What are the best things to do with kids in Spokane?

Zap Lab at NorthTown Mall is one of the most fun things to do with kids in Spokane. Kids ages 4–17 build real working circuits and take their project home the same day.

Are there indoor activities in Spokane for kids?

Yes! Zap Lab is a fully indoor kids activity at NorthTown Mall in Spokane, perfect year-round rain or shine. Each 45-minute session is hands-on and screen-free.

What things to do in Spokane with kids this weekend?

Book a Zap Lab build session at NorthTown Mall. Sessions run on a flexible schedule — pick a day and time and reserve a spot in seconds.

Does Zap Lab offer homeschool activities in Spokane?

Yes. Zap Lab is a favorite for homeschool families in Spokane. Builds teach real circuit theory, problem-solving, and hands-on engineering skills.

What ages is Zap Lab for?

Zap Lab kids activities in Spokane are designed for ages 4–17, with projects ranging from beginner to advanced builds.

ZapLab Academy

4-Week Course · One Day a Week

Brain Builders: The Art of Problem Solving

We believe kids learn best by doing, exploring, and figuring things out for themselves. Too often, traditional education focuses on worksheets, packets, and memorizing answers, leaving little room for curiosity, creativity, and real-world problem-solving. At Zap Lab Academy, we're doing things differently! We give kids the freedom to ask questions, try new ideas, make mistakes, and discover what works — all while having fun.

Through hands-on projects and exciting challenges, your child will practice focus, patience, critical thinking, creativity, and perseverance. They'll leave with more than just something they built — they'll gain confidence, independence, and the satisfaction of saying, "I figured that out myself!"

Ages 6–144 Weekly SessionsMax 10 StudentsAll Materials Included

$99for all 4 weeks

Includes all four one-hour classes, materials, and take-home projects: a working Zap Light and a custom 3D-printed puzzle your child helped design.

Two Course Options · Pick Your Day

Sundays 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

November 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th

Same course, Sunday cohort.

Mondays 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

November 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th

Same course, Monday cohort.

Week 1 — The Art of Figuring Things Out

Theme: Curiosity, focus, observation, and persistence

The big question: What do you do when you face a problem you don't know how to solve?

Learning objectives: By the end of the hour, students should be able to describe a problem, attempt more than one solution, recognize patterns, and explain what they learned from an unsuccessful attempt.

Take home: A brain teaser puzzle they can bring home and explain to their families how it functions.

Week 2 — The Zap Light Engineering Challenge

Theme: Cause and effect, building, attention to detail, and troubleshooting

The big question: Can you figure out how to turn a collection of components into a working invention?

Learning objectives: Students will explore basic circuit components, identify a complete electrical path, build a functioning Zap Light, and use systematic troubleshooting when something doesn't work.

Take home: Their very own working Zap Light they built from scratch.

Week 3 — Become an Inventor

Theme: Creativity, design thinking, planning, and independent decision-making

The big question: Can you invent a problem that someone else will enjoy solving?

Learning objectives: Students will understand that inventions begin with problems or ideas, create their own puzzle designs, consider how another person will interact with their invention, and revise their designs based on feedback.

Take home: A locking mechanism they figured out how to unlock.

Week 4 — The Ultimate Problem-Solving Challenge

Theme: Testing, perseverance, communication, and independent thinking

The big question: How do you know whether your invention is successful?

Learning objectives: Students will assemble and evaluate their and other's inventions, communicate design decisions, identify opportunities for improvement, and reflect on their progress over the four weeks.

Take home: Their own custom-designed puzzle, ready to challenge friends and family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do parents need to stay during the class?+

Parents are always welcome and encouraged to join in, learn, and build alongside their child! However, participation is not required. You're welcome to grab a coffee, shop, or explore NorthTown Mall while your child attends. Please note that Zap Lab is not a daycare, and we strongly recommend parents remain on mall premises and be available if needed.

What ages is this course designed for?+

Brain Builders is designed for children ages 6–14. No previous experience with electronics, engineering, or puzzle-solving is necessary!

Does my child need to bring anything?+

Nope! We provide all the tools, materials, and supplies. Just bring curiosity and a willingness to try new things!

What will my child take home?+

Every student will build and take home their own working Zap Light and a custom 3D-printed puzzle they helped design.

What if my child struggles with an activity?+

That's part of the fun! Our instructors encourage kids to experiment, make mistakes, ask questions, and discover solutions. We're here to guide them, not simply give them the answers.

What if my child misses a class?+

Please contact us as soon as possible. We'll do our best to help your child catch up and complete their projects, although makeup classes are not guaranteed.

Is the $99 price for all four weeks?+

Yes! The $99 registration covers all four one-hour classes, materials, and take-home projects.

How many children are in each class?+

Classes are limited to just 10 students so everyone has the opportunity to receive individual attention and hands-on guidance.