Building Community at “The Big Build” in D.C.

The National Building Museum’s annual event, The Big Build, is set to take place on Saturday, Oct. 18. It promises a day of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)-focused educational fun for all ages in Washington, D.C.

Ideal for children who love construction equipment or working with their hands, The Big Build offers a large variety of design and engineering -themed activities. It’s a great opportunity for kids to try their hand at wiring a lightbulb, hammering nails, basic woodworking and more. 

Kids can don a hard hat and take part in demonstrations and experiments with real tools of the trade, learning from professional construction workers, plumbers and engineers about the basics of their fields. 

They will even have a chance to explore and climb inside real construction equipment at the outdoor Truck Petting Zoo. For the youngest children who may be too small to try some of the STEM-based activities, story times with STEM theming will be held at the museum throughout the day. 

The event will also present an opportunity for Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts to earn their STEM Career Exploration Badges by speaking with professionals on site about the trades and learning about potential future careers in STEM.

The National Building Museum will remain open during the government shutdown. While The Big Build is a free event, federal employees are also entitled to one free museum ticket per day with valid ID. 

For more information and to register for The Big Build, visit nbm.org/event/the-big-build.