The Discovery

Show someone you appreciate the nice things they do for you with a handmade pop-up card you create in The Shop. Using a variety of materials and paper engineering skills, you’ll create a card that animates when it is opened by the recipient. 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…

The Discovery will be open 10:00am to 5:00pm on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Be sure to check out the calendar of events to find out everything that’s happening at the museum.

Tour the stars in The Discovery’s portable planetarium! Join a member of the museum’s education team for guided shows featuring solar exploration, a journey to Mars, and an a look at how scientists use infrared light. Shows are first come, first served. Showtimes: 10:30am, 11:15am, 11:45am, 1:00pm, 1:45pm, 2:15pm, 3:00pm, 3:30pm, 4:00pm (en Español). Tickets: Capacity is limited to 35 people per show. First come, first served.

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.

Tour the stars in The Discovery’s portable planetarium! Join a member of the museum’s education team for guided shows featuring solar exploration, a journey to Mars, and an a look at how scientists use infrared light. Shows are first come, first served. Showtimes: 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:00am, 11:30am, 3:00pm, 3:30pm, 4:00pm, 4:30pm, 5:00pm, 5:45pm, 6:15pm (en Español), 7:00pm, 7:30pm. Tickets: Capacity is limited to 35 people per show. First come, first served.

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.

In that 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.

Ever wonder what’s inside that favorite toy? How does it work? What makes it move? Find out once and for all in this hands-on activity in The Shop that will have you dismantling a variety of toys to see what’s inside. 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.

Tour the stars in The Discovery’s portable planetarium! Join a member of the museum’s education team for guided shows featuring solar exploration, a journey to Mars, and an a look at how scientists use infrared light. Shows are first come, first served. Showtimes: 10:30am, 11:00am, 11:30am, 3:00pm, 3:30pm, 4:00pm, 4:30pm. Tickets: Capacity is limited to 35 people per show. First come, first served.

Tour the stars in The Discovery’s portable planetarium! Join a member of the museum’s education team for guided shows featuring solar exploration, a journey to Mars, and an a look at how scientists use infrared light. Shows are first come, first served. Showtimes: 1:30pm, 1:45pm, 2:15pm, 2:45pm, 3:15pm, 4:00pm, 4:30pm. Tickets: Capacity is limited to 35 people per show. First come, first served.

America Recycles Day is a nationally recognized day that’s all about recycling! It’s a time to learn, get inspired, and take action. From plastic bottles and aluminum cans to paper and electronics – recycling helps keep tons of materials out of landfills, saves natural resources, and reduces pollution. And who wouldn’t want to be part of that? Whether at home, school, or work, we can all pitch in to recycle more and waste less. Join us to learn about the…

In that 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.

Ever wonder what’s inside that favorite toy? How does it work? What makes it move? Find out once and for all in this hands-on activity in The Shop that will have you dismantling a variety of toys to see what’s inside. 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 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.

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.

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.

Join us in celebrating Nevada’s scientific heritage during Nevada Day Weekend! 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. 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.

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.

Join us in celebrating Nevada’s scientific heritage during Nevada Day Weekend! 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. 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.

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.

Join us in celebrating Nevada’s scientific heritage during Nevada Day Weekend! 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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Take advantage of the afternoon breezes in Northern Nevada with a do-it-yourself mobile you create in The Shop. Using available tools and materials, you can create a mobile that will dance and sway in the wind. 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 on Thursday, November 27, 2025 so our staff and volunteers can spend Thanksgiving Day with family. The museum will reopen and resume normal hours on Friday, November 28 at 10:00am.

Save BIG in the Museum Store during The Discovery’s holiday sale happening Friday, November 28 through Sunday, December 7! You’ll find a huge selection of the smartest toys, gadgets, games, apparel, puzzles, science kits, and a whole lot more! 25% off everything in the Museum Store* Discount available to museum members and nonmembers. Valid on Museum Store merchandise only. May not be combined with standard Discovery member discount or any other coupon or offer. *Excludes LEGO® products, sale, and clearance…

Save BIG in the Museum Store during The Discovery’s holiday sale happening Friday, November 28 through Sunday, December 7! You’ll find a huge selection of the smartest toys, gadgets, games, apparel, puzzles, science kits, and a whole lot more! 25% off everything in the Museum Store* Discount available to museum members and nonmembers. Valid on Museum Store merchandise only. May not be combined with standard Discovery member discount or any other coupon or offer. *Excludes LEGO® products, sale, and clearance…

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.

Take advantage of the afternoon breezes in Northern Nevada with a do-it-yourself mobile you create in The Shop. Using available tools and materials, you can create a mobile that will dance and sway in the wind. 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.

