Open Lab & Memberships: Self-Guided Science Exploration

Looking for a unique family activity where kids explore real science experiments? Little Beakers Open Lab offers self-guided science exploration with 30+ hands-on experiments available at our Cypress, The Woodlands, and Katy/Memorial locations in Texas, and Sandy and Orem locations in Utah. Parents and children work together conducting experiments with polymers, rockets, explosions, reactions and more—all using professional lab equipment, safety glasses, and lab coats.

What is Open Lab?

Little Beakers’ Open Lab is a self-guided science experience where families explore 30+ hands-on experiments together in a real lab designed for kids.

How It Works

Choose Your Experiments

Browse 30+ activities in our procedures book
Select what interests your family
Experiments range from beginner to advanced

Gather Your Materials

Access professional lab equipment: flasks, cylinders, funnels, digital scales
Use specialized tools: petri dishes, test tubes, pipettes, burettes
Standard items: measuring cups, mixing bowls

Conduct Real Science

Follow step-by-step instructions
Perform chemical reactions, rocket launches, polymer creation, DNA extraction, soda explosions, microscope observations, and more

What to Expect

Most families complete 3-5 experiments per hour
Pace varies by experiment and preference
Activities engage all ages—even adults!
Parent participation required—this creates family bonding while teaching scientific thinking

Open Lab & Membership Options

Little Beakers provides flexible science exploration options whether you visit occasionally or want unlimited access. Each Open Lab session features self-guided experimentation in real laboratory settings where families choose their own experiments and work at their own pace.

Open Lab

Pay-per-visit access to 30+ experiments! Perfect for trying Little Beakers before committing to a membership. By appointment only.

Learn More about Open Lab Options and Pricing

Memberships

Deeply discounted options for Open Lab are available through Open Lab memberships.

Learn More on Membership Options and Pricing

All Open Lab sessions include lab coats, safety glasses, and access to all available experiments. Parent supervision is required.

For details about Open Lab pricing, memberships & to check availability select the location nearest you!

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Cypress, TX

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Katy/Memorial, TX

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The Woodlands, TX

Little Beakers The Woodland TX Location Image

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Sandy, UT

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Orem, UT

Why Choose Little Beakers Open Lab

Learn more about Little Beakers science education company and discover why Houston families make Open Lab their regular play date, after school or weekend activity.

Award-Winning Science Experience

Recognized as Top 20 Place to Take Kids in Houston and Best STEM Venue for Kids.

30+ Hands-On Experiments

Real laboratory equipment and authentic scientific procedures, not toy science kits or simplified demonstrations.

Family Fun Bonding Activity

Parents and children work together exploring science, building memories while learning.

Exceptional Membership Value

Unlimited Open Lab visits as low as $8 per session for entire family beats entertainment venue pricing while providing educational value.

Locations in Houston and Utah

Cypress, The Woodlands, and Katy/Memorial facilities provide convenient access with memberships valid at all sites in Houston and surrounding areas. Likewise, Sandy and Orem science Open Lab memberships provide convenient access with memberships valid at their sites.

Parents Love Little Beakers

Families choose Little Beakers for authentic science experiences their kids actually learn from. See what parents are saying:

Frequently Asked Questions

Open Lab Basics

What is Open Lab and how does it work?

Open Lab is self-guided science where families choose from 30+ experiments and work at their own pace. Parents and children follow procedures from the Little Beakers Procedures book, gather materials, and conduct experiments using real lab equipment. Parent supervision required throughout.

What ages can participate in Open Lab?

There are some experiments that are geared toward older participants, but the majority of the experiments from the Little Beakers Procedures book are enjoyed by all ages from 2-16, and even the adults!

Do I need to make reservations for Open Lab?

Reservations are highly recommended but not always required. Walk-ins are welcome if Open Lab is operating and space is available. Booking online ensures that Open Lab will be available at that time and guarantees your spot.

How long should we plan to spend in Open Lab?

Many families find the 1-hour lab session sufficient to conduct about 3-5 fun, hands-on experiments. Some locations offer a longer discounted session. Check your preferred Little Beakers location for Open Lab options and pricing.

Parent Participation & Safety

Are parents required to stay and participate during Open Lab?

Yes. We do offer other lab experiences like science classes, camps, guided labs, dissections, workshops where parents may drop off once signed in, however, in Open Lab parents actively supervise and participate, working alongside children reading instructions, measuring materials, and conducting procedures. This builds family bonding, ensures safety with chemicals and lab equipment, and is lots of fun!

I am not a scientist and I’m worried Open Lab will not be a good experience for my kids. Will I be able to guide my kids effectively in Open Lab?

Don’t worry! Thousands and thousands of families with no science experience at all have enjoyed Open Lab and carried out experiments successfully. The Little Beakers Procedures book we provide you breaks each experiment down into about 4-7 clear and easy to follow steps.

What safety measures are in place during Open Lab?

Every lab session begins with a review of our safety guidelines. All participants receive lab coats and safety glasses to wear for the duration of the lab session. Staff monitor the lab, provide equipment, and offer guidance. Where appropriate, experiment procedures will highlight certain steps of the procedure that require extra caution. Parents supervise directly and follow protocols. Staff intervene if needed.

Can grandparents or other relatives bring kids who have a membership to Open Lab?

Generally, memberships permit the children and adults in one household to participate in Open Lab under that membership. However, check your preferred location’s policies on memberships.

What happens if experiments aren't working or we need help?

Staff are available to answer questions, troubleshoot, replenish materials, provide guidance and clean up. If something isn’t working, staff help identify issues or suggest alternatives while maintaining self-guided independence in the lab.

Membership Details

What exactly is included with membership?

Deeply discounted Open Lab sessions are the hallmark of Little Beakers memberships. Exact benefit details and any additional perks will vary by location. Check your preferred Little Beakers location for membership details.

Can we use our membership at all Little Beakers locations?

Not at all locations, however, you may be able to use your membership at multiple locations. Check your preferred Little Beakers location for details.

How much does a Little Beakers membership cost?

Membership pricing varies by location. Check your preferred Little Beakers location for Open Lab Membership rates.

What if we can't visit often enough to make membership worthwhile?

Depending on family size and Little Beakers location, a membership can pay for itself after anywhere from 2-6 visits. Best for families visiting monthly or more. Other perks included in a membership will vary by location. Check your preferred Little Beakers location for details.

Scheduling & Logistics

What are Open Lab hours at each location?

Hours vary by location, day, and season. Generally, 10am-7pm with specific blocks varying daily. Summer offers expanded hours while the school year has limited weekdays. We highly recommend booking your Open Lab spot as our system will always reflect the most current and accurate Open Lab availability. Select your location to book or call 1-833-KIDS-LAB (1-833-543-7522) to confirm current hours.

Can we bring food or drinks into the lab?

No food or drinks are permitted in laboratory areas for safety reasons. Water bottles may be allowed in designated areas—check with your location. Eat before or after sessions. Some locations have waiting areas for non-participating family members.

What should we wear to Open Lab?

Comfortable clothes that can get messy—experiments may cause spills or stains. We provide lab coats but clothing may still get dirty. Closed-toe shoes required. Avoid expensive clothing. Tie back long hair and remove dangling jewelry.

Open Lab & Memberships: Self-Guided Science Exploration