Tempe Time Machine

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Tempe Time Machine logo with blue gears on a tan background

Hop in - we're bouncing into Summer!

The 2026 Tempe Time Machine program is inspired by Tempe History Museum's new featured exhibit, Ranfla Vida: Local Lowrider History.

Tempe Time Machine rolls back into town low, slow, and full of glow! This summer we’re cruising through Ranfla Vida — celebrating the art, history, and culture of lowriders. Kids and their grownups will dive into a world of color, creativity, and engineering with hands-on crafts, stories, activities, and special guests. Each week brings a new theme, from music and personal style to metalwork, retro car culture, and the science of hydraulics.

Experience how culture, imagination, and STEM come together in lowrider traditions — plus a special Tempe Time Machine surprise you won’t want to miss! Join us Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., June 3–July 15. Admission is free and registration is not required. Designed for ages 3–12 years, but fun for all ages.

Groups of 10 or more are welcome. For the best experience please call 480-350-4382 to schedule your group's date and time.

For information about other museum events and programs, check out our Museum Events page or call 480-350-5100.

Meet Tempo, Tempe Time Machine’s New Fox Mascot!
Thank you to everyone who submitted a name, voted for a favorite or joined the fun at Tempe Time Machine this summer.

June 3 - Drive-in Days

Drive-In Days

Step back in time to the golden age of cruising and classic Americana! Families are invited to explore a Route 66–inspired experience where lowrider culture meets the charm of vintage drive‑ins. Strike a pose at our retro photo op, try out dramatic play at the “movie concession stand,” and test your knowledge with family‑friendly favorite‑movie trivia. Kids can get creative with hands‑on postcard and keychain crafts, all while soaking up the fun of a throwback summer adventure.

June 10 - Lowrider Lines & Designs

Lowrider Lines & Designs

Get ready to let your imagination take the wheel! This week, we’re celebrating the bold colors, swooping pinstripes, and artistic flair that make customized cars truly one‑of‑a‑kind with special guest artist Such Styles. Families can explore how artists use lines, patterns, and color to express personality and style on wheels. Kids will try out airbrushing to design their own mini ride and create vibrant line‑yarn art that puts their creativity in the driver’s seat. It’s all about making your mark, one stylish line at a time.

June 17 - Metal Magic Makers

Metal Magic Makers

Roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of shiny tools, sparks of creativity, and metal masterpieces! This week celebrates the incredible craft behind lowrider artistry and the metal plaques that show off car‑club pride. Families can explore our kid‑friendly tinkershop, design their own tool‑inspired license plate, and watch a unique live demo from Ranfla Vida participating artist Ray Laurias. Then it’s time to create a mini metal sculpture of your own! It’s all about discovering how artists turn simple tools and tough materials into magic on wheels.

June 24 - Wear Your Flair

Wear Your Flair

Strike a pose and show the world what makes you uniquely you! This week is all about bold self‑expression through fashion and personal style. Kids and their grown-ups can meet special guests from Pachucos/Pachucas AZ and the FABRIC Incubator, then jump into hands‑on fun by personalizing bandanas, creating one‑of‑a‑kind pins, and getting runway‑ready for our playful museum fashion show. From cool accessories to confident style, it’s your moment to shine!

July 1 - Rhythm & Ride

Rhythm & Ride

Turn up the tunes and feel the beat! This week we’re celebrating the sounds that cruise right alongside lowriders as they roll through the streets. Kids and their grown-ups can shake, tap, and rattle their way through hands‑on music‑making by crafting castanets and spin drums, then explore an “instrument petting zoo” brought by our friends at Restore Arts. From big rhythms to tiny jingles, it’s all about discovering how music and movement bring every ride to life.

July 8 - The Science of Bounce

The Science of Bounce

Get ready to tinker, test, and bounce! This week, kids and their grown-ups dive into the awesome mechanics and engineering behind lowriders and the science that makes them hop, drop, and glide. Kids will become mini‑engineers as they design and build their own small cars, then explore movement and energy by creating colorful bouncing art. It’s hands‑on science with a whole lot of motion, creativity, and fun!

July 15 - Viva la Ranfla!

Viva la Ranfla!

Let’s wrap up the summer with a vibrant cultural celebration! Kids and their grown-ups are invited to enjoy lively performances by Ballet Folklórico del Valle del Sol, then jump into hands‑on fun by crafting award ribbons and creating mini piñatas bursting with personality.

We’ll also reveal the name of our brand‑new mascot, crown the winning contestant with a special prize, and top it all off with a birthday celebration - complete with cake! It’s a colorful fiesta full of community, creativity, and pure summertime joy.

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About the Ranfla Vida Featured Exhibit

Ranfla Vida translates to "Lowrider Life." The Ranfla Vida exhibit highlights local histories and cultural narratives as they relate to Lowrider cars and people. Since the initial aspirations to transform a vehicle into a conceptual or modified car, people have found ways to showcase their own uniqueness in converting what was a standard design into a visionary form of art. Today, lowrider cars are a multigenerational, multicultural, and a multimillion-dollar business that has transcended borders, peoples, and cultures.

Visit the Ranfla Vida exhibit page.