Kid Inventors’ Day is Saturday January 19. It’s the perfect excuse to slow down, get curious, and let kids’ ideas take center stage. Whether your child loves building, drawing, experimenting, or dreaming up big solutions to small problems, this day is all about creativity—not perfection. Here are a few simple, hands-on ways families in the Allentown area can celebrate curiosity, problem-solving, and the joy of letting kids imagine what’s possible.
1) Explore hands-on learning at Da Vinci Science Center
Make curiosity the centerpiece of your day by visiting this interactive science destination in downtown Allentown. Kids can explore exhibits that blend science and invention, from simple machines to STEAM challenges, and even informal design spaces where imagination thrives. There are workshops and Fab Lab opportunities for hands-on creation too.
Plan ahead: Check their calendar for family days, STEAM-themed weeks, or drop-in chances to test a design.
Link: https://www.davincisciencecenter.org/
2) Build something real at the Parkland Community Library Idea Lab
The Idea Lab at Parkland Community Library gives kids (with adult supervision) access to tools like a 3D printer and other creative tech to bring basic designs to life. It’s a great local resource to let a teen prototype a gadget idea or teach younger kids about digital design.
Tip for planning: Visit with your library card and check how reservations and material fees work before you go.
Link: https://sites.google.com/parklandlibrary.org/pcl-idealab/home
3) Visit a community makerspace at Make Lehigh Valley
When your inventor is ready to graduate from cardboard prototypes to real tools, Make Lehigh Valley offers a community workshop space with equipment like laser cutters, electronics tools, 3D printers, and more. It’s one of the best places in the Allentown area to turn big ideas into physical results.
Best for: older kids and teens who want structured project support or plan to work on a real invention.
Link: https://makelehighvalley.com/blog/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4) DIY inventor project at home — supplies from Cut the Scrap, Michaels, or Blick Art Materials
Turn Kid Inventors’ Day into a creative workshop at home:
Craft idea: Make a “problem solver prototype” using recycled materials — challenge kids to design a tool that solves a simple everyday problem (e.g., a better pencil holder, a pet toy, a simple robot friend made from craft bits).
Where to get supplies locally:
- Cut the Scrap — low-cost recycled materials & art pieces for experimentation.
- Michaels — full range of craft tools and kits suitable for young inventors.
- Blick Art Materials — quality art supplies for more detailed prototype designs.
These local stores make it easy to pick up inspiration and tools in one trip.
5) Take a next-step prototype leap at Northampton Community College Fab Lab
If your kid’s invention idea goes beyond paper and cardboard, the NCC Fab Lab is a community resource where people 14+ can work with advanced tools like woodworking and electronics equipment — ideal for serious projects that might become real products.
Who it’s for: Teens with a solid concept they want to build, or families who want guided fabrication support.
Link: https://www.northampton.edu/business-and-community/community-education/fab-lab/
Bonus Tip: Use AI & Turn your day into a mini invention challenge
Give AI/ ChatGPT a simple prompt like “design something that makes life easier at school” or “invent a new game gadget” and let AI’s explorations fuel your kids ideas. Have them select one and celebrate creativity with a mini “pitch” after dinner so each inventor gets a moment in the spotlight.
