We are considering joining one of the local maker spaces. I know the two big ones are HackRVA and Build RVA. I'd love to find one that is more kid friendly so my daughters can join us but also has a lot of good tools to use and a good community.

Any recommendations?

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piratazephyri t1_izllj7s wrote on December 10, 2022 at 12:15 AM

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The Forge at the Science Museum might be what you're looking for.

chrispt OP t1_izlnvtt wrote on December 10, 2022 at 12:33 AM

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Replying to piratazephyri (#896,754)

We've considered that since we are already members of the museum. Do you know much about the other two big spaces?

coconut_sorbet t1_izloqne wrote on December 10, 2022 at 12:40 AM

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Hi! I'm a member and volunteer at Build, RVA and would be happy to answer any questions you might have. How old is your daughter?

[deleted] t1_izlrhtf wrote on December 10, 2022 at 1:02 AM

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Replying to coconut_sorbet (#896,869)

[removed]

chrispt OP t1_izlsys7 wrote on December 10, 2022 at 1:13 AM

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Replying to coconut_sorbet (#896,869)

I have two, 11 and 9. Likely the 11 year old would be the one to join me.

Curious what kind of tools and/or classes and events are available.

HunterRoze t1_izlvt2o wrote on December 10, 2022 at 1:37 AM

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Have you guys visited one of HackRVA open house Thursdays?

chrispt OP t1_izlzz1j wrote on December 10, 2022 at 2:11 AM

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Replying to HunterRoze (#897,175)

No, but we plan on it next week. Thanks for the reminder.

HunterRoze t1_izm2kkw wrote on December 10, 2022 at 2:33 AM

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Replying to chrispt (#897,327)

They have always been very open and approachable all the times I have been there.

jazli t1_izm4dw9 wrote on December 10, 2022 at 2:48 AM

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Replying to HunterRoze (#897,175)

My husband has a membership and they have lots of cool things. I don't think they are specifically kid oriented or have a kids program but I can't imagine anyone there would have any issue with kids so long as they're an appropriate age and use the tools/equipment safely and with supervision. Also coming from another state, we found their monthly price to be super affordable and a great value.

coconut_sorbet t1_izo4gut wrote on December 10, 2022 at 3:56 PM

#900,595

Replying to chrispt (#897,069)

Ah ok! I'm asking if there's any kind of age limit, will let you know when I hear back!

Right now we're still not holding many special events due to the pandemic. But we have weekly woodshop, laser, sewing, and CNC classes. Plus welding, metal shop, metal milling CNC, wood lathe, and 3D printing classes by appointment. We've also got a number of other tools available ranging from vinyl cutters to an embroidery machine which are more "teach yourself" kind of things.

The best way to get a feel for the space is to come by for a tour! You can sign up at https://www.rvabuild.com/tour (and if you DM me when you're coming by, I can try to be there to say hello!)