Curious Creators Club
Open Tinkering Studio (Ages 7–12)
Where children's ideas come to life.
Dates in autumn 2026:
26 September, 17 October, 14 November
What if, instead of being told what to make, children were given the freedom to decide for themselves?
Welcome to Open Tinkering Studio – a creative makerspace where curiosity leads the way. There are no templates to copy, no step-by-step instructions to follow, and no expectation that everyone leaves with the same project.
Instead, children are invited to explore, experiment, invent, build and create using a wide variety of materials, tools and their own imagination.
Whether they arrive with a brilliant idea already in mind or simply a curiosity to see where the afternoon takes them, they'll find an inspiring space to make something uniquely their own.
What is Open Tinkering Studio?
Open Tinkering Studio is a creative makerspace where children are free to design and build their own projects in a relaxed, open-ended environment.
Instead of following step-by-step instructions or making the same project as everyone else, each child chooses their own direction. They might arrive with a clear idea, discover inspiration as they explore the studio, or use one of the optional prompts and design challenges to get started.
Every child works at their own pace, experimenting with ideas, trying different approaches and solving problems as they go. There is no "project of the day", no right or wrong way to create, and no pressure to make something perfect. The focus is on enjoying the creative process, exploring possibilities, and bringing each child's own ideas to life.
A real makerspace for young inventors
Open Tinkering Studio is inspired by the philosophy of tinkering: learning through making, experimenting, testing ideas, and solving problems.
Children are encouraged to follow their curiosity, explore different materials and techniques, ask questions, take creative risks, and discover what works through hands-on experimentation rather than simply following instructions.
Not every idea will work the first time, and that's okay. Projects can change direction, be redesigned, or evolve into something unexpected. Every challenge is another opportunity to think creatively, try a different approach and improve an idea. Children are encouraged to experiment freely, learn from what doesn't work and celebrate the process of creating.
Materials, Tools & Creative Supplies
The studio is stocked with a constantly growing collection of materials, tools, and creative supplies waiting to be explored. Every visit offers new possibilities, with new materials and interesting finds added regularly.
Children can choose from a wide variety of making materials, including cardboard, wood, recycled materials, fabric, paper, paint, markers, glue, wire, and all sorts of everyday objects and unexpected treasures waiting to become something new.
They'll also have access to a range of making tools, such as hot glue guns, the ChompSaw cardboard cutting machine, hammers, hand drills, and many other tools to help bring their ideas to life. All tools are introduced and used with guidance whenever needed.
How a Session Works
Every child receives their own making box at the start of the session. They can explore the studio, browse the materials, and choose whatever they'd like to begin with. Optional prompts and design challenges are available for anyone looking for a little inspiration, but children are equally welcome to follow their own ideas from the very beginning.
Once they're ready, it's time to build, experiment, and create. Children work at their own pace, returning to the studio's collection of tools and materials whenever they need more supplies or want to try something different. I'll be on hand throughout the session to answer questions, demonstrate tools, offer suggestions if someone gets stuck and help solve practical challenges along the way.
At the end of the session, children take home whatever they've created, whether it's a finished project or something they'd like to continue building at home.
Parents Are Welcome Too
Open Tinkering Studio is designed so children can attend independently, but parents are also very welcome to stay and create together with their child.
Working side by side on a shared project can be a wonderful way to spend quality time together, solve problems as a team and celebrate each other's ideas. Whether you choose to stay or simply drop your child off, the experience is designed to be enjoyable, creative and relaxed.
The price is the same whether a child attends independently or with a parent, so you can choose the option that works best for your family.
Who is it for?
Open Tinkering Studio is designed for curious young makers aged 7–12 who enjoy creating, building, experimenting and exploring new ideas. Children don't need to be artistic or have any previous making experience, just a willingness to try, imagine and discover.
Because every child works on their own project, the studio naturally welcomes a wide range of interests and abilities. Some children love designing machines, others enjoy building imaginary worlds, creating games, making models or simply seeing where their imagination takes them.
Confident, independent and curious 6-year-olds are welcome too. If you're unsure whether Open Tinkering Studio is the right fit for your child, feel free to get in touch.
Location & Schedule
Vlierboomstraat 413, 2564JD, Den Haag
One Saturday each month, 13:00–15:00
Dates in autumn 2026:
26 September, 17 October, 14 November
Price
€25 per session (child or child-and-parent duo)
Language
We can support your child in English or Dutch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Start Making?
Whether your child dreams of building machines, inventing games, creating imaginary worlds or simply loves making things with their own hands, Open Tinkering Studio is a place where their ideas can grow.
With a maximum of just six makers per session, there's plenty of space to explore, experiment and create at a relaxed pace.
Come and see what your child will make when imagination takes the lead.