What is Open Lab?

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

How It Works

Choose Your Experiments

Browse 30+ activities in the Little Beakers 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 Options at Little Beakers The Woodlands

Little Beakers The Woodlands 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 work at their own pace choosing from 30+ experiments!

Pay-Per-Visit Access

Perfect for trying Little Beakers Open Lab at The Woodlands location before committing to a membership.

Up to 30 experiments to choose from at six different lab stations
$30 per child for a 1-hour Open Lab session (2 adults per child get in FREE)
Adult participation required
Available by appointment only. No walk-ins!

Book Now

Membership Unlimited Access

Take advantage of unlimited Open Lab sessions and other great Little Beakers perks and discounts with an Unlimited Open Lab Membership at The Woodlands location!

Pay only $29 per month and enjoy unlimited Open Lab sessions*
Get a free Guided Lab session per month
Get a free Dissection Lab session per month
Receive 15% off all camps and parties

Purchase Membership and Book Now Gift a Membership Today!

*A 3-month commitment is required; additional children in the same family are $10 per month each; 2 Open Lab sessions limit per day; all services require an appointment and are subject to availability.

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

Why Woodlands Families Choose Little Beakers Open Lab

Learn more about Little Beakers and discover why The Woodlands and Montgomery County 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 plus free monthly Guided Lab and Dissection sessions, and 15% off camps and parties—all for just $29/month.

Convenient Woodlands Location

Located on Hanna Road in Oak Ridge North, serving The Woodlands, Creekside Park, Alden Bridge, Sterling Ridge, and surrounding communities.

Parents Love Little Beakers The Woodlands

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Open Lab in The Woodlands

Open Lab Basics

What is Open Lab and how does it work at Little Beakers The Woodlands?

Open Lab is self-guided science where The Woodlands 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 at The Woodlands location?

There are some experiments geared toward older participants, but the majority of 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 at The Woodlands?

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 at The Woodlands location?

Many families find the 1-hour lab session sufficient to conduct about 3-5 fun, hands-on experiments. See Open Lab session options and pricing.

Parent Participation & Safety

Are parents required to stay and participate during Open Lab at The Woodlands?

Yes. Open Lab requires active parent participation throughout the session. Parents work 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! Other services like camps, classes, guided labs, and workshops do allow drop-off.

I am not a scientist. Will I be able to guide my kids effectively in Open Lab?

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

What safety measures are in place during Open Lab at The Woodlands location?

Every session begins with a review of safety guidelines. All participants receive lab coats and safety glasses to wear for the duration of the session. Woodlands staff monitor the lab, provide equipment, and offer guidance. Experiment procedures highlight steps requiring extra caution. Parents supervise directly and staff intervene if needed.

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

When you purchase an Unlimited Open Lab membership at The Woodlands you will complete a membership agreement. The agreement permits you to specify 2 adults not in your household you can bring kids in to Open Lab, e.g., grandparents, nanny, caregiver.

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

Woodlands staff are available to answer questions, troubleshoot, replenish materials, and provide guidance. 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 a Woodlands membership?

Deeply discounted Open Lab sessions are the hallmark of Little Beakers The Woodlands memberships. Check out Woodlands membership details.

Can a Woodlands membership be used at other Little Beakers locations?

Yes! You can use your Woodlands membership at the other Houston-area Little Beakers locations, Cypress and Katy/Memorial.

How much does a Little Beakers The Woodlands membership cost?

The Woodlands Unlimited Open Lab membership is $29 for a family with 1 child, $39 for a family with 2 children, $49 for a family with 3 children. This low monthly price gives you unlimited Open Lab sessions and other perks! See more details.

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

A membership typically pays for itself with just 2-3 Open Lab visits depending on family size. It’s best for families visiting monthly or more. Additional perks vary by membership.

Scheduling & Logistics

What are Open Lab hours at The Woodlands location?

Hours vary by day and season. Generally 10am-7pm with specific blocks varying daily. Summer offers expanded hours while the school year has limited weekdays. Booking online is highly recommended as the system always reflects the most current Open Lab availability. Book online or contact The Woodlands lab to confirm hours.

Can we bring food or drinks into The Woodlands lab?

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

What should we wear to Open Lab at The Woodlands?

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

Open Lab in The Woodlands, TX: Self-Guided Science Exploration