Building Museum Workshops

National Building Museum — School's Out Workshops

The National Building Museum runs hands-on workshops for kids year-round, with special intensive programs during school breaks. This spring, the museum's School's Out program runs during spring break (April 13–18), featuring workshops in garden design, architecture, photography, and STEM building. Each workshop is led by museum educators and designers who know how to keep kids engaged.

The building itself is impressive — it's a historic landmark with a massive Great Hall that makes kids (and adults) stop and look up. Beyond the workshops, there's an interactive exhibit called "House and Home" (ages 4–10) where kids explore different living spaces, solve design challenges, and learn about architecture. Everything is stroller-friendly, admission is reasonable, and the gift shop has solid STEM toys and architecture books.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Book workshops in advance: Popular sessions fill up fast, especially photography and garden design. Check the museum website for the spring break schedule and reserve early.
• ✓Plan to stay for the museum: Workshops are morning-only, so you have the afternoon to explore. The Great Hall is genuinely impressive and makes a good photo spot.
• ✓"House and Home" keeps kids engaged: This interactive exhibit is a hit with ages 4–10. Lots of windows to peek through, spaces to explore, and design challenges to work on.
• ✓Bring snacks and water: The café is pricey. Pack a water bottle and snacks to get through the day.
• ✓Fully stroller-friendly: Wide hallways, elevators, and changing tables in the restrooms. Easy to navigate with littles.
• ✓The gift shop is worth a browse: Good selection of STEM toys and architecture books. If your family is into design, plan 15 minutes to look around.
• ✓Check nbm.org for other programs: The museum runs year-round workshops and family days beyond the spring break schedule.