Spring Break at the Chicago Architecture Center

Enjoy a week's worth of family fun and make-and-take projects recommended for ages 5-16. Come one day or all five. 

Event Cost: Free with museum admission.

Event Times: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Event schedule

April 15 – Design with an Architect: Come test your design skills as you build a structure with a licensed architect! Learn the insider tricks and tips from a pro.

April 16 – All About Bridges: Chicago is made up of iconic bridges…but how do some of them move?! Come build and test your own bridge during this interactive, drop-in program. Educators from the McCormick Bridge House Museum will be on-site to give feedback from noon-1:30pm.  

April 17 – Design Your Neighborhood: This drop-in workshop explores urban planning, community development and city systems. Students will consider the question, “What makes a good neighborhood?” and use the design process to create neighborhood from scratch.

April 18 – The Science of Architecture: Ever wonder how buildings stand so tall? Take part in interactive, STEM-based activities that explore structural elements and the science behind buildings. Youth walking tours of Chicago’s most iconic engineering marvels depart at 11:30am and 1:30pm. Tours are 45 minutes and free with admission.

April 18 – The Science of Architecture: Ever wonder how buildings stand so tall? Take part in interactive, STEM-based activities that explore structural elements and the science behind buildings. Youth walking tours of Chicago’s most iconic engineering marvels depart at 11:30am and 1:30pm. Tours are 45 minutes and free with admission.

April 19 – Build and Test with an Engineer: Come learn how architecture and engineering work together as you build and test a structure with design professionals. Receive coaching and feedback from a structural engineer as you learn the science behind building.