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.

Vacation Programs run three days (Tue-Thu) during NYC public school February and Spring breaks, as well as during Spring break for NYC private schools. All programs meet from 9am-4pm at the Center for Architecture, unless otherwise noted. Students bring their own lunch daily.

A limited number of need-based scholarships are available.

Looking for Summer Programs? Please visit our webpage.

Questions? Check out our FAQs or 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 2021 Vacation Programs will be available in December. Please see listings below for examples of prior Vacation Programs.

Building Bridges (Grades 3-5) Sample Program

In this program, we will explore beam, truss, arch, suspension, and moveable bridges to learn how these different structures support weight and span great distances. Students will then put their new knowledge to the test as they create a final bridge of their own design.

Digital Design: Resort Design (Grades 6-8) Sample Program

Design your ideal vacation getaway! Would your resort be a cozy mountain ski retreat, a beachfront with water sports, or an exotic jungle adventure? In this three-day program, students will think about lodgings, food, activity spaces, and landscape as they design their dream resort. Students will learn the basics of SketchUp, a fun and free 3D computer modeling program to create a digital model and animated walk-through of their resort.

Underground NYC (Grades 3-5) Sample Program

Our great city has a complicated network of electrical wires, communications cables, steam, gas, subways, and more running under our streets and rivers. During this program, students will learn about this infrastructure, then design and construct their own model of what lies below the city streets.

Digital Design: Rooftop Dwelling (Grades 6-8) Sample Program

With space at a premium in cities, it is no wonder that people have taken to creating rooftop escapes from city life. From gardens, to cottages, to lighthouses, it is amazing what you can find by looking up! In this three-day program, students will create a digital model of their own sustainable rooftop oasis complete with landscaping. Students will learn the basics of SketchUp, a fun and free 3D computer modeling program to create a digital model and animated walk-through of their finished project.

Vacation Programs