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 $20 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
Building Bridges (Morning Session) September 13, 2025, 11am–1pm - SOLD OUT
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–1pm) and Afternoon (2–4pm).
This session is SOLD OUT. To be added to the waitlist, email k12education@centerforarchitecture.org.
Building Bridges (Afternoon Session) September 13, 2025, 2–4pm - SOLD OUT
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–1pm) and Afternoon (2–4pm).
This session is SOLD OUT. To be added to the waitlist, email k12education@centerforarchitecture.org.
Language of Architecture (Morning Session) October 4, 2025, 11am–1pm
In this program, families will learn to “read” buildings for clues about their design and function as they observe and sketch architectural elements through a neighborhood walk (weather permitting). Families will then design their own scale model of a building using this new vocabulary.
There are two sessions: Morning (11am–1pm) and Afternoon (2–4pm).
Language of Architecture (Afternoon Session) October 4, 2025, 2–4pm - SOLD OUT
In this program, families will learn to “read” buildings for clues about their design and function as they observe and sketch architectural elements through a neighborhood walk (weather permitting). Families will then design their own scale model of a building using this new vocabulary.
There are two sessions: Morning (11am–1pm) and Afternoon (2–4pm).
This session is SOLD OUT. To be added to the waitlist, email k12education@centerforarchitecture.org.
Skyscrapers November 8, 2025, 11am–1pm or 2–4pm
Around the world, skyscrapers are being built taller than ever before. During this program, families will explore what makes these structures so strong and how their design enables them to reach such dizzying heights. Families will take inspiration and ideas from amazing skyscrapers in NYC and around the world and work together to design and build their own model skyscraper.
There are two sessions: Morning (11am–1pm) and Afternoon (2–4pm).
Registration Opens: September 30
Architectural Lanterns December 6, 2025, 11am–1pm or 2–4pm
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–1pm) and Afternoon (2–4pm).
Registration Opens: October 28