Save BIG in the Museum Store during The Discovery’s holiday sale happening Friday, November 28 through Sunday, December 7! You’ll find a huge selection of the smartest toys, gadgets, games, apparel, puzzles, science kits, and a whole lot more! 25% off everything in the Museum Store* Discount available to museum members and nonmembers. Valid on Museum Store merchandise only. May not be combined with standard Discovery member discount or any other coupon or offer. *Excludes LEGO® products, sale, and clearance…

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.

Take advantage of the afternoon breezes in Northern Nevada with a do-it-yourself mobile you create in The Shop. Using available tools and materials, you can create a mobile that will dance and sway in the wind. 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.

Generous support from our community has helped The Discovery inspire more than 2.2 million people since opening to the public in 2011. With your continued support, the museum will remain a valued community asset for generations to come. This Giving Tuesday we hope you’ll take the opportunity to show your support for The Discovery. Your gift provides the financial support the museum needs to create new, engaging hands-on experiences and host world-class science exhibitions for people of all ages and interests.…

Save BIG in the Museum Store during The Discovery’s holiday sale happening Friday, November 28 through Sunday, December 7! You’ll find a huge selection of the smartest toys, gadgets, games, apparel, puzzles, science kits, and a whole lot more! 25% off everything in the Museum Store* Discount available to museum members and nonmembers. Valid on Museum Store merchandise only. May not be combined with standard Discovery member discount or any other coupon or offer. *Excludes LEGO® products, sale, and clearance…

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.

Save BIG in the Museum Store during The Discovery’s holiday sale happening Friday, November 28 through Sunday, December 7! You’ll find a huge selection of the smartest toys, gadgets, games, apparel, puzzles, science kits, and a whole lot more! 25% off everything in the Museum Store* Discount available to museum members and nonmembers. Valid on Museum Store merchandise only. May not be combined with standard Discovery member discount or any other coupon or offer. *Excludes LEGO® products, sale, and clearance…

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.

Visit The Shop to create your own mini polar habitat, full of natural wildlife and tundra flora. Using cardboard, clay, and other materials, visitors can 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/caregivers 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 design a stadium considering what activities it will host and the best way to accommodate all guests. 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.

Save BIG in the Museum Store during The Discovery’s holiday sale happening Friday, November 28 through Sunday, December 7! You’ll find a huge selection of the smartest toys, gadgets, games, apparel, puzzles, science kits, and a whole lot more! 25% off everything in the Museum Store* Discount available to museum members and nonmembers. Valid on Museum Store merchandise only. May not be combined with standard Discovery member discount or any other coupon or offer. *Excludes LEGO® products, sale, and clearance…

Save BIG in the Museum Store during The Discovery’s holiday sale happening Friday, November 28 through Sunday, December 7! You’ll find a huge selection of the smartest toys, gadgets, games, apparel, puzzles, science kits, and a whole lot more! 25% off everything in the Museum Store* Discount available to museum members and nonmembers. Valid on Museum Store merchandise only. May not be combined with standard Discovery member discount or any other coupon or offer. *Excludes LEGO® products, sale, and clearance…

The Discovery is please to welcome you to an exclusive, members-only opportunity to see Brick Masters Studio: Build with LEGO® Bricks Like a Pro, an immersive and interactive exhibition that explores the intersection of creativity and science through hands-on exhibits and captivating sculptures built by acclaimed artist Sean Kenney using LEGO bricks. RSVP Required Please use the buttons below to RSVP for a specific museum entrance time. Once admitted, members are welcome to explore Brick Masters Studio and the entire museum…

The Discovery is pleased to welcome you to Brick Masters Studio: Build with LEGO® Bricks Like a Pro, our newest featured exhibition. Brick Masters Studio is an immersive and interactive exhibition that explores the intersection of creativity and science through hands-on exhibits and captivating sculptures built by acclaimed artist Sean Kenney using LEGO bricks. Through a series of engaging galleries, the exhibition combines the artistry of Sean Kenney with scientific exploration, fostering a deeper understanding of the creative process. Brick Masters…

Save BIG in the Museum Store during The Discovery’s holiday sale happening Friday, November 28 through Sunday, December 7! You’ll find a huge selection of the smartest toys, gadgets, games, apparel, puzzles, science kits, and a whole lot more! 25% off everything in the Museum Store* Discount available to museum members and nonmembers. Valid on Museum Store merchandise only. May not be combined with standard Discovery member discount or any other coupon or offer. *Excludes LEGO® products, sale, and clearance…

Visit The Shop to create your own mini polar habitat, full of natural wildlife and tundra flora. Using cardboard, clay, and other materials, visitors can 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/caregivers 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 design a stadium considering what activities it will host and the best way to accommodate all guests. 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 Discovery is pleased to welcome you to Brick Masters Studio: Build with LEGO® Bricks Like a Pro, our newest featured exhibition. Brick Masters Studio is an immersive and interactive exhibition that explores the intersection of creativity and science through hands-on exhibits and captivating sculptures built by acclaimed artist Sean Kenney using LEGO bricks. Through a series of engaging galleries, the exhibition combines the artistry of Sean Kenney with scientific exploration, fostering a deeper understanding of the creative process. Brick Masters…

