Vacation Programs

The Center for Architecture's Vacation Programs are offered during mid-winter and spring vacations. These programs give curious kids an opportunity to dive into an architectural topic of interest and test out their own design ideas. Each program explores a different theme through design challenges and building activities.

Information for 2022 Vacation Programs will be available in December.

Looking for Summer Programs? Please visit o ur webpage.

For questions, please email k12education@centerforarchitecture.org.

Supported by

Vacation Programs are supported, in part, with public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council.

K-12 Program, Building Bridges. Photo: Erik Barden.

K-12 Program, Building Bridges. Photo: Erik Bardin.

K-12 Program, Fairytale Architecture. Photo: Center for Architecture.

K-12 Program, Architecture Design Studio. Photo: Center for Architecture.

K-12 Program, Building Bridges. Photo: Erik Bardin.

Information for 2022 Vacation Programs will be available in December. Please see the listings below for examples of past Vacation Program offerings.

Treehouses (Grades 3-5) March 30 - April 1, 2021

Design and build your own fantastic model treehouse! Begin by crafting your own tree using materials shipped to each participant and real tree branches you collect yourself, then work with its unique arrangement of branches to build a one-of-a-kind treehouse with platforms, rooms, ladders, swings, furniture and other details.

Registration for this program is closed.

Digital Design: Treehouses (Grades 6-8) March 30 - April 1, 2021

This 3-day program introduces students to SketchUp, a fun and free digital design program used by professional designers. Students will learn the ins and outs of the software through a series of short design challenges, then develop their own designs for a one-of-a-kind digital treehouse. SketchUp is a great tool for continued 3D modeling for personal or school projects.

Students will need a laptop or desktop computer, a three-click mouse, and Windows 10, 8, or 7 or Mac OS 10 operating system to download SketchUp software. Web-based software can be used on a Chromebook, but Digital Design classes cannot be done on a tablet or phone.

Registration for this program is closed.

Architecture 101: An Introduction to the Profession (Grades 9-12) March 30 - April 1, 2021

This introductory class explores the fundamentals of architecture and space-making through design activities, architecture analysis, and class discussions. A series of small hands-on projects will build students’ design thinking, drawing and modelmaking skills, helping them explore their own design ideas and learn how to create architectural plans, sections and elevations as well as perspective drawings. A visit with professionals will complement these activities, helping students imagine their place in this creative and multi-faceted field.

Registration for this program is closed.