong with you! Celebrate Star Wars Day at The Discovery when you explore a variety of activities inspired by the famed movie franchise. As the ageless and wise Yoda once said, “Do. Or do not. There is no try.”

The Force is strong with you! Celebrate Star Wars Day at The Discovery when you explore a variety of activities inspired by the famed movie franchise. As the ageless and wise Yoda once said, “Do. Or do not. There is no try.”

Humans have long endeavored to travel among the stars. To do so, we need innovative spaceships that go farther and faster than ever before. Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent a spacecraft using recycled materials, considering things like how it will be powered, where it will travel, who will be at the controls, and other important aspects of the mission. Please note: This activity includes access to tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to…

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a greeting card that glows! Visit The Shop to use a variety of available materials along with a battery, LED and copper circuitry to create a card that shines like the mothers in your life. 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.

Humans have long endeavored to travel among the stars. To do so, we need innovative spaceships that go farther and faster than ever before. Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent a spacecraft using recycled materials, considering things like how it will be powered, where it will travel, who will be at the controls, and other important aspects of the mission. Please note: This activity includes access to tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to…

Flowers make a heartfelt gift for that special someone. Join us to explore the art and science of flower arrangement in this hands-on STEM Lab. In this lab, participants will learn the technical aspects of flower arranging and also explore the symbology of certain flowers and what their placement within the arrangement means. Best of all, what you create will make the perfect Mother’s Day gift!

Humans have long endeavored to travel among the stars. To do so, we need innovative spaceships that go farther and faster than ever before. Visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent a spacecraft using recycled materials, considering things like how it will be powered, where it will travel, who will be at the controls, and other important aspects of the mission. Please note: This activity includes access to tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to…

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a greeting card that glows! Visit The Shop to use a variety of available materials along with a battery, LED and copper circuitry to create a card that shines like the mothers in your life. 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 your own mini Nevada, full of natural wildlife and flora. Using clay and other materials, visitors design their own ecologically accurate diorama. 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 your own mini Nevada, full of natural wildlife and flora. Using clay and other materials, visitors design their own ecologically accurate diorama. 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.

Join us in celebrating Nevada’s scientific heritage when you visit The Shop to learn about Nevada’s state fossil, the Ichthyosaur. With the help of the museum’s educators, you’ll use available materials to design and fill your own plush Ichthyosaur. 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 practice the safe use of the tools and…

The Discovery is excited to partner with the University of Nevada, Reno to celebrate the end of an exciting First Nevada Robotics season! At this free event, attendees will have the opportunity to tour the K-12 Robotics Center (Southside School Building) and connect with other community STEM groups! There will also be demos, giveaways, and snacks. No pre-registration is necessary.

Join us in celebrating Nevada’s scientific heritage when you visit The Shop to learn about Nevada’s state fossil, the Ichthyosaur. With the help of the museum’s educators, you’ll use available materials to design and fill your own plush Ichthyosaur. 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 practice the safe use of the tools and…

Join us in celebrating Nevada’s scientific heritage when you visit The Shop to learn about Nevada’s state fossil, the Ichthyosaur. With the help of the museum’s educators, you’ll use available materials to design and fill your own plush Ichthyosaur. 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 practice the safe use of the tools and…

From Memorial Day, May 25 though Labor Day, September 7, 2026, The Discovery adds Monday to the days the museum is open to the public. That’s seven days a week you can build, invent, explore and have fun! We hope to see you here. Be sure to check out the calendar of events to find out what’s happening all summer long!

In Reno, there’s usually a-wind-a-blowin’. Using a multitude of materials available in The Shop , you can now harness the wild western winds! Construct, decorate, and release your creation on the Washoe Zephyr. What you make 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 practice the safe use of the tools and materials in this space.

