Tinkering for Tots

Big ideas start small. Spark curiosity with hands-on fun for your little innovator.
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.
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 and artifact exploration.

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.

Please note that programming details are subject to change.

October 13, 2026

Habit: What are we learning?

  • Stay Curious

Story: What are we reading?

  • Hopefully the Scarecrow by Michelle Houts

Artifact of the day: Where are we going?

  • Arctic Alcove Reading Nook

    November 10, 2026

    Habit: What are we learning?

    • Be Empathetic

    Story: What are we reading?

    • Berry Song by Michaela Goade

    Artifact of the day: Where are we going?

    • Silent Spring

      December 8, 2026

      Habit: What are we learning?

      • Stay Curious

      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 Pop-Up

        January 12, 2027

        Habit: What are we learning?

        • Learn from Failure

        Story: What are we reading?

        • A Little Like Magic by Sarah Kurpiel

        Artifact of the day: Where are we going?

        • Dollhouses

          February 9, 2027

          Habit: What are we learning?

          • Challenge the Rules

          Story: What are we reading?

          • Dazzling Zelda by Aura Lewis

          Artifact of the day: Where are we going?

          • Made in America Sewing Machines

            March 9, 2027

            Habit: What are we learning?

            • Take Risks

            Story: What are we reading?

            • Ruby's Sword by Jacqueline Véissid

            Artifact of the day: Where are we going?

            • Woodsy Owl

              April 13, 2027

              Habit: What are we learning?

              • Be Empathetic

              Story: What are we reading?

              • How to Say Hello to a Worm by Kari Percival

              Artifact of the day: Where are we going?

              • GWC Microscope

                May 11, 2027

                Habit: What are we learning?

                • Collaborate

                Story: What are we reading?

                • Nell Plants a Tree by Anne Wynter and Daniel Miyares

                Artifact of the day: Where are we going?

                • Sperry-New Holland Combine

                  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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