Getting ready forthe Little Shop of Physics Open House.
A free, one-day science festival at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, with more than 300 hands-on experiments. It draws thousands of people, and the organizers invite families with sensory needs to ask for accommodations.
Know before you go. The Open House doesn't list sensory hours or a quiet room, but it invites families with sensory needs to ask for accommodations. Here's what it says.
CSU Little Shop of Physics Open House
Address
Lory Student Center, 1101 Center Ave Mall, Fort Collins 80521 (3rd floor) Directions
“Each year, thousands of people gather at the Lory Student Center for a day of exciting, hands-on science.” lsop.colostate.edu
Light
“Never No Summer Ballroom: The Dark Room. Step into the dark and discover the magic of holograms, lasers, and glow in the dark!” lsop.colostate.edu
Sound
Ballroom D is “Light & Sound”: “Explore the science of light and sound.” lsop.colostate.edu
Space
The Open House is “in the CSU Lory Student Center, on the 3rd floor,” with presentations in the Lory Student Center Theatre and outdoor activities on the West Lawn. lsop.colostate.edu
Rules
“Most parking is free on weekends, but please check signage.” Lots include Engineering and Morgan Library. lsop.colostate.edu
“If you have sensory needs or anticipate any barriers related to a disability, please let us know how we can assist. Contact Cherie Bornhorst at cherie.bornhorst@colostate.edu in advance or visit our Welcome Table at the event to request accommodations.”
Our note Asking ahead gives the organizers time to plan. Say what usually helps your kid, like a quiet place to reset or a less busy time.
Our note With more than 300 experiments, it helps to pick a few rooms ahead instead of trying to see everything.
Three things to know
It's free and open to the public, for ages “from pre-K to gray.”
There are “over 300 interactive, homemade science experiments,” arranged by theme in separate ballrooms.
Printed guides are handed out at the event, and there is an electronic version too.
What it doesn't list
sensory hours or a quieter time of day
a quiet room
sensory kits or headphones to borrow
a social story
More: food, transit, finale
The organizers name these rooms themselves
Louder, darker or brighter
The Dark Room (Never No Summer Ballroom) (dark on purpose, with holograms, lasers and glow in the dark)not stated
Ballroom D: Light & Sound (experiments with light and sound)not stated
Quieter
Quiet roomnot stated
The Lory Student Center food court is open during the event.
South College Garage and Lake Street Garage are other parking options. Bus routes, including the MAX, serve CSU.
Presentations take place in the Lory Student Center Theatre, and the finale is outside in the Sutherland Gardens, weather permitting.
The Open House is Sunday, March 7, 2027, 10 am to 4 pm, on the third floor of the Lory Student Center, plus other rooms and an outdoor lawn. Each ballroom has a theme, including illusions, light and sound, and a dark room with holograms, lasers and glow in the dark. Thousands of people come through during the day. The food court is open. Change anything.
Common questions
What if my child won't look at the schedule or story?
That is common at first. Leave it where the moment happens, point to one picture at a time, and keep it low-pressure. Many kids warm up to it after a few calm tries, in their own time.
Can I make this in Spanish?
Yes. Every tool and this page exist in Spanish, and the printed page comes out in the language you choose. Use the language switch at the top.
Do I need an account?
No. There is no signup, and we don’t keep what you type; anything you save stays on your device. Make it, print it, done.
