CANCELLED! Did you ever notice that little kids seem to have more fun with the box and paper than the actual gift you spent months looking for? Now budding architects have permission to take a box and turn it into a building as part of Box City 2020. The FREE event for children (grades K-5) promotes an understanding of urban design by combining art, design, architecture, urban planning, engineering, creativity and construction into one fun, educational experience.
It’s set for Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the History Colorado Center. This is a fantastic event that is fun for both the participants and their parent/guardians.
The entire process is mapped out. Children start with a Building Permit, make a draft sketch in the Design Studio, stop at the Hardware Store for cardboard and supplies, then head to the Construction Zone to build.
After completing the Building Inspection, kids head to Box City where an urban planner helps them select an appropriate building site. They receive a Certificate of Occupancy that includes a photo of them with the building.
You have two options to participate in Box City.
1. Make a reservation. A limited number of tickets ($5 each) to guarantee entry are available every half-hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. One child per ticket. (Grown-ups don’t need tickets.) You can register here. History Colorado Center exhibits are open to Box City participants from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day.
2. Walk in. Kids with a responsible adult are welcome to stop by any time, with entry on a first-come, first-served basis after reservation ticket holders have been admitted. Entry is not guaranteed. All walk-in participants may be asked to purchase admission to History Colorado Center; rates can be found here.
Be sure to allow at least one hour, even better 90-minutes to two hours to complete the project. Box City participants must finish by 4:30 p.m.