KidsBuild!
Taking place each April, KidsBuild! offers young designers the opportunity to share their ideas as they explore the possibilities of architecture, planning, design, and construction. Entering its 33nd year of operation, and 12th year hosted at the BSA, KidsBuild! provides a space for designers of all ages to be a part of making and creating.
Guided by volunteer design professionals, participants choose a construction site from a fictional city grid, design and build a building out of recycled materials, and are awarded a certificate of occupancy from the city building inspectors. Perfect for children aged 5–13, and welcoming designers of all ages, KidsBuild! allows children to formulate ideas about architecture and design as they build a city from the ground up.
KidsBuild!'s model city is built throughout the two-day event and remains on display to the public throughout the following week. With over 800 participants joining each year, KidsBuild! is the largest free, public event offered by the BSA and engages a large cohort of volunteer design professionals to engage with participants.
2025
Dates
April 12-13, 2025: KidsBuild! Day 1-2
April 14-18, 2025: KidsBuild! On Display
Location
BSA Space
290 Congress Street, Boston, MA
Cost
Free to attend
Registration
Advanced registration is required. Registration will be available in late March for this year's event.
Program
Type
Event
Public exhibition
Grade Levels
K-5, Children and Families
Timeframe
1992-present
Timeline
January-March: Planning committee signups
March: Event volunteer signups
March: Participant registration opens
April: KidsBuild! event and display
Collaborators
Partners
KidsBuild! Planning Committee
Atlantic Wharf/BXP
Volunteers
Local architects and designers
Volunteers
To get involved in this year's KidsBuild! Planning Committee, email [email protected]. Bookmark the BSA Volunteer page to stay involved. All event volunteer opportunities will be available starting 03/18.
Support
Interested in supporting KidsBuild! this year? There are many ways to support including:
Event Sponsorship
With 400 participants and 50 volunteers each day at KidsBuild!, we welcome corporate sponsors to support this year's event. Interested in sponsoring? Please contact [email protected].
Monetary Donations
KidsBuild! costs $25 per child to produce. To support KidsBuild!, consider donating to the BSA Foundation.
Material Donations
KidsBuild!'s buildings are constructed with recycled materials. Material donations will be accepted at the BSA from 04/07-04/11. A material list will be available in mid-late March.
Supply Donations
KidsBuild! is always in need of supplies to accommodate 800 participants each year. Check out KidsBuild!'s Amazon wishlist to purchase supplies.
