This summer, the National Building Museum is doubling the fun with two exciting camps for rising second to fifth graders! After a successful return to in-person camps last year, we’re offering up to two weeks of hands-on exploration in architecture and engineering, filled with creative challenges, LEGO® building and more. Whether your child is a budding architect or an aspiring engineer or simply loves to build, our camps provide the perfect mix of education and fun.
Campers can choose from two distinct themes – “Brick City: World Architecture Brick by Brick” and “Invention Lab: Build, Create, Innovate!” – offered in six weekly sessions from July 7 to August 15, 2025. Each week, kids will dive into one of these dynamic themes, learning through interactive projects and hands-on building. And with the option to register for back-to-back weeks, they can explore both themes in whichever order works best for their summer schedule.
Why Choose Our Camps?
Each camp offers a unique opportunity for children to develop critical thinking, problem-solving and creativity in a fun, hands-on environment. Kids will have exclusive access to the museum’s exhibitions, engaging with stunning architecture and engineering marvels in a way that the public never can. Whether they’re designing buildings with LEGO® bricks or inventing Rube Goldberg machines, campers will leave inspired and eager to explore more.
With only 20 campers per session, each child will receive plenty of individual attention in a small, focused group. Our experienced educators and museum staff work closely with each camper, ensuring that they not only learn but also have an unforgettable time. The camp’s setting inside one of Washington, D.C.’s most iconic museums adds to the excitement, allowing children to learn in an inspiring environment that sparks their creativity.
Camp Options
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Brick City: World Architecture Brick by Brick
Back by popular demand, this camp invites kids to explore iconic global architecture using LEGO® bricks! Through guided lessons and hands-on activities, campers will “travel” the world—visiting cities in Mexico, China, India, and England—and take part in design challenges inspired by the buildings they encounter. After learning about architectural styles like Brutalism, Art Deco, and Neoclassical, kids will build their own LEGO® structures in those styles, testing their new knowledge and learning professional building techniques.
For example, one day, campers might learn how to design and build a building using the simple shapes found in a typical Art Deco skyscraper, while another day could see them exploring the unique characteristics of Brutalist architecture, such as geometric forms and raw concrete. They’ll put their creativity to the test by designing and constructing buildings of their own in each style.
“My son rated it his favorite camp of the summer,” said one parent, capturing the spirit of this engaging and educational experience.
In addition to LEGO® projects, kids will explore novelty architecture from around the world, from a giant toad museum to oversized boots. They’ll discuss the benefits and challenges of designing such unique buildings. They’ll also engage with architectural concepts like arch and bridge engineering, and apply them to their own designs, learning firsthand how engineers think through challenges like structural integrity and landscape integration.
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Invention Lab: Build, Create, Innovate!
New this year, our Invention Lab camp is a hands-on introduction to engineering through Rube Goldberg machines. Campers will dive into the world of engineering, using simple machines and physics to solve complex problems in the most creative ways. Imagine a system where a spoon pulls a string, which knocks over a toy car, which triggers a domino effect that eventually feeds the dog. That’s the magic of Rube Goldberg!
Using levers, pulleys, inclined planes and other basic mechanical principles, campers will work together to design and build their own machines that perform everyday tasks in the most elaborate (and fun) way possible. The camp encourages kids to think outside the box, be curious and experiment with different approaches to problem-solving.
Throughout the week, campers will experiment with tension and compression in structures, learning about materials and how they behave under stress. They’ll design and build bridges, testing different types of construction, like arches and trusses. They’ll also explore transportation and engineering challenges, like designing vehicles or boats to move from point A to point B.
At the end of the week, campers will put their knowledge to the test by collaborating to create their own Rube Goldberg machines and other inventions, showcasing everything they’ve learned.
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A Day at Camp
Each day starts with free play, offering flexibility for parents who can drop their children off between 8:30 and 9 a.m. Once the kids arrive, the group gathers to discuss the day’s schedule. Each morning session introduces new architectural or engineering concepts through exciting, interactive lessons. Afterward, campers dive into building projects where they get to try out what they’ve just learned.
Campers then take a break with a snack provided by the museum before heading out to explore one of the museum’s exhibitions. Whether they’re admiring the towering columns in the Great Hall or exploring exhibitions that showcase amazing feats of design and engineering, kids get a chance to engage with the built environment around them.
After lunch, campers will have some time for outdoor play (weather permitting), followed by an afternoon dedicated to hands-on projects. Whether they’re designing a cityscape or testing out their Rube Goldberg machine, campers will apply what they’ve learned in creative ways. The day wraps up with reflection time, where kids share their projects, talk about what they learned and bond with fellow campers. Parents can pick up their kids at 3 p.m. or choose aftercare until 5:30 p.m. for even more time to build, create, and play.
“They did something new every day. My son learned about architecture in a very fun way,” shared one parent, reflecting the enthusiasm of the campers.
Why Our Camps Are Special
What sets our camps apart is the unique, in-depth access campers get to the museum’s architecture and exhibitions. With only 20 campers per session, children explore the museum’s stunning design and engineering feats in a way that goes beyond a typical field trip. From the Great Hall to our temporary exhibitions, kids will engage with architectural details, observe engineering techniques first hand and find inspiration for their own creations. This small-group format ensures personalized learning, where each child’s voice is heard and their creativity is nurtured.
As one parent put it, “My son LOVED it. Said he wanted to go to camp until he was too old and then become a counselor.”
Registration & Discounts
Ready to join the fun? Family-level museum members get early access to registration, starting January 8, 2025 – two weeks before general registration opens to the public on January 22, 2025. Members not only get early access but also receive $100 off each week of camp. In addition, Family-level members get exclusive access to children’s birthday parties, discounts on other museum programs throughout the year and free admission to museum exhibitions.
Camp Details:
- Price: $500 per week for nonmembers, $400 per week for Family-level members and higher
- Aftercare: $100 per week
- Camp Dates: July 7–August 15, 2025
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity for your child to explore the world of architecture and engineering. Sign up early at nbm.org/programs-events/kids-programs/summer-camp/ to secure your spot and give your child the chance to create, build and learn in a fun and inspiring environment.
Kelly Cole is the director of youth programs and engagement at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.
