If your kid has asked about 3D printing and you are not sure what a workshop actually involves, this is for you. Here is what to expect before you walk in the door.
What 3D printing actually is
A 3D printer builds objects layer by layer from a digital file. The machine heats a thin strand of plastic and deposits it in precise paths until the object is complete. Most prints for kids take between 20 minutes and a few hours depending on size and complexity. The result is a solid plastic object they designed or customized themselves.
What a typical workshop visit looks like
At Print and Play, a walk-in visit usually runs 30 to 60 minutes. Kids choose a project, make design decisions (size, colour, shape), watch the printer run, and leave with a finished piece. Weekend workshops add more structure and a specific project: keychains, name plates, articulated figures, beginner CAD. Most kids aged 6 and up can engage meaningfully with the process.
Do they need any experience?
No. The walk-in format at Print and Play is designed for first-timers. Staff walk through the process and the printers are visible and running in the shop, so kids can see what is happening at every step. The most common reaction is wanting to come back and try something more complex.
What do they actually take home?
A finished physical object that they had a hand in designing or customizing. Not a kit. Not a certificate. An actual thing they made. For a lot of kids, this is their first experience creating something with a machine, and it sticks.
Ages and group visits
Walk-in sessions work for kids roughly 6 and up. Younger kids can come with a parent and engage at whatever level makes sense. Schools and birthday groups can book in advance for a more structured experience. Reach out via the contact form on printandplay.ca to arrange a group visit.
Cost and location
Print and Play is on Locke Street South in Hamilton. Walk-in pricing depends on the project. Weekend workshop pricing is listed on the events page. No membership required.