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The Tinkering Studio is located inside the Exploratorium, the museum of science, art and human perception. Location & Directions
Hours & Admissions
Featured Activity
Cardboard Automata »
Explore mechanical elements such as cams, levers, and linkages to create your own moving sculpture.
Core Activities
Cardboard Automata »
Explore mechanical elements such as cams, levers, and linkages to create your own moving sculpture.
Chain Reaction »
Rube Goldberg-inspired cause and effect contraptions using everyday materials and found objects.
Circuit Boards »
Tinker with electricity using common objects: batteries, lights, buzzers, motors, switches, etc.
Light Painting »
Create striking images and illusions using nothing more than a camera, a light source, and a little practice.
Light Play »
Explore light, shadow, and motion using a variety of simple materials and light sources.
Marble Machines »
Build a ball run with conduit, funnels, tracks, bumpers, dowels, and a pegboard wall.
Scribbling Machines »
Make a motorized contraption that moves in unusual ways and leaves a mark to trace its path.
Wind Tubes »
Explore moving air, wind, and aerodynamics with a variety of everyday objects.
Playful Explorations
BlinkyBugs »
Get bitten by the building bug, as you bring a butterfly, bee or beetle to life.
BristleBots »
Make a tiny vibrating robot that scoots around with a sense of purpose.
Build Your Own Bling »
Adorn your body with electrifyingly awesome jewelry that you build yourself. Learn how to construct a circuit using LEDs, watch…
Circuit Necklaces »
Create a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry that will brighten your look and your mind by making a Circuit Necklace.
Get in the Groove »
Experiment with different ways of listening to records, while learning about sound and vibration.
Hack-O-Lanterns »
We use hole saw bits, power drills, dremels, and other items from the tool box to create scary or delightful Halloween decorations.
Mmmtsss »
Become a both a rapper and a DJ by playing with Mmmtsss, a program that will help you easily create…
Piezo Drum Circle »
Electronically march to the beat of your own drum as you experiment with contact microphones and inventive instruments.
Plastic Fusing »
Turn old plastic bags into beautiful new fabrics that you can use to make a variety of fashionable items.
Sew a Circuit »
Watch your friends’ eyes light up, as you light up the LED on your clothing just by wearing it!
Squishy Circuits »
Use homemade conductive and resistant play-doh to build electronic sculptures that light up, move, and make sounds. Anyone who has…
Tops »
Explore what it takes to make a top by building your own spinning creation.
Toy Take Apart »
Do you ever wonder what’s inside your toys? You’ll make some exciting and surprising discoveries!
