Come and explore the world of architecture and learn why design matters through CAC's hands-on activities for families. See below for details. | Venga a explorar el mundo de la arquitectura y descubra por qué el diseño es importante a través de las actividades prácticas para familias del CAC. Consulte más abajo para obtener más información.
Family Days
Kids show off their handmade masks inspired by the Architectural Head Games exhibit in May 2025.
A family program at the CAC.
Hosted in the CAC’s galleries and classroom spaces, Family Days are opportunities for hands-on activities exploring architecture and design. Dates, themes, and targeted age ranges vary; see specific program listings for details below.
Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout each event to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Los Días para la Familia, que se celebran en las galerías y aulas del CAC, son oportunidades para realizar actividades prácticas que exploran la arquitectura y el diseño. Las fechas, los temas y los rangos de edad a los que se dirigen las actividades varían; consulte a continuación las listas de programas específicos para obtener más información.
Los niños deben estar acompañados de un padre o tutor durante el evento para garantizar una experiencia segura y agradable para todos.
Support
All family programs are free for families, as the CAC strives to represent the diversity of Chicago through everything we do. If you find programs like these valuable, please consider donating to the CAC to help us create more of them!
CAC's Engineering Fest is a part of the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Youth Learning Programs.
Family Day: Buildings of Chicago
Join for a fun, activity-filled day all about Chicago buildings. Explore the architecture of Chicago through hands-on building and storytelling. Inspired by the city's iconic skyline and neighborhoods, children and families of all ages are invited to design, build and play.
- Create your own Chicago building or landmark with hands-on materials.
- Build with LEGO and experiment with height, scale and design.
- Enjoy engaging story sessions celebrating Chicago, buildings and imagination with the Chicago Public Library Destination Discovery Story Time.
- Explore gallery exhibitions about Chicago’s buildings, transportation and more.
Event details
- Date: May 9, 2026
- Time: 10 AM - 1 PM, drop in anytime
- Location: CAC Galleries, 111 E. Wacker Drive
- Cost: Free with registration, on-site registration available
- Open to all ages; children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout the event.
Register now
Open House Chicago Family Activity
Come explore and create with us during the festival! Inside the Ramova Theatre families will explore the rich ornamentation of the theatre. They can focus on specific details they discover within the space or create ornamentation for something new.
This activity is designed in conjunction with Open House Chicago, one of the largest architecture and urban exploration festivals in the world. Check out our website or the CAC app for more sites and live events!
Event details
- Date: October 18
- Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Location: Ramova Theatre, 3520 S Halsted Street
- Cost: Free
- Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout the event.
Family Programs
The CAC offers an engaging space where families can come together and discover why design matters. Through a variety of annual festivals and Family Days, the CAC provides hands-on learning experiences at no cost. These events inspire young people to explore architecture and the built environment in fun and meaningful ways.
Upcoming Programs:
- Girls Build! Day, September 6, 2025 / Registration will open in July
- Engineering Fest, February 28, 2026 / Registration will open in January
Youth, Family and Educator programs are announced throughout the year. Sign up for our newsletter to be first to hear.
Contact our Learning team at caclearning@architecture.org if you have feedback or questions.
