Tinkering for Tots
Preschool Program
Special Event at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation®
- October 2025-May 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Second Tuesday of each month
- Location: Near Driving America, across from Driven to Win: Racing in America
Little learners get hands-on, minds-on at Tinkering for Tots: A program designed for curious preschoolers to develop an innovative mindset and make connections through storytelling, play, artifact exploration and a take-home STEAM activity kit.
Tinkering for Tots explorations and activities are based on The Henry Ford’s innovation learning framework, Model i. Your little learner will build an innovative mindset by exploring new ideas, overcoming challenges and working with others.
Tinkering for Tots activities combine a number of national standards for preschool curriculum as defined by the National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching, and Learning, and the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
All learning resources are available in English, Spanish and Arabic.
October 14, 2025
Habit: What are we learning?
- Stay Curious
Story: What are we reading?
- Amara's Farm by JaNay Brown-Wood
Artifact of the day: Where are we going?
- New Holland Combine
PDF (SPA) | PDF (AR)
November 11, 2025
Our team is still developing content for this event. Come Celebrate Indigenous History with us!
December 9, 2025
Habit: What are we learning?
- Be Empathetic
Story: What are we reading?
- Let's Celebrate! by Kate DePalma
Artifact of the day: Where are we going?
- Light and Joy in the Holiday Season
PDF (SPA) | PDF (AR)
January 13, 2026
Habit: What are we learning?
- Learn from Failure
Story: What are we reading?
- The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi
Artifact of the day: Where are we going?
- Studio Glass
PDF (SPA) | PDF (AR)
February 10, 2026
Habit: What are we learning?
- Challenge the Rules
Story: What are we reading?
- Every Little Letter by Deborah Underwood
Artifact of the day: Where are we going?
- Rosa Parks Bus
PDF (SPA) | PDF (AR)
March 10, 2026
Our team is still developing content for this event. Come celebrate Women's History Month with us!
April 14, 2026
Habit: What are we learning?
- Take Risks
Story: What are we reading?
- We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom
Artifact of the day: Where are we going?
- Woodsy Owl
PDF (SPA) | PDF (AR)
May 12, 2026
Our team is still developing content for this event. Please check back soon!
Members Visit Free
Become a member for free admission to Tinkering for Tots, plus free general admission to the museum and village all year long. Not a member yet? Learn more or join today.
Ticket Prices
Parking is $9 per vehicle for nonmembers, free for members.Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
| Member | Nonmember | |
|---|---|---|
| Senior (62+) | Free | $30.50 |
| General Admission (12-61) | Free | $34.00 |
| Youth (5-11) | Free | $25.50 |
| Children (4 & Under) | Free | Free |
* Seasonal pricing will be in effect throughout the year. The pricing chart reflects the online discount price. There is an additional charge per ticket for purchases made on-site.
