Tinkering for Tots

Big ideas start small. Spark curiosity with hands-on fun for your little innovator.
Adult and child participate in color activity in the Museum
  • Oct-May | Second Tuesday of each month
  • 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Near Driving America, across from Driven to Win: Racing in America
    Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
  • Free for members or with museum admission.
Tinkering for Tots

Tinkering for Tots

  • Oct-May | Second Tuesday of each month
  • 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Near Driving America, across from Driven to Win: Racing in America
    Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
  • Free for members or with museum admission.

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.

March 10, 2026

Habit: What are we learning?

  • Stay Curious

Story: What are we reading?

  • The Girl with Big, Big Questions by Britney Winn Lee

Artifact of the day: Where are we going?

  • Women's Suffrage Flag

    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

      May 12, 2026

      Habit: What are we learning?

      • Collaborate

      Story: What are we reading?

      • We Are The Builders! by Deepa Iyer

      Artifact of the day: Where are we going?

      • Crafting America

        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.

        Become A Member

        More to Explore

        Girl experimenting with electricity and potatoes

        Experiment with History

        • Made In America: Power
        • Daily
        • 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

        E-Q-U-A-L-I-T-Y

        Learn the story of young MacNolia Cox, one of the first African Americans to compete at the National Spelling Bee. Test your skills and see if you can match MacNolia's spelling prowess.

        Child playing with the Gravity Racers in the Driven to Win exhibition.

        Gravity Racers

        • Driven to Win
        • Daily
        • 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
        How does the body of a vehicle impact its performance? Try your hand at automotive design and build different types to cars to see which will go the fastest. Will your vehicle win the race?

        Texaco Service Station Experience

        • Driving America Exhibit
        • Daily
        • 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
        Visit the service bay of the Texaco Service Station and try your hand at being a mechanic as you diagnose, assemble, inspect, maintain, test and repair various components throughout the exhibit. This interactive area is geared toward young learners, and enjoyable for guests of all ages and abilities.

        Dymaxion House

        • Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
        • Daily
        • 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
        Go on a guided tour of Buckminster Fuller's resourceful aluminum dwelling, a prototype of a sustainable suburbia. Please note that the historic design of the Dymaxion House does not accommodate wheelchairs or strollers. However, the home may be viewed from the deck at the top of the ramp, and a special exterior presentation is available upon request.