Hands On! Discovery Center

Wednesday, October 16th National Fossil Family Pop-in Workshop 1pm - 5pm Stop by anytime between 1pm-5pm to examine real fossils on National Fossil Day with a “picking” activity featuring fossil-rich sediment from Aurora, NC*. Play our Fossil or Fake game and use plaster to create your own fossil cast replica to take home. Children must be supervised at

Saturday, October 12th STEAM Showcase 10am - 2pm Stop by anytime between 10am to 2pm for a showcase that’s all about STEAM-Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. Explore a variety of interactive and fun opportunities for curious minds of all ages. The focus is to introduce our visitors to what STEM/STEAM exactly is as well as early

Saturday, October 12th STEAM Showcase-10am-2pm Stop by anytime between 10am to 2pm for a showcase that’s all about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).  Explore a variety of interactive and fun opportunities for curious minds of all ages.  With regional organizations on-site to provide their expertise, visitors to the showcase will get a glimpse into the

Tuesday, October 8th Trade Up! Workshop 10am - 1pm Children ages 9 to 14 can explore the tools and sciences of skilled trade career sectors in this hands-on workshop based off of our weeklong Trade Up! summer camp program.  Find the right tool for every job with our hand tool and power tool relay.  Get crafty with a wood block string

Monday, August 5th Sensory Night, 4-6pm This event is designed for individuals with sensory integration needs. Lighting and sound are adjusted as well as many other environmental elements.  Hands On! will be closed to the public during this event.  Sensory Nights are FREE, but space is very limited to ensure a consistent and enjoyable experience.  Pre-registration is required by

Friday, August 2nd Family Fun Day, 3-6pm Join us for Family Fun Day at Hands On! Discovery Center! Bring the fam, bring a lawn chair, and enjoy the garden. FREE with paid general admission (*exceptions apply). Highlights include: Science "Magic" Show at 3:30, 4:30, and 5:30 Cotton candy (While supplies last. Allergen warning.) Lawn games,

Thursday, June 20th Solar-scope for Summer Solstice Join us for some star gazing of our Sun on the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year! Take a turn using our Celestron EclipSmart solar safe finder telescope, which allows the scope to align to the sun without directly viewing it. Programs by announcement periodically throughout the day. Weather permitting, stay

Monday, May 20th Sensory Night 4-6pm This event is designed for individuals with sensory integration needs. Lighting and sound are adjusted as well as many other environmental elements. Hands On! is closed to the public during this event. Sensory Nights are FREE, and space is very limited and only available for immediate family. Pre-registration is required. To register, go to visithandson.org.