Public Programs
Virtual & In-Person Workshops & Courses
Discover engaging, hands-on architecture programs for kids that spark creativity and problem-solving skills! Whether you’re looking for in-person workshops in the NYC area or interactive virtual experiences, our project-based learning programs introduce children to the exciting world of design and construction.
From library workshops and one-on-one virtual sessions to monthly build-along events, on-demand classes, and pre-recorded courses, we offer a variety of ways for kids to explore architecture, engineering, and urban planning.
In-person Library Workshops
One of our favorite ways to bring programs to the public is through partnering with libraries in the NYC & Westchester area. Keep an eye on the list below to see where we have upcoming library programs scheduled.
Virtual One-on-One Series
Personalized one-on-one sessions are the perfect after-school and evening activity, sparking creativity and learning in a fun, interactive environment. Learn more here.
Monthly Virtual Build Alongs
As part of our Arch Club membership community we hold a virtual building session with different architecture related topics once a month. Paid Arch Club members access the session for free but anyone can pay to register and take part.
Building Parties & On Demand Sessions
Engaging, hands-on experiences where kids (ages 5+) explore architecture and design through fun, themed building activities. These 90-minute parties can take place in-person (NY metro area) or virtually via Zoom. Learn more here.
Pre-Recorded Virtual Courses
From single session workshops to multi-session course series we have a library of pre-recorded lessons available. Browse the full catalog below.
ArchForKids In-Person Programs
We are always looking to reach more students with our programs and actively seeking to expand our 2025 programming by holding Project-based learning weekend design challenges & afterschool series. If you know of an organization in your neighborhood (NYC only) with the space to host one of our programs, let us know by filling out this form.
Become an Arch Club
Member on Patreon
We’re excited to introduce Arch Club, our new initiative hosted on Patreon—a space designed to bring together students, architects, designers, and enthusiasts who share a passion for the built world. Arch Club is more than just a platform; it’s a community where creativity, learning, and collaboration thrive.
By becoming a patron, you’re not just joining a club—you’re helping us expand access to architectural education for students everywhere. Your support enables us to develop new virtual classes, hands-on project challenges, fun architecture games, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. With your help, we can inspire the next generation of designers and bring even more exciting programs to students worldwide.
Upcoming Events
- Monthly Virtual Build along workshop: Repurposing a Shipping Container Virtually on Zoom, February 18 at 5PM or February 26 at 6PM
This program will be free for Patreon Framework & Skyline members, or $30 per student. Visit Patreon to vote in the poll for preferred date, final schedule will be announced on February 10
- Sustainable Skyscrapers at Yonkers Public Library, Will Branch, February 19, from 11AM-12:30PM
- Sustainable Skyscrapers at Yonkers Public Library, Riverfront Branch, February 19, from 2:30-4:00PM
- Up, Up & Away – Treehouse Design at Queens Public Library’s Children’s Discovery Center, April 5, from 1-2:30 PM
- Cherry Blossom Pagodas at Queens Public Library’s Hunters Point Branch, April 9 from 4:00-5:30 PM
Pre-Recorded Virtual Courses
Ancient Architecture
Chapter 1 of History of the Built World: Architecture Through the Ages Series
Join us for this first chapter in an ongoing series studying the history of the world through Architecture! In this 4 part pre-recorded virtual course we will explore 4 unique types of structures built by ancient civilizations. Each session will include a slideshow lecture followed by a build-along hands on project. By the end you will have created 4 models of your own!
- 4 session course premiering February 24, 2025
- $180/student | $135 for Framework & Skyline Patreon Members
Reimagine & Repurpose: Designing with Shipping Containers
Participants will learn about how architects repurpose structures and materials to create beautiful functional spaces before using craft materials and repurposed items to build their own miniature shipping container structure—it could be a home, café, park pavilion, library, pop-up shop, or something entirely unique!
- Single Session Workshop
- Free for Patreon Supporters (Framework & Skyline tiers) or $30/student
- Live event will be held February 18 or 26 (schedule to be confirmed on February 10) and recorded workshop will be available starting March 1, 2025
Craft a Skyline Collage
sponsored by Brooklyn Public Library
Create your own skyline collage. You can imagine your own imaginary city or recreate one of your favorite cities on paper!
Materials needed: cardstock base, glue stick or Elmer’s glue, scissors & construction paper or other colorful paper.
Optional: tissue paper, pipe cleaners, pom poms, cotton balls to add texture & details to your collage.
- Premiered January 22, 2022
- Single Session Library Sponsored Workshop
Transform a Vacant Lot
sponsored by New York Public Library
Transform an imaginary vacant space in your community! Create a 3D model of a beautiful and functional space that will help your neighborhood. Join us for this Pre-recorded workshop to learn about why vacant lots can be detrimental to an area, see real-life examples of how communities have transformed their empty spaces and enjoy a build-along session with educators Janny Gedeon and Debbie Troop to get tips & tricks on how to make your designs great!
Materials needed: cardboard base – can be cut from a mailing carton, tape, glue stick or Elmer’s glue, scissors, construction paper, small recycled boxes, cardboard scraps to construct 3D elements.
Optional: You can use other materials you have around your house to make and enhance your design, some examples include pebbles, sticks, popsicle sticks, pompoms, pipe cleaners, sequins, aluminum foil, tissue paper and more!
- Premiered March 2022
- Single Session Library Sponsored Workshop
Make a Cabin in the Woods
sponsored by the Brooklyn Public Library
Build your own Tiny House in the forest. It could be a playhouse, a vacation home or a year-round residence.
Materials needed:
Small recycled box for the cabin – or paper rolled into small tubes to make logs
Cardboard base for the yard/forest (can be cut from a larger box)
Scissors
Glue – glue stick and/or Elmer’s
Tape
Construction Paper
Make trees out of pipe cleaners, cardboard or twigs you collect outside
Use art supplies you have at home to embellish your cabin!
- Premiered January 2021
- Single Session Library Sponsored Workshop
Make an Enchanted Forest
sponsored by the Pacific Branch of Brooklyn Public Library
Be a landscape designer for an imaginary land.
Materials needed: cardboard base – can be cut from a mailing carton, tape, glue stick or Elmer’s glue, scissors, construction paper, small recycled boxes (to make castles, cottages, etc.), cardboard scraps to construct 3D elements.
- Premiered May 2021
- Single Session Library Sponsored Workshop
Haven’t seen the program you want?
On-Demand Programs & Mentoring
ArchForKids offers mentoring and on-demand workshops. Book a program on a topic of your choice. We offer in-person sessions in NYC and Hudson Valley are and virtual sessions for anywhere.
Learn more about these options here.
