Our philosophy starts with the simple belief that kids are capable of incredible things. Our job is to nurture that ability; our goal is to support kids' healthy development. Play is how kids learn--here, it is in both a STEM-rich environment and inviting outdoor experience.
Use tools, tinker, design, build, and invent like the artist, scientist, engineer, and inventor Leonardo da Vinci. Using recycled materials, off-the-shelf supplies, and tools and technology ranging from scissors and saws to electronic circuits and conductive thread, you can design and build diverse creations inspired by the creative thinking and engineering of da Vinci.
Creative and industrious visitors go through a great deal of materials as they invent their masterpieces in da Vinci. We need an ongoing supply of clean, recycled, or new materials that can be drawn on, glued, or reshaped into imaginative or engineered creations! Please click here for a list of the donated items we request for da Vinci Workshop and for our very popular Take Aparts program. Donations for da Vinci Workshop can be dropped off at the front desk during business hours. For household electronics donations for the Take Aparts program, please contact Liz Leahey in advance to coordinate your donation.
Experiment with aerodynamics principles and engineering concepts at the vertical airstream. Use a variety of materials, design and test prototypes that fly and hover.
Inspired by da Vinci, use your imagination and engineering skills to invent new creations and art using recycled materials.
Use gears to flap the wings of a model flying machine, inspired by the giant ornithopter that da Vinci designed to test human-powered flight.
Create unexpected patterns as you draw in the sand on a spinning disk. Use brushes, rods, rakes, and your fingers to form circles, spirals and other surprising shapes.