Save BIG in the Museum Store during The Discovery’s holiday sale happening Friday, November 28 through Sunday, December 7! You’ll find a huge selection of the smartest toys, gadgets, games, apparel, puzzles, science kits, and a whole lot more! 25% off everything in the Museum Store* Discount available to museum members and nonmembers. Valid on Museum Store merchandise only. May not be combined with standard Discovery member discount or any other coupon or offer. *Excludes LEGO® products, sale, and clearance…

Visit The Shop to create your own mini polar habitat, full of natural wildlife and tundra flora. Using cardboard, clay, and other materials, visitors can 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/caregivers 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 design a stadium considering what activities it will host and the best way to accommodate all guests. 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.

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.

Join our friends from Music Together Biggest Little City for a fun-filled class of music and movement. Through singing, dancing and instruments, young learners and their parents/caregivers will explore the joys of family music-making and the powerful benefits of having music in their lives. About Music Together Music Together is an early childhood music and movement program for children from birth through age eight—and the grownups who love them! First offered in 1987, our music classes help little ones develop…

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.

Work with fellow museum visitors in Spark!Lab Smithsonian to design a stadium considering what activities it will host and the best way to accommodate all guests. 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 the perfect decoration for winter. Using hammers and nails, you can create a winter-inspired shape to trace with festive winter string. 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.

Work with fellow museum visitors in Spark!Lab Smithsonian to design a stadium considering what activities it will host and the best way to accommodate all guests. 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 the perfect decoration for winter. Using hammers and nails, you can create a winter-inspired shape to trace with festive winter string. 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.

Work with fellow museum visitors in Spark!Lab Smithsonian to design a stadium considering what activities it will host and the best way to accommodate all guests. 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 the perfect decoration for winter. Using hammers and nails, you can create a winter-inspired shape to trace with festive winter string. 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 Discovery’s hours on Sunday, December 14, 2025 will be 12:00 to 5:00pm to accommodate a private event at the museum. The Discovery will resume normal hours on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Please check our calendar of events for additional holiday hours and activities.

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.

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.

Decorate for the holidays with an ornament you create in The Shop. Choose from a variety of materials, including fresh pine bows, to create your version of a festive holiday decoration. What you make is yours to keep to decorate your home or give as a holiday 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…

When the weather outside is frightful, a cozy sweater can be so delightful. In this Spark!Lab Smithsonian invention activity, you can use fabric and a variety of other craft materials to design a sweater just in time for the winter season. Can you design the latest fashion trend, or invent a sweater with a novel new function? Try what you create on a mini mannequins to see how it fits. What you create is yours to keep, however the mannequins…

Decorate for the holidays with an ornament you create in The Shop. Choose from a variety of materials, including fresh pine bows, to create your version of a festive holiday decoration. What you make is yours to keep to decorate your home or give as a holiday 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…

When the weather outside is frightful, a cozy sweater can be so delightful. In this Spark!Lab Smithsonian invention activity, you can use fabric and a variety of other craft materials to design a sweater just in time for the winter season. Can you design the latest fashion trend, or invent a sweater with a novel new function? Try what you create on a mini mannequins to see how it fits. What you create is yours to keep, however the mannequins…

Decorate for the holidays with an ornament you create in The Shop. Choose from a variety of materials, including fresh pine bows, to create your version of a festive holiday decoration. What you make is yours to keep to decorate your home or give as a holiday 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…

When the weather outside is frightful, a cozy sweater can be so delightful. In this Spark!Lab Smithsonian invention activity, you can use fabric and a variety of other craft materials to design a sweater just in time for the winter season. Can you design the latest fashion trend, or invent a sweater with a novel new function? Try what you create on a mini mannequins to see how it fits. What you create is yours to keep, however the mannequins…

The Discovery will be open 10:00am to 5:00pm on Mondays (12/22, 12/29, 1/5) during Washoe County School District’s winter break. Be sure to check out the museum’s calendar of events to find out everything that’s happening at the museum during winter break.

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.

The Discovery will be open 10:00am to 4:00pm (9:00am for Small Wonder Wednesday) on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, 2025. The museum will resume normal hours on Friday, December 26, 2025. Please check our calendar of events for additional holiday hours and activities.

Visit The Shop to create a beautiful and functional device to harness the power of the sun. Using wax paper, tissue paper, and a variety of other materials, you can create a sun catcher that looks like stained glass. 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 on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, 2025. The museum will reopen and resume normal hours on Friday, December 26 at 10:00am.

Visit The Shop to create a beautiful and functional device to harness the power of the sun. Using wax paper, tissue paper, and a variety of other materials, you can create a sun catcher that looks like stained glass. 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.

