Family Program | Design your Own board game

Drop-in at the museum on the second Saturday of each month for hands-on family activities! This January, join us for a special game day at the museum.

Design Your Own Board Game

  • Design your own board game: Create a story for your game and choose from a variety of materials to make your board.
  • Write challenge cards and craft your own player pieces out of clay. All materials provided.

Design Around Town

  • As a family, explore design by playing a round of the museum’s own Design Around Town board game. Invite your family members to come up with creative solutions to design challenges at an ice cream shop, a school, a stadium, and more.
  • Families will bring home an exclusive-to-Cooper Hewitt Design Around Town board game set, while supplies last.

Access Hour (11:00 am to 12:00 noon)

  • The first hour of family drop-ins are generally more quiet and less crowded.
  • Additional staff experienced in conducting accessible workshops will be present during this hour. Families will have access to sensory supports and adaptive materials. We’d love for you to join us for some structured fun!

Family drop-in activities are designed for youth ages 5–12 and their adult guardian/caregivers. Family programs are included in the price of museum admission, and youth 18 and under are always free.

ACCESSIBILITY & WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Format: This is a drop-in style workshop for youth ages 5-12 and their adult guardian/family. You will be guided by a museum educator who will help you to make a design. You can drop in at any time and stay as long as you like. Adults must stay with their youth during the activity and are encouraged to participate. Registration is not required, but first come, first seated.
  • About the space: This program will take place in Cooper Hewitt’s Lecture Room on the ground floor of the museum. It is fully wheelchair accessible. There will be group seating at tables. There is an accessible restroom on the ground floor. Read more about accessibility at Cooper Hewitt.
  • Accommodations: If we can provide services to support your participation, email us at CHEducation@si.edu. Please make your request as far in advance as possible—preferably at least ten days before the program date.

Special Thanks

Design learning at Cooper Hewitt is made possible by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Generous support is also provided by the Smithsonian Institution’s Together We Thrive initiatives.