The Discovery is pleased to welcome you to an exclusive, members-only opportunity to see Above and Beyond — The Ultimate Interactive Flight Exhibition. Through immersive simulations, interactive design challenges, iconic historical touchstones, visionary concepts for the future, and inspiring stories from aviation innovators, past and present, this exciting exhibition celebrates the power of innovation to make dreams take flight. Registration Required Please pre-register to attend the members-only preview. Once admitted, members are welcome to explore Above and Beyond and the…

Get ready to take to the skies in this exciting STEM Lab designed for future female aviators! Through a variety of hands-on activities, this intensive STEM Lab will help young aviators spread their wings and explore the future of aviation and space travel. Cook up some galaxy popcorn, concoct a batch of galaxy slime, launch a balloon rocket, build a space shelter, and much, much more! The sky is the limit in this STEM Lab designed specifically for girls!

The Discovery is pleased to welcome you to Above and Beyond — The Ultimate Interactive Flight Exhibition, our newest featured exhibition. Above & Beyond is designed to ignite a passion for humankind’s greatest adventure: our journey of flight in the air and space. In doing so, it honors past innovations in flight, while looking ahead to what’s next and demonstrating the impact of aerospace breakthroughs in our everyday lives. Through immersive simulations, interactive design challenges, iconic historical touchstones, visionary concepts…

The Discovery is pleased to welcome you to Above and Beyond — The Ultimate Interactive Flight Exhibition, our newest featured exhibition. Above & Beyond is designed to ignite a passion for humankind’s greatest adventure: our journey of flight in the air and space. In doing so, it honors past innovations in flight, while looking ahead to what’s next and demonstrating the impact of aerospace breakthroughs in our everyday lives. Through immersive simulations, interactive design challenges, iconic historical touchstones, visionary concepts…

In Reno, there’s usually a-wind-a-blowin’. Using a multitude of materials available in The Shop , you can now harness the wild western winds! Construct, decorate, and release your creation on the Washoe Zephyr. What you make 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 practice the safe use of the tools and materials in this space.

From Memorial Day, May 25 though Labor Day, September 7, 2026, The Discovery adds Monday to the days the museum is open to the public. That’s seven days a week you can build, invent, explore and have fun! We hope to see you here. Be sure to check out the calendar of events to find out what’s happening all summer long!

Get ready to explore space with our friends from PBS Reno. At this special event, families will learn about space exploration with PBS KIDS’ “Ready Jet Go!” by participating in several fun, educational activities. Families will work together to build a rocket, learn about constellations, make space slime, and more. Please note: From 9:00 to 10:00am, this activity is offered as part of The Discovery’s Small Wonder Wednesday program and is limited to attendees ages 5 and under.

Follow in Orville and Wilbur’s footsteps when you visit Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent a flying machine. Using recycled materials, you can invent something you think will fly. Create it, try it, tweak it, until you designed something airworthy, whether that’s a paper airplane or a prototype for a more advanced flying machine like a helicopter, jet, or rocket! Please note: This activity includes access to tools and materials that can be dangerous if used improperly. Parents are encouraged to help young…

Celebrate the favorite father in your life with a trophy you build in his honor. In honor of Father’s Day, visit The Shop to use a variety of real tools and materials to construct a trophy to commemorate the importance of the dad in your life. 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.

Celebrate the favorite father in your life with a trophy you build in his honor. In honor of Father’s Day, visit The Shop to use a variety of real tools and materials to construct a trophy to commemorate the importance of the dad in your life. 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 closed to the public on Monday, June 8, 2026 for exhibit maintenance. The museum will reopen and resume normal operating hours on Tuessday, June 9. As always, please check our calendar of events for updates on the many exciting things happening here at The Discovery.

Science has a communication problem. The Hitchcock Project for Visualizing Science at the University of Nevada, Reno prepares students to combat misinformation and bridge the gap between science and the public through engaging visual storytelling. As part of the project’s second annual travel-based course, students will report in both Spanish and English while working on location at La Selva Research Station in Costa Rica. From the jungle, they will document scientific research through video, photography, audio and writing. Join us…

Play is more than freeze-tag and sidewalk chalk. Play has been proven to drive deep, meaningful learning outcomes, but we’re just not playing enough. The Discovery’s celebration of the International Day of Play invites you to explore how central play is to every human’s development and well-being. Join us, along with a long list of community partners, to celebrate the power of play through hands-on activities, physical challenges, and ample amounts of fun!

