Homeschool Days

Led by a Museum Educator, each session blends classroom learning with gallery exploration. Participants will have the chance to explore exhibitions and take part in a hands-on activity to further their learning. There will be a morning session with three workshops for 1st- 8th grade and an afternoon session with two workshops for 2nd-8th grade. Our next homeschool day is April 27, 2026.

MORNING SESSIONS

Meet the Museum (Grade 1): In this program, we will introduce our youngest visitors to the fun we can have in a museum. Learners will explore how to move through a museum while taking in all the wonders of our galleries and artifacts. Meet the Museum is a chance to lay the foundation for our youngest visitors to be lifelong learners and museum enthusiasts.

Foundations of Building (Grades 2-5): In this program, we will delve into the basics of building. This program will incorporate elements of geometry, art, and design into learning all about the process of building and the tools and materials used.

Career Exploration (Grades 6-8): This program explores careers at the heart of the National Building Museum. During this hands-on experience, learners will explore both construction-based careers and arts and culture careers like curators, preservationists, and exhibition designers, opening students to a world of possibilities.

AFTERNOON SESSIONS

Build Your Story (Grades 2-3): Through guided exploration of the Building Stories exhibition, students uncover the shared skills of architects, authors, and illustrators. They will use these skills to design and create their own pop-up book, blending storytelling with design thinking in a fun and creative experience.

Indigenous Architecture in North America: Past and Present (Grades 4-8): Through this program, learners will investigate how Indigenous Peoples in North America created the built environment using natural resources, cultural knowledge, and environmental awareness in both the past and present day.

Registration

FAQ

What time should we get to the Museum?
Check in for each program will begin half an hour before the program starts inside the Museum’s F Street entrance.

What should we do for lunch? 
You may bring a bag lunch and picnic on the Museum’s Great Hall carpet. Additionally, our cafe will be open from 10 am – 5 pm and light snacks are available for purchase. There will be a break for lunch between 12 pm and 1 pm with activities in the Great Hall for families to participate in while they eat.

Do adults have to purchase tickets?
The $20/child cost covers one child’s participation in one program and exhibit access for one child and one adult.

What are the expectations for adult participation? Do I need to stay with my child?
For children in grades Pre-K - 1st, at least one adult guardian must stay with each child at all times. All programs require the active participation of a few adult chaperones, and adults can contribute immensely to students’ experience at the Museum.

For children in second grade or above, guardians may drop off their children, but they must remain within the Museum.

Can I bring my infant/toddler?
Yes. Please bring toys or activities to keep small children occupied during program times.

My child is advanced for his/her age and grade level. Can I sign them up for a program designed for students older than his/her age?
No. Please follow the age ranges for each program when registering your children. Several of the programs for older children require children to have hand-eye coordination appropriate for their developmental age

My child has physical and/or academic special needs. What is the best procedure to include him/her in the program? 
The Museum’s school programs are designed to accommodate all needs and are ideal for those students with special needs because they are hands-on and designed to complement a variety of learning styles. For your students to get the most out of our programs, it is important for our trained Museum Educators to be made aware of any special needs your students have. The Museum strongly encourages you to indicate any special needs, whether physical or academic, when registering your student. Given enough notification, Museum educators can adapt school programs to fit the specific needs of your student. Please indicate how best to accommodate the student(s). A wheelchair accessible entrance is located at the G Street entrance of the Museum. Please email school@nbm.org with any questions.

What programs are offered?

Each Homeschool Day offers a different selection of programs. Please see the event page for a list of what programs are scheduled on a specific Homeschool Day.

How large are the classes?
Each program’s enrollment is limited to 28 students.

How do we get to the National Building Museum?
The Museum is located at 401 F Street NW and is adjacent to the Judiciary Square station on Metro’s Red Line. Using the Metro is quick and easy, plus offers a great opportunity to talk with students about city design and transportation. The Museum is unable to provide public parking. If you are driving, please allow an extra 30 minutes for traffic and to find parking. Two-hour metered parking is available on all sides of the building, however, if you are planning on staying at the Museum for longer than two hours, we recommend parking in one of the nearby parking garages.

I registered my child, but we can no longer come. What should I do?
Email school@nbm.org to let us know you won’t be coming. While refunds are not available for program tickets, we will be able to offer your spot to another family

I have additional questions. What is the best way to communicate with the National Building Museum? 
Due to the high volume of phone calls, e-mail is the most efficient method of communication. Email school@nbm.org for all questions regarding registration.

Homeschool Sessions

Homeschool Days

MORNING SESSIONS

AFTERNOON SESSIONS

National Building Museum

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