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

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

    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.

    Become A Member

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