Visitors can use a variety of pieces that could be used to create a new sport, or innovate a sport they like. pieces are cones, various sports pieces, some baskets, small pallets, Tinkertoys and Lego. 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.

Calling all Minecraft fans! Head to The Shop to build your own sculptural tribute to your favorite character or NPC. Using simple wooden blocks and a healthy amount of glue, you can build and color your favorite character or artifact from the ever-popular game originally created by Mojang Studios in 2011. 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…

From Memorial Day, May 25 though Labor Day, September 7, 2026, The Discovery adds Monday to the days the museum is open to the public. That’s seven days a week you can build, invent, explore and have fun! We hope to see you here. Be sure to check out the calendar of events to find out what’s happening all summer long!

Cause and effect will be explored in this activity. Using materials (balls, tubes, blocks, baskets, marble run pieces, and more) visitors will try and build a chain reaction to catch a Dinosaur!

Celebrate Gerard’s 3rd birthday with us here at The Discovery! We’re celebrating the third anniversary of the installation of the museum’s Allosaurus cast with a day filled with dinosaur themed activities for all ages.

Cause and effect will be explored in this activity. Using materials (balls, tubes, blocks, baskets, marble run pieces, and more) visitors will try and build a chain reaction to catch a Dinosaur!

Join us for this engaging STEM Lab to design a small, self‑sustaining ecosystem filled with dinosaur friends. Using materials like gravel, activated charcoal, soil, peat moss, and small plants, you’ll create a self-contained terrarium that requires minimal care. The STEM Lab blends creativity with environmental science, helping participants understand concepts like humidity, nutrient cycles, and habitat balance while crafting a personalized living display.

Visit The Shop to put your creativity and your crafting skills to the test when you design your very own stuffed dinosaur. With the help of the museum’s educators, you’ll use available materials to design and fill your own plush dino. Best of all, what you make 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 practice the safe use of the tools and…

Show “Gerard,” The Discovery beloved Allosaurus some birthday love with a handmade pop-up card you can create in Art Alcove. Using a variety of materials and paper engineering skills, you’ll create a card that animates when it is opened. What you make is your to keep!

Cause and effect will be explored in this activity. Using materials (balls, tubes, blocks, baskets, marble run pieces, and more) visitors will try and build a chain reaction to catch a Dinosaur!

From Memorial Day, May 25 though Labor Day, September 7, 2026, The Discovery adds Monday to the days the museum is open to the public. That’s seven days a week you can build, invent, explore and have fun! We hope to see you here. Be sure to check out the calendar of events to find out what’s happening all summer long!

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.

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.

From Memorial Day, May 25 though Labor Day, September 7, 2026, The Discovery adds Monday to the days the museum is open to the public. That’s seven days a week you can build, invent, explore and have fun! We hope to see you here. Be sure to check out the calendar of events to find out what’s happening all summer long!

In this hands-on activity, visitors can invent a device that will help keep Lake Tahoe’s beaches and shores clean using a variety of materials. What will you invent to help preserve one of America’s most beautiful lakes and the jewel of the Sierra? 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.

From Memorial Day, May 25 though Labor Day, September 7, 2026, The Discovery adds Monday to the days the museum is open to the public. That’s seven days a week you can build, invent, explore and have fun! We hope to see you here. Be sure to check out the calendar of events to find out what’s happening all summer long!

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.

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.

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.

Prepare for the summer growing season with a DIY Planter you design and build in The Shop. Using wood, recycled containers, craft materials, and a variety of tools, you can create a planter to grow your favorite flowers or herbs. Best of all, what you make 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.

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.

Prepare for the summer growing season with a DIY Planter you design and build in The Shop. Using wood, recycled containers, craft materials, and a variety of tools, you can create a planter to grow your favorite flowers or herbs. Best of all, what you make 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.

From Memorial Day, May 25 though Labor Day, September 7, 2026, The Discovery adds Monday to the days the museum is open to the public. That’s seven days a week you can build, invent, explore and have fun! We hope to see you here. Be sure to check out the calendar of events to find out what’s happening all summer long!

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.

