The Arizona Science Center is an extraordinary place that inspires us to be our most creative and innovative selves. And it’s even better now than ever before.
Inside a swanky new, state-of-the-art space opening this fall, both children, teens and adults are learning science, design and engineering in the best way possible — with hands-on activities.
CREATE is a multimillion-dollar facility that’s part art studio, part laboratory, and it’s stocked full of all the high-tech and traditional tools you would need to turn your ideas into reality.
The space will open to the public on Saturday, September 26 with a grand opening celebration from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. featuring food trucks, local makers and vendors, as well as a special appearance by Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton.

With workshops on 3D printing, laser cutting, woodworking and so much more, CREATE is an aspiring maker’s, creative’s or scientist’s dream. Classes ($40) will include access to materials as well as the finished product, which could be something like a light-up acrylic display etched by a laser cutter with the design of your choice.
With this new program, the Arizona Science Center can offer kids (and adults) the opportunity to interact and make things, he said. “That’s very different than a science center; this is where you get to create content.”
The 6,500-square-foot space is adjacent to the main facility and broken up into different areas. While some workshops are all ages, certain areas like the wood shop, artistry hub and electronics zone are solely for those 13 years and older (for safety reasons).
“The crazy, long-term vision of this place is to get people to see the Center in a different way,” said Steven Weiner, director of programming at Arizona Science Center. “Not having a one-time, predetermined experience but a sustained interaction with what we do here.”
CREATE is currently open to Arizona Science Center members, who get to experience the new facilities during a special pre-opening period, now through September 13.