When the weather outside is frightful, a cozy sweater can be so delightful. In this Spark!Lab Smithsonian invention activity, you can use fabric and a variety of other craft materials to design a sweater just in time for the winter season. Can you design the latest fashion trend, or invent a sweater with a novel new function? Try what you create on a mini mannequins to see how it fits. What you create is yours to keep, however the mannequins…

Visit The Shop to create a beautiful and functional device to harness the power of the sun. Using wax paper, tissue paper, and a variety of other materials, you can create a sun catcher that looks like stained glass. 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.

When the weather outside is frightful, a cozy sweater can be so delightful. In this Spark!Lab Smithsonian invention activity, you can use fabric and a variety of other craft materials to design a sweater just in time for the winter season. Can you design the latest fashion trend, or invent a sweater with a novel new function? Try what you create on a mini mannequins to see how it fits. What you create is yours to keep, however the mannequins…

The Discovery will be open 10:00am to 5:00pm on Mondays (12/22, 12/29, 1/5) during Washoe County School District’s winter break. Be sure to check out the museum’s calendar of events to find out everything that’s happening at the museum during winter break.

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.

The Discovery will be open 10:00am to 4:00pm on New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, December 31, 2025. The museum will resume normal hours on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Please check our calendar of events for additional holiday hours and activities.

Ring in the new year and visit The Shop to put your automotive design skills to the test. Using a variety of materials, you can design and build your very own race 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.

Let the performance begin! Visit The Discovery’s Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent your own version of a hand puppet. Using a variety of materials, you can design and create a hand puppet and then conduct a performance for friends, family and fellow museum visitors on the Spark!Lab puppet stage. 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.

Ring in the new year and visit The Shop to put your automotive design skills to the test. Using a variety of materials, you can design and build your very own race 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.

Let the performance begin! Visit The Discovery’s Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent your own version of a hand puppet. Using a variety of materials, you can design and create a hand puppet and then conduct a performance for friends, family and fellow museum visitors on the Spark!Lab puppet stage. 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.

Ring in the new year and visit The Shop to put your automotive design skills to the test. Using a variety of materials, you can design and build your very own race 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.

The Discovery will be open 10:00am to 5:00pm on Mondays (12/22, 12/29, 1/5) during Washoe County School District’s winter break. Be sure to check out the museum’s calendar of events to find out everything that’s happening at the museum during winter break.

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.

Let the performance begin! Visit The Discovery’s Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent your own version of a hand puppet. Using a variety of materials, you can design and create a hand puppet and then conduct a performance for friends, family and fellow museum visitors on the Spark!Lab puppet stage. 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.

Keep your literary collection organized and carefully displayed with bookends you make in The Shop. Using real tools and a selection of wood and craft supplies, you can build bookends to keep your book in perfect, standing order. 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.

Let the performance begin! Visit The Discovery’s Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent your own version of a hand puppet. Using a variety of materials, you can design and create a hand puppet and then conduct a performance for friends, family and fellow museum visitors on the Spark!Lab puppet stage. 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.

Join musicians from the Reno Phil here at The Discovery to explore how music is made. The Phil’s Discover Brass Quintet brings a playful side to exploring how the instruments of the brass family produce sound. You’ll enjoy hearing familiar tunes and connecting them with the instruments that create some of the most powerful sounds in the orchestra! These special performances are included with museum admission. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis.

Keep your literary collection organized and carefully displayed with bookends you make in The Shop. Using real tools and a selection of wood and craft supplies, you can build bookends to keep your book in perfect, standing order. 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.

Let the performance begin! Visit The Discovery’s Spark!Lab Smithsonian to invent your own version of a hand puppet. Using a variety of materials, you can design and create a hand puppet and then conduct a performance for friends, family and fellow museum visitors on the Spark!Lab puppet stage. 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.

Keep your literary collection organized and carefully displayed with bookends you make in The Shop. Using real tools and a selection of wood and craft supplies, you can build bookends to keep your book in perfect, standing order. 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.

The Discovery will be closed to the public on Monday, January 12 and Tuesday, January 13 for staff training and exhibit maintenance. The museum will reopen and resume normal operating hours on Wednesday, January 14. As always, please check our calendar of events for updates on the many exciting things happening here at The Discovery.

The Discovery will be closed to the public on Monday, January 12 and Tuesday, January 13 for staff training and exhibit maintenance. The museum will reopen and resume normal operating hours on Wednesday, January 14. As always, please check our calendar of events for updates on the many exciting things happening here at The Discovery.

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 design a stadium considering what activities it will host and the best way to accommodate all guests. 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 show off your skills in sculpture and get creative with air dry clay. Using clay carving tools and acrylic paint, you can create a decorative relief tile with a three-dimensional effect. 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.