The Tinker Shop

The Tinker Shop invites children and adults to explore concepts of building, creativity and invention. In this space, museum visitors can engage hands-on with various materials and tools. Through these interactive experiences, visitors are encouraged to tackle challenges and think critically, gaining valuable problem-solving skills.

 

Thinker Tinkers (All ages)

December Theme: Light and Motion
Bring ideas to life with shadow puppets, create light-reflecting sculptures using foil and cellophane, and design a whimsical winter village.

January Theme: Hands-On Winter Builds
Join us on the second floor for hands-on building and experimenting inspired by winter play. Kids can explore winter blocks, tinker magnets, simple machines, and snowball launchers through open-ended tinkering and playful problem-solving.

Projects rotate throughout the month and not all are listed here—come find out what we’re up to when you visit Imagine!

(Please note: Tinker Shop may vary day by day in December for special programming)

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Challenges and materials are appropriate for even our youngest guests. Tinker trays and recycled materials will be available to help solve a specific fun and imaginative challenge for the day intended to spark innovation and creative thinking while being introduced to the basics of the engineering design process.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Closed 1 – 2 pm.

Woodworking Wonders
Friday – Sunday, 2 – 4 p.m.
Learn basic woodworking skills and create fun projects.

During this time, visitors to the Tinker Shop learn how to use traditional woodshop tools through open-ended exploration or to help solve a challenge. Participants will understand the fundamentals of tool usage, measurement, and construction, all while receiving guidance on safe practices. Guests should expect to participate in 30-minute sessions with a required facilitator led safety orientation during this time. Safety goggles are required to be worn by all in the Tinker Shop during these times.

All activities are included with Museum admission unless otherwise specified.