Visitors can use a variety of pieces that could be used to create a new sport, or innovate a sport they like. pieces are cones, various sports pieces, some baskets, small pallets, Tinkertoys and Lego. 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.

Visitors can use a variety of pieces that could be used to create a new sport, or innovate a sport they like. pieces are cones, various sports pieces, some baskets, small pallets, Tinkertoys and Lego. 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.

Visit The Shop to create a beautiful and functional device to harness the power of the sun. Using a variety of materials, you can create a sun catcher that looks reflects and refracts the sun to create your own hangable structure. 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.

Visitors can use a variety of pieces that could be used to create a new sport, or innovate a sport they like. pieces are cones, various sports pieces, some baskets, small pallets, Tinkertoys and Lego. 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.

Visit The Shop to create a beautiful and functional device to harness the power of the sun. Using a variety of materials, you can create a sun catcher that looks reflects and refracts the sun to create your own hangable structure. 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.

From Memorial Day, May 25 though Labor Day, September 7, 2026, The Discovery adds Monday to the days the museum is open to the public. That’s seven days a week you can build, invent, explore and have fun! We hope to see you here. Be sure to check out the calendar of events to find out what’s happening all summer long!

A Violin Serenade is an enchanting, family-friendly musical experience. Leading the show are internationally renowned Juliette Leong and profoundly talented Ethan Mao—both award-winning violinists and members of the Reno Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. In this captivating event, audiences of all ages will enjoy an interactive and dynamic program that blends classical favorites with modern pop tunes, creating the perfect introduction to the violin’s versatility. Between pieces, the musicians will invite children to participate in a show-and-tell session and give them a…

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.

A Violin Serenade is an enchanting, family-friendly musical experience. Leading the show are internationally renowned Juliette Leong and profoundly talented Ethan Mao—both award-winning violinists and members of the Reno Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. In this captivating event, audiences of all ages will enjoy an interactive and dynamic program that blends classical favorites with modern pop tunes, creating the perfect introduction to the violin’s versatility. Between pieces, the musicians will invite children to participate in a show-and-tell session and give them a…

In honor of Harry Potter’s birthday, you’re invited to Wizardly Weekend here at The Discovery! Through a variety of hands-on activities, you can explore aspects of the book and film series… create your own wand, design your magical robe, craft a wizard’s hat, and much more! Both Wizards and Muggles are encouraged to attend!

In honor of Harry Potter’s birthday, you’re invited to Wizardly Weekend here at The Discovery! Through a variety of hands-on activities, you can explore aspects of the book and film series… create your own wand, design your magical robe, craft a wizard’s hat, and much more! Both Wizards and Muggles are encouraged to attend!

From Memorial Day, May 25 though Labor Day, September 7, 2026, The Discovery adds Monday to the days the museum is open to the public. That’s seven days a week you can build, invent, explore and have fun! We hope to see you here. Be sure to check out the calendar of events to find out what’s happening all summer long!

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.

Celebrate Hot August Nights with a project in The Shop inspired by classic cars and hot rod culture. Using a variety of tools and a selection of wood and wheels, you can design and build your own classic 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.

Celebrate Hot August Nights with a project in The Shop inspired by classic cars and hot rod culture. Using a variety of tools and a selection of wood and wheels, you can design and build your own classic 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.

From Memorial Day, May 25 though Labor Day, September 7, 2026, The Discovery adds Monday to the days the museum is open to the public. That’s seven days a week you can build, invent, explore and have fun! We hope to see you here. Be sure to check out the calendar of events to find out what’s happening all summer long!

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.

Visit The Shop to combine science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) to create a summer themed decoration that transfers energy to light an LED. Design, test and refine your creation until you’re pleased with how it works. Best of all, what 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.

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.

Visit The Shop to combine science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) to create a summer themed decoration that transfers energy to light an LED. Design, test and refine your creation until you’re pleased with how it works. Best of all, what 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.

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.

From Memorial Day, May 25 though Labor Day, September 7, 2026, The Discovery adds Monday to the days the museum is open to the public. That’s seven days a week you can build, invent, explore and have fun! We hope to see you here. Be sure to check out the calendar of events to find out what’s happening all summer long!

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.

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.

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.