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.

Tiny Tinkers

Tuesday — Friday
9 a.m. — 1 p.m.

Challenges and materials are appropriate for even our youngest guests. Tinker trays will be filled with materials 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.

Thinker Tinker Challenge

Tuesday — Thursday
2 — 4 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday
9 a.m. — 1 p.m.

While the challenge might be the same, the afternoon involves more complex concepts related to the engineering design process, and guests are invited to choose from a variety of different materials to help solve the Weekly Challenge.

Woodworking Wonders

Friday — Sunday
2 — 4 p.m.

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.