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 [email protected].
UPCOMING FAMILY PROGRAMS
Skyscrapers (Morning Session) September 26, 2026, 11am-1pm
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.
Skyscrapers (Afternoon Session) September 26, 2026, 2om - 4pm - SOLD OUT
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.
This session is SOLD OUT. To be added to the waitlist, email [email protected].
Building Ornament October 17, 2026, 11am-1pm or 2pm-4pm
Look closely at New York City's buildings, and you'll spot carved faces and figures looking back at you: gargoyles, grotesques, animals, and hybrid creatures used to decorate architecture. In this program, we'll explore these figurative ornaments and make our own. Using modeling materials and reference images, families will design and create ornaments to decorate their own homes and neighborhoods.
This program is offered in conjunction with the Figures of Architecture exhibition set to open in January 2027, at the Center for Architecture
There are two sessions: Morning (11am to 1pm) and Afternoon (2pm to 4pm).
Registration Opens: September 15, 10am
Build a Lego City November 14, 2026, 11am-1pm or 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).
Registration Opens: October 13, 10am
Architectural Lanterns December 12, 2026, 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 Opens: November 10, 10am
