Looking for a drop-in play space for your kids that caters to technology, designing, and engineering? A place where they can explore, build, and create with their 
friends and other children? Well then check out Einstein’s Workshop in Burlington, MA, a hands-on learning center that focuses exclusively on science, technology, engineering, and math.
Einstein’s Workshop opened in December 2012 and has been steadily expanding its programming over the past couple of years. In addition to the drop-in space, they offer tech classes, FIRST robotics teams, workshops, field trips, and birthday parties.
I became familiar with Einstein’s Workshop when they held a build-your-own hydraulic lift workshop for teens at my local library this summer. After the class, I was interested to see what kind of tech-oriented play space they offered, so I took my daughters (13 years and 9 years) and their friend to visit the space.
We were greeted at the door by the friendly Einstein’s Workshop folks, and they showed us around giving an overview of the different toys and tools we could use (e.g., LEGOs, robotics, Magformers, etc.). The space is fairly large and laid out nicely with distinct toy stations. My kids enjoyed building with MagnaTiles and they especially liked using the Anchor Stone building blocks to build some very cool structures. We weren’t familiar with these blocks– they were beautifully designed and felt like real stone.
We also got to see Einstein’s Workshop’s 3D printer in action. My daughters are familiar with 3D printers but had not seen one working in real life. I’m glad they were able to see this novel printing technology up-front and see how a product was rapidly produced.
Based on the toys and activities available, I think the drop-in space is well-suited for children ages 5 to 12 years old. The kid-friendly space makes it easy for you to work alongside your child, or if you prefer, you can relax on a couch and read or chat with a friend. When you need a weekday afternoon or weekend activity for your child who loves to create and build, give Einstein’s Workshop a visit.
Drop-in Space Details:
- Location: 25 Adams Street Burlington, MA 01803
- Hours: Check the website for specific hours
- Cost: $12 per child with accompanying adult. Children under 3 are free with paid admission of older sibling.
- Educational Toys and Tools: LEGOs, K’nex, Zome, Anchor Blocks, Kapla Blocks, MagnaTiles and Magformers, Snap Circuits, Rainbow Loom, Papercraft Corner, Puzzles, Board Games, and Minecraft
