Odds are good that if you have kids, you already have the makings of a makerspace.

There are as many different types of makerspaces as there are ways to fill them. The goal of a makerspace is to promote hands-on creativity. Some boast high tech equipment such as 3D printers, high quality recording equipment and die-cutting machines. Others have top quality tools, touch screen technology and virtual reality devices.

A decade ago I had never heard of this concept. My first introduction was the conversion of a computer lab at my daughter’s elementary school.  The room was supplied with a Lego wall and coding tools like Ozobots.

Since then I’ve seen many more makerspaces, most recently a really cool new addition to Orchard School in Indianapolis.

Now is the ideal time to create one even if there aren’t kids at home. Pens, paperclips, rubber bands, cardboard, aluminum foil, fabric, tape, etc. can all be part of it. The beauty is a makerspace can be about art, engineering or technology. It can be used for a purpose (like creating a filter for a mask) or it can be for fun (like recreating paintings in 3D).

It can also be therapeutic. Throw some materials on a table, sit down with family members, and then talk while experimenting. It’s well documented that kids (and probably many adults) can focus better when their hands are occupied. Keeping hands busy and engaging in conversation is a win win in parenting.