Hours
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM*
*Thursday: open until 6:00PM
Admission
Children under one year of age: FREE
Adults and Children over one: $12.00
Seniors (60 and older): $11.00
Military and family members (with valid ID): $11.00
*Play for All (EBT/SNAP): $6.00
There is a 4% service fee on every transaction.
Starting July 1, 2025, SPARK is a cashless facility. We happily accept all major credit/debit cards and mobile payment options.
Program Calendar
SPARK is always closed on Mondays.
Daily programs are updated on a weekly basis.
Play
Play takes many forms, imaginative or dramatic play; rough-and-tumble play; object play; building play; and games. A strategy for learning, play intersects with creativity, well-being, and exploring materials. Spark makes room for play by encouraging young learners to use their imaginations, set challenges, act out stories, make gizmos, and transform spaces.
Materials Exploration
Materials exploration encourages investigation of the material world — its tools, natural objects, raw materials, and building materials—using all their senses. Manipulating materials sparks children’s curiosity, prompts questions about their properties and uses, and engages their natural inventiveness. Spark provides visitors with a wide range of open-ended materials in abundant quantities and interesting contexts.
Inquiry & Experimenting
Inquiry and experimenting starts with question-powered exploration of spaces, ideas, materials, objects leading to doing and action. Testing hunches, exploring cause-and-effect, solving problems, and trying out fresh ideas. Even small experiments inspire new questions. We create open-ended experiences, offer a variety of materials, and prepare staff and volunteers to ask open-ended questions.
Conversation
Conversation is the back-and-forth between people as they speak, listen, and gesture, sharing ideas, knowledge, and memories. Spark encourages conversation about the objects in the exhibits, the ideas discussed and the stories told.
