For children ages 18 months – 5 years, Emerging Inventors programs include story and music time, socializing with other children, educational activities, science experiments, and exploration of the homes, gardens, and museum at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates.

Select either 1st and 3rd Monday or 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month, October through April, 10 to 11 a.m.


Dec. 21 – Holiday Fun – The Florida sun is shining, but Kris Kringle will soon be here. Build a marshmallow snowman, string a popcorn garland, and celebrate the season with some traditional charm.

Jan. 4/5 – Listen Up: Science of Sound – Music is in the air thanks to Thomas Edison. Join in as we listen to a historic phonograph, make musical instruments, and learn a little about frequency and harmonics.

Jan. 18/19 – Digging It: Dinosaurs – Dig up some fun and play paleontologist, as we go back to the Mesozoic Era. From creating an edible T-Rex tooth to discovering camouflage this class is all about one thing, dinosaurs.

Feb. 1/2 – Interesting Insects – From beetles to ants, bees to butterflies, insects are everywhere! Come wander the gardens of Edison Ford as we learn about a few of our Florida favorites.

Feb. 15/16 – Solar System Fun – Let your little one reach for the stars. Come explore the solar system as we make constellation viewers and model the lunar cycle.

Mar. 1/2 – Energy & Electricity – It’s time to turn on the lights. Play with conductive dough to complete simple circuits and set things in motion.

Mar. 15/16 – Fantastic Fish – Set alongside the Caloosahatchee and enjoy a morning of fishy fun. Kids will delight in making Gyotaku fish prints and Koinobori windsocks to catch the breeze.

Apr. 5/6 – Bubbles Bubbles Everywhere – It’s time to play in the garden. Concoct your own bubble solution, make a wand, and use a pulley to create bubbles both big and small.

Apr. 19/20 – Earth Day Celebration – Earth Day is only two days away, but here at Edison Ford we’re celebrating early. Join us for the last class of the season as we make paper bag trees, coffee filter flowers, and bird feeders.

Members: $10; or $130 for series, non-members: $15, or $190 for series. Includes one adult (mask required) and one child (mask not required). Limit 6 per class.