We had a wonderful response to KidsBuild! @ Home with over 90 families requesting a KidsBuild! @Home Workbook. You can check our the young designers’ submissions on the Gallery page. HERE

KidsBuild! is a hands-on, interactive learning experience that has been broadening children’s understanding of the world in which we live since 1992. While we cannot build in person this year, we are keeping the KidsBuild! spirit of creativity and collaboration alive through an at home experience. KidsBuild! is architecture, construction and urban planning. Similar to the in-person event, you (individual or family) will choose a building type, pick a site within our city map, select your building materials, build, and submit your design to the KidsBuild! architects to receive your Certificate of Occupancy.

WHO? KidsBuild! is designed for youth age 5-13 but anyone with an eagerness to design is encouraged to take part. Adults in the household are welcome to support and build with their children (just like KidsBuild! in person). There are no limits to participation.

WHEN? KidsBuild! @ Home is meant to occur during April vacation week (April 19 – 23) but you may build at any time. Virtual ‘meetings’ are scheduled twice during the week for you to check in with a professional architect to get feedback on your design.

WHERE? Your building location is the KidsBuild! city specially designed for this KidsBuild @ Home event. The building activity will take place at home. Unfortunately, we cannot build together this year.

WHAT? You will be using a KidsBuild! @ Home Workbook to guide you and building with materials you have collected from around your home. There are no requirements for what you can build with—recycled materials, LEGOs etc. are all fine. Digital submissions (Tinkercad, Minecraft etc.) will also be accepted.

Then WHAT? Your submission will be featured in an online exhibition hosted on the KidsBuild! website and our social media accounts.

WHY? Because we miss seeing what our KidsBuild! young designers create every year!

WHY?

• Interactive workbook slide set
• Live interaction with professional architects
• The full KidsBuild! process
• Joy of designing with your household
• Satisfaction when you receive your Certificate of Occupancy and your building is featured in the online gallery.

Important Dates*

April 1 | Registration opens

April 16 | Workbook link sent to registrants

April 19, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | [Virtual] Building Department open for consultation and permitting [optional]

April 23 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | [Virtual] Building Department open for virtual review and Certificate of Occupancy issued [optional]

April 30, 5:00 PM | Deadline to submit completed online entries

May 15 | Virtual exhibition opens

*dates subject to change

Register HERE

Funding for this initiative is provided by BSA Foundation Provoking Change Legacy Circle Members HMFH Architects and Boston Properties. Donate to support youth design education initiatives.