Imagine. Build. Iterate. Create Without Limits.

Open Makerspace is the most flexible and student-directed experience at SPARKGROUNDS. Rather than following a set project or challenge, students decide what they want to create and then work with facilitators to bring those ideas to life.

Every session is different because every student is different. Some participants design and 3D print original creations. Others build machines, experiment with electronics, create artwork, construct models, develop inventions, or combine multiple disciplines into larger projects. Students are encouraged to explore their interests, take creative risks, and follow ideas wherever they lead.

Facilitators provide guidance, technical support, encouragement, and access to tools and materials, but students remain the designers, builders, and problem-solvers. The goal is not to complete a predetermined project—it's to learn how to turn an idea into reality through planning, experimentation, persistence, and craftsmanship.

The extended two-hour format allows students to move beyond quick activities and engage in meaningful work. Participants have time to encounter challenges, revise plans, improve designs, and make significant progress on projects that often continue across multiple sessions.

• Two full hours of supported design, building, and creative work
• Access to 3D printers, electronics, building materials, art supplies, tools, and maker resources
• Student-driven projects with facilitator guidance and support
• Freedom to explore engineering, art, design, invention, technology, and fabrication
• Opportunities for both new makers and experienced creators to grow their skills

Classes meet every other week, allowing students to return with new ideas, continue ongoing projects, or begin entirely new creations. For a full Wednesday experience, pair Open Makerspace with our Makerspace Inventors Workshop and keep your child designing, building, and creating every week.

What Students Create

• Engineering Projects: Machines, mechanisms, structures, inventions, and prototypes
• 3D Printing Projects: Original designs, useful objects, toys, tools, models, and custom creations
• Electronics Projects: Circuits, lights, interactive builds, and technology-based creations
• Creative Projects: Art, design, mixed-media creations, and imaginative builds
• Independent Projects: Long-term ideas developed over multiple sessions with facilitator support

Guardians are required to complete our waiver before the first club meeting--if they haven't already done so for a different SPARKGROUNDS event. All events are led by professionally trained and insured staff who have passed a Level 2 background check. Students can withdraw from a class series at any time simply by emailing us and prorated refunds are always provided automatically.

This SPARKGROUNDS event is available for direct pay through Florida's Step Up FES-EO, UA, and PEP scholarships. Find events in the Marketplace by selecting 'find providers' and searching for 'SPARKGROUNDS.'