Park Avenue Armory invites parents and children to participate in interactive art-making workshops in our historic rooms. Drawing upon the Armory’s castle-like setting and unique programmatic offerings, these programs are offered monthly during the school year and designed to spark the imagination of children of all ages. Tickets must be purchased in advance for all children and adults that are attending.



Previously this Season

Valentines of the American Aesthetic Movement
February 7 at 10:00am
Suggested Age: Families with children ages 6-12

The Armory's period rooms transport people to another time with their ornate, romantic interiors. Inspired by the American Aesthetic movement that influenced their creation (and giving a nod to the infamous romantic entanglement of Stanford White, one of the Armory's prominent designers) this workshop enables participants to create truly unique valentines to be shared with family, friends, and classmates.


Site-Specific Cymatics
March 7 at 10:00am
Suggested Age: Families with children ages 6-12

Who says science needs to be learned in a laboratory? The science of acoustics is hugely important to all the Armory's productions. In this workshop, explore the phenomenon of cymatics- the study of visible sound vibrations- by creating your own visually arresting sonic patterns inspired by the patterns found in the Armory's existing design.


Time Flies When You're at the Armory
April 25 at 10:00am
Suggested Age: Families with children ages 6-12

Explore the Armory’s collection of historic clocks and create your own timepiece inspired by the ornate artwork and craftsmanship evident in each unique clock.




In the Beginning: Park Avenue Armory
May 16 at 10:00am
Suggested Age: Families with children ages 6-12

Join us for a sneak peek at our upcoming educational e-book and learn about the history of Park Avenue Armory through workshops that combine iPad technology and on-your-feet artistic exploration.



Scripted Space: The Art of Philippe Parreno
June 13 at 10:00am
Suggested Age: Families with children ages 6-12

Become immersed in the work of visual artist Philippe Parreno, who fuses sound—both recorded and performed live — with film, light, collaborations, apparitions, and memory to guide and manipulate the viewer's experience. Participants will experience the installation and create their own "scripted space" with the help of Armory teaching artists.


Armory Adventures, Gothic Edition
October 17th at 10:00am
Suggested Age: Families with children ages 6-12

Be inspired by the Armory’s neo-gothic façade and the upcoming Halloween holiday and create a collaborative live-action gothic adventure that will take you through several of the building’s historic rooms. Using a combination of improv skills and theater games, participants will draw from a palette of gothic imagery to build a story of mystery and suspense.


Creative Craftsmanship
Saturday, November 14 at 10:00am
Suggested Age: Families with children ages 6-12

Explore the intricate woodwork of the Armory’s period rooms and participate in a visual arts workshop that introduces you to the basic tools and techniques needed to create your own American Aesthetic carving.



19th Century Dance Party
Saturday, December 12 at 10:00am
Suggested Age: Families with children ages 7-12

Travel back in time to the Armory’s early history and revel in the festivities of the holiday season in the style of late 1800s ladies and gentlemen. Fill up your dance card with family members and take a turn around the historic Board of Officers room before trying your hands (and feet!) at some of the partner and group dances that were the height of fashion in 1881.


Photos from top: MNHS, Paul Baumgarten, Da Ping Luo, Elliott Kaufman, Da Ping Luo, Philippe Parreno, Da Ping Luo, James Ewing, Jean Béraud.