I know the National Building Museum is a go-to spot for many when it comes to fun, easy outings with the kids, so here are a few events and dates to be aware of over the next few weeks:
– The Building Zone will be closed from October 15 – October 22 as it undergoes some refurbishments, including a brand new, plush floor in the exhibition, a magnetic activity table, and a Concrete Station traveling all the way from the Omaha Children’s Museum. The Concrete Station will allow children to play and learn in a sand pit complete with shovels and sifters. The rest of the museum will still be open as these upgrades are installed.
– October 20 is Girl Scout Day, a day designed especially for Girl Scouts to explore the built world through hands-on activities and talks with professionals, and to work on badge and journey requirements. There are two sessions — sign up for the morning here and the afternoon here. Prepaid registration ($10) is required.
– November 6 is the next Book of the Month session and will feature a reading of Iggy Peck, Architect, a wonderful children’s book by Andrea Beaty about a boy who loves to build (it’s been a favorite in our house for years). The program takes place the first Tuesday of every month at 10:30am and 11:30am and usually involves a hands-on activity after storytime. It’s free with the admission to the Building Zone ($3/person).
– November 14 is Homeschool Day, the first of the 2012-13 school year. Students and their families can participate in hands-on programs that complement the curricula in art, social studies, math, science, and language arts. There are program for children ages 4-14. Admission is $10 per child, per program. Prepaid registration is required by November 12.
– November 17-18 is The Wright Weekend: A Celebration of Frank Lloyd Wright and will include a workshop for kids (and accompanying adults) ages 5 and up: BARK-itecture invites families to design and build their very own doghouse to fit a stuffed dog or animal using Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture as inspiration. The workshop also include stories, crafts, and animal crackers. (Online sign-up is not yet open, but you can call 202.272.2448.)
– November 18, is opening day for PLAY WORK BUILD, an exhibit that promises to enthrall kids and adults alike with a display of the museum’s world-class Architectural Toy Collection, a hands-on block play area, and an original digital interactive. Admission for non-members will be $8/adults, $5/youth, students & seniors. (Note: October 17 is a preview day for members only.)
– Finally, if your family frequents the National Building Museum fairly regularly, I highly recommend getting a Family Membership. For $90, you get six admissions (two adults, four youth) to exhibitions per day, which practically pays for itself if you visit the Building Zone ($3/person, per visit) and other exhibits ($5-8/person, per visit) often. You also get priority registration to summer camp and discounts on birthday parties (which I’ve written about here). And I swear there’s nothing in this for me, I just think it’s a fantastic museum, and the membership is worth every penny.
