Summer Camp

Early-bird registration for Family-level Museum members begins January 8, 2025. General registration opens to the public on January 22, 2025.  

Price: $500 non-member, $400 Family level members and higher, $100 aftercare per week 

Become a Family Member While Registering for Camp 

Family-level members can register early for Summer Camp at reduced rates and receive complimentary admission to select family programs, access to birthday parties, Museum Shop discounts, free admission to Museum exhibitions and more. Click here to learn more.

Camp hours 

• Monday– Friday, 9 am– 3 pm 

• Early Drop off: 8:30–9 am (included in cost) 

• Extended Care: 3– 5:30 pm (additional $100 per week) 

Sample Day 

• 8:30 am- Free Play 

• 9 am- Discuss the schedule for the day 

• 9:15 am- Learn an architectural or engineering concept and try it for yourself 

• 10:30 am- Snack time 

• 11 am- Visit an exhibition 

• 12 pm- Eat lunch (outside, weather permitting) 

• 1 pm- Apply what was learned in the morning to a creative project or learn a second concept 

• 2:30 pm- Clean up and discuss what was learned that day and what to expect tomorrow  

• 3pm- Pick-up time or fun activities begin for Extended Care 

Do I get a discount if I sign up for more than one week or register more than one child?  

No, there are no discounts based on how many sessions you sign up for, but Family level members receive $100 off every session!  

Should I do one camp before the other?  

The camps can be done in either order, if you want a two-week experience! You can do the Brick City camp first or the Invention Lab camp first, whichever weeks fit your schedule best.  

How many campers per program? 

Each week-long session can have up to 20 campers enrolled. 

What is the camper to counselor ratio? 

Ten campers to two counselors (1:10).  

Will there be outdoor time?  

Most of the activities take place in the museum and its exhibitions. However, there will be some play time outside on our West Lawn, weather permitting. 

Does my child get to bring LEGO® bricks home if they do the Brick City camp?  

No, campers will make some crafts they can bring home but will primarily be using LEGO® bricks that must stay at the Museum. Instead, campers will get a notebook to record their creations including polaroid photos!  

Does my child need any special knowledge or materials to participate?  

All children must be able to read and write independently. Counselors will assist, but some group activities require students to read and write on their own. Nothing else is needed but curiosity and a good attitude! 

Can I sign my child up for a program outside of his/her grade range? 

We advise against this because our program content is specifically designed for the listed grade-range. We want our campers to have the best experience possible, and one way we do this is by pairing campers with their peers and instructors trained in working with their age group. 

Do you have early-morning drop off? 

Drop off for campers is between 8:30-9 am. Please do not arrive before 8:30 am as camp staff will not be available to greet you.  

Can my child bring their own food? Do you provide lunch? 

All campers should bring their own lunches that do not require refrigeration. We will provide a nut-free mid-morning snack as well as an afternoon snack for those staying for extended care.Personal snacks are not permitted unless there is a dietary restriction we cannot accommodate.  

Do you take field trips?  

This year’s camps will not be taking any off-site field trips. We will visit many of the Museum’s exhibitions as well as experience behind-the-scenes opportunities like our Collections storage. 

What happens in Extended Care? 

Since it is the end of the day, we try to have activities that are more relaxed. We set out game stations, building blocks, snack stations, and a reading area. Once a week we will watch a movie in the afternoon with popcorn. Campers can also work on projects. We might go outside or play games in the Museum’s Great Hall. 

What is your policy on electronics? 

No electronics of any kind are allowed at camp, including video game consoles, tablets, eReaders, and cell phones. If you wish to send your child to camp with a cell phone, please contact Museum staff to discuss an exception. 

Can my child bring their own toys to camp? 

No. Anything valuable or precious should be left at home. If your child would like to bring a building toy, a book, or a card game with them to camp, they may do so, however the item should remain in their backpacks during the day and only used during the lunch hour or in extended care. 

Do you have scholarships? 

Unfortunately, we do not have a scholarship program at this time. 

When is payment due? 

Full payment is required to register for camp. 

What is your refund policy? 

Refund requests must be submitted in writing by June 1. The National Building Museum considers refund requests that come after that time frame on a case-by-case basis. If you are unable to attend camp but are ineligible for a refund, we thank you for your donation to the Museum.  

Can I use my Family Level Membership discount to register campers outside of my family?

No. While the Family Membership allows you to bring in non-family members as guests to the museum, this benefit unfortunately does not extend to Summer Camp. Your Family Membership provides $100 off on camp registration only for members in the main account holder’s immediate family. Only Family Level Members receive this discount.

Is it worth joining as a Family Member? 

Yes! Besides saving on Summer Camp, you gain exclusive access to book a birthday party for your child, get free admission the Museum’s exhibitions, save on programs during the year including our popular Gingerbread Workshop, and receive a discount in the Museum Shop

Please review our camp policies and procedures in detail before registering for summer camp.

Camp Policies and Procedures

• “My child loved it and was excited to tell me about the activities of each day.” 

• "My child was so excited to go and talked about how much he loved building” 

• "They did something new everyday. My son learned about architecture in a very fun way.” 

• "a perfect blend of education and fun." 

• "My son rated it his favorite camp of the summer so far - enjoyed playing with legos!” 

• "My son LOVED it. Said he wanted to go to camp until he was too old and then become a counselor.”