Tinkering for Tots

Preschool Program

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Special Event at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation®

  • October 2023 - May 2024
  • Time: 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

Free for members or with museum admission.

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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.


October 10, 2023


Habit: What are we learning?

  • Stay Curious

Story: What are we reading?

  • Amara’s Farm by JanNay Brown-Wood

Artifact of the day: Where are we going?

  • 1975 Sperry-New Holland Combine



November 14, 2023


Habit: What are we learning?

  • Collaborate

Story: What are we reading?

  • Lia & Luis Who has more? by Ana Crespo

Artifact of the day: Where are we going?

  • Mathematica



December 12, 2023


Habit: What are we learning?

  • Be Empathetic

Story: What are we reading?

  • Holidays Together by Sophia Day

Artifact of the day: Where are we going?

  • Light and Joy in The Holiday Season Pop-Up



January 9, 2024


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?

  • 2016 General Motors First-Generation Self-Driving Test Vehicle



February 13, 2024


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



March 12, 2024


Habit: What are we learning?

  • Be Empathetic

Story: What are we reading?

  • The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld



April 9, 2024


Habit: What are we learning?

  • Take Risks

Story: What are we reading?

  • We are Water Protectors by Carol Lindstromi



May 14, 2024


Habit: What are we learning?

  • Stay Curious

Story: What are we reading?

  • Wheels by Sally Sutton

Artifact of the day: Where are we going?

  • 1927 Blue Bird School Bus




Members Visit Free

Become a member for free admission to PNC Tinkering for Tots, plus free 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 $27.00
General Admission (12-61) Free $30.00
Youth (5-11) Free $22.50
Children (4 & Under) Free Free

* Ticket prices are subject to change.




This program was made possible with support from:
pnc_foundation_tinkeringfortots