Here's what you'll want to know!

What is Maker City?
It's a makerspace designed especially for youth ages 8+. The 1,250 sq. foot studio workshop offers a place where youth makers and families can design, invent, create and collaborate using real tools – the same materials and processes used by artists, builders, programmers and entrepreneurs. From sewing and woodworking to digital design or 3D modeling, you'll find everything you need to turn idea into reality. 

Where is Maker City located? 
It's located inside Explore More Discovery Museum on the 2nd floor, adjacent to the 2nd floor admission desk.

When is Maker City open?
Maker City requires a great deal of supervision and we try to offer hours that allow us to serve the greatest number of participants. To keep the experience at the highest level while ensuring safety, the number of participants per session is limited. This varies seasonally and you'll find extended hours during school holidays and summer breaks. Please refer to our calendar to see Open Make times and special activities. Open Make sessions are currently posted one week in advance. To reserve your spot, pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

How much does it cost to visit Maker City?
Maker City entrance is included in the regular museum admission fees ( $8.50 per person for adults and children). Members visit free all year long. There may be additional fees for specialty workshops.

What is Open Make? This is a time when youth can reserve a space and explore many aspects of Maker City. It is self-guided and our supervisors will assist students in their areas of interest. It is our job to foster creative exploration while also maintaining the highest level of safety and visitor experience. Anyone who is 8+ can come to Open Make and it is not mandatory to have completed an Introductory session. 

Why do children have to be at least 8 years old to participate? We understand that all children have different abilities and interests and that age is never a perfect indication of readiness. In this instance, we listened to the kids. During numerous focus groups with older youth, we heard time and time again that while they love the museum activities, they really wanted a place of their own. A place where they could have some independence and explore creatively. This is why Maker City exists and as hard as it is to tell the 7 1/2 year old that they will have to wait, it's very special to our older kids. Thanks for understanding and supporting!

How do we get started? Check the calendar to register for your Open Make visit or specialty workshop. On the day/time of your reservation, you'll need to check in at Museum’s front desk and then you can make your way to Maker City, located on the 2nd floor. Every participant must have a waiver on file. If you don't have one, you can print a copy of the WAIVER HERE or we'll have them available at the desk. 

Can adults stay with their children in Maker City? We welcome adults to stay and work alongside their children. You are also welcome to leave your child in our care during the session. After checking in at the front desk, please walk your child to Maker City. Please come to Maker City at the end of the session to pick up your child. We will not release a child into the museum without their caregiver.

How is the Explore More Discovery Museum funded?
Explore More is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 40% of the annual operating budget comes from fundraising events, sponsorships and donations while the other 60% is from admission fees, memberships, program fees, etc. Maker City costs are significant. We are pleased to have generous donor support. Please take time to see our sponsor listing on the Maker City page and at the entrance. 

Do you need volunteers? YES, we'd love to have more volunteers. Please complete a volunteer form and we'll contact you with details.

Have more questions? Contact us at info@iexploremore!