Discover Engineering Family Day is Coming!
The Nuts and Bolts
What
Discover Engineering Family Day is a fun-filled day designed to introduce students 4 to 12 to the wonder of engineering and the importance of technological literacy. It attracts thousands of people and kicks off National Engineers Week activities in the national capital area.
Where
The National Building Museum, 401 F Street, N.W., Washington, DC (between 4th and 5th Streets)
When
Feb. 16, 2013, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
What is the Best Way to Get There?
We recommend that you take Metrorail. The National Building Museum is directly across the street from the Judiciary Square Metro Station on the Red Line.
What about Parking?
No parking is available at the National Building Museum. However, several parking garages are available in the area, as well as metered street parking on Saturday (make sure to bring adequate change or have the Parkmobile app on your smartphone).
What Can Attendees Expect?
Nearly 30 Family Day exhibitors present basic science and engineering principles through hands-on and mind-challenging activities. Special demonstrations are also sprinkled throughout the day. Past features include:
- Design Squad Nation co-host Nate Ball demonstrating his Powered Rope Ascender
- One of NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon’s replica racecars, courtesy of DuPont
- Former Space Shuttle Columbia astronaut Dr. Roger Crouch
- Appearances by stars of the PBS Kids TV show ZOOM
- A model of one of NASA’s Mars Exploration Rovers
Who Attends Family Day?
Attendees are primarily children, parents, teachers, scouts, youth groups, engineers, scientists, technologists and others interested in engineering. Attendance ranges between 9,000 and 14,000. All are welcome.
What Organizations Exhibit at Family Day?
Exhibitors change from year to year, but are typically made up local and national engineering societies, science organizations, national corporations and public television stations.
Cost
Admission is free. Visitors are encouraged to make an on-site donation to the National Building Museum, which has provided its Great Hall for the event since 1998.
Who Organizes Family Day?
The event is run under the auspices of the National Engineers Week Foundation and organized by a planning committee of engineers, engineering society reps, National Building Museum staff, Linder & Associates Event Architects and others.
How Long Has the Event Been Around?
Family Day traces its roots to 1993. The 2013 event marks our 20th anniversary.
How can I stay Informed?
Sign up for periodic updates.