Family Programs take place one Saturday a month at the Center for Architecture. These two-hour workshops introduce families to architecture and design through hands-on art and model building activities, gallery tours, and design challenges.
Family Programs are designed for children ages 5 to 13 accompanied by an adult. Unless noted otherwise, admission is $15 per person. Pre-registration is required for all programs.
Looking for architecture activities to do on your own? Visit our Self-Guided Activities page!
Check out our Youth Programs FAQs. For further questions, please email k12education@centerforarchitecture.org.
UPCOMING FAMILY PROGRAMS
Build a Lego City (Morning Session) September 21, 2024, 11am - 1pm
Families will explore architecture, design, and construction with everyone's favorite building material - Lego bricks! We will start by learning about the different types of buildings and structures that make up NYC. Families will then create their own Lego masterpieces of skyscrapers, bridges, stores, apartments, and more for our model city.
There are two sessions: Morning (11am to 1pm) and Afternoon (2pm to 4pm).
Build a Lego City (Afternoon Session) September 21, 2024, 2pm - 4pm
Families will explore architecture, design, and construction with everyone's favorite building material - Lego bricks! We will start by learning about the different types of buildings and structures that make up NYC. Families will then create their own Lego masterpieces of skyscrapers, bridges, stores, apartments, and more for our model city.
There are two sessions: Morning (11am to 1pm) and Afternoon (2pm to 4pm).
Underground NYC November 16, 2024, 11am - 1pm or 2pm - 4pm
Our great city is famous for its subway, but did you know that beneath those tunnels exists a world of wires, cables and more? Together, families will learn about the subway’s intricate infrastructure, then construct their own model of what lies below the city streets.
There are two sessions: Morning (11am to 1pm) and Afternoon (2pm to 4pm).
Registration for this program will open on Tuesday, October 1st.
Architectural Lanterns December 7, 2024, 11am - 1pm or 2pm - 4pm
Join the Center for Architecture for a celebration of light. In this program, families will explore the role of light in architecture and learn how global communities brighten up the dark night. Families will then design a lantern to take home and illuminate a space of their own.
There are two sessions: Morning (11am to 1pm) and Afternoon (2pm to 4pm).
Registration for this program will open on Tuesday, October 29th.
I Love NYC February 8, 2025, 11am - 1pm or 2pm - 4pm
This Family Program takes inspiration from the Times Square Love & Design Competition, which invites architecture firms to design a Valentine sent from the heart of Times Square. How can public art express love for everyone? We'll look at recent winning designs and then families will design and build their own models of 3D Valentines for NYC.
There are two sessions: Morning (11am to 1pm) and Afternoon (2pm to 4pm).
Registration for this program will open on Tuesday, January 7th.
Building Bridges March 8, 2025, 11am - 1pm or 2pm - 4pm
New York City has many fascinating bridges, from the historic Brooklyn Bridge to more contemporary examples. What kind of bridge would you design for NYC? Families will learn about different types of bridges and how they work, then create their own bridges to span one of NYC's rivers, canals, or busy streets.
There are two sessions: Morning (11am to 1pm) and Afternoon (2pm to 4pm).
Registration for this program will open on Tuesday, February 4th.
Animal Architecture April 5, 2025, 11am - 1pm or 2pm - 4pm
Have you ever been curious about where animals live? Families will explore how animals build their homes by observing structures such as nests, ant colonies, shells, and dams. These structures will serve as inspiration for families to create their own animal architecture designs!
There are two sessions: Morning (11am to 1pm) and Afternoon (2pm to 4pm).
Registration for this program will open on Tuesday, March 4th.
Treehouses May 3, 2025, 11am - 1pm or 2pm - 4pm
Create your own model treehouse! Families will work together to craft a model tree out of wood and cardboard, then design within its unique arrangement of branches to build a custom treehouse, just the right size for a favorite toy or figure.
There are two sessions: Morning (11am to 1pm) and Afternoon (2pm to 4pm).
Registration for this program will open on Tuesday, April 1st.
