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
I Love NYC (Morning Session) February 7, 2026, 11am–1pm
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–1pm) and Afternoon (2pm–4pm).
I Love NYC (Afternoon Session) February 7, 2026, 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–1pm) and Afternoon (2pm–4pm).
Celebrating Public Art March 7, 2026
Across many cultures, parades bring communities together through vibrant displays. During this program, families will explore what makes a parade float exciting, meaningful, and visually dynamic. Taking inspiration from our exhibition Searching for Superpublics, families will think about how public art can spark connections in everyday spaces. Together, they will design and build their own model floats and imagine how they will move and engage audiences visually.
There are two sessions: Morning (11am–1pm) and Afternoon (2pm–4pm).
Registration Opens: February 3, 10am in our Calendar
Build a Lego City April 18, 2026
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–1pm) and Afternoon (2pm–4pm).
Registration Opens: March 3, 10am in our Calendar
Parks and Playgrounds May 16, 2026
Kids take the lead as experts on parks and playgrounds. Together, families will look at examples of play spaces and parks, brainstorming the elements that make these places engaging for all ages. Families will then design and build a model of their own ideal park or playground.
There are two sessions: Morning (11am–1pm) and Afternoon (2pm–4pm).
Registration Opens: April 14, 10am in our Calendar
