Logo for Build It Expo with an illustration of a hammer and the words Build It Expo, Hands-On Construction Fun.

Build It Expo highlights pathways into construction — from architecture and carpentry to engineering and skilled trades.

Kids ages 5-12 and their families explore construction and building careers through hands-on STEM activities, live demos, and role model conversations with engineers and skilled trades professionals. At The Works Museum, hands-on design-and-build experiences help young people see themselves as creators, builders, and problem-solvers. By introducing construction skills and concepts—measuring, materials, structural design, teamwork— at an early age, we help students build awareness and confidence before they choose their pathway.

Thank you to everyone who helped make our first-ever Build It Expo such a memorable success. We can’t wait to build together again in the future!

DID YOU KNOW?

You can get into the Build It Expo for FREE with a membership to The Works Museum.

For a family of four or more, a Family Membership to The Works Museum pays for itself in just two visits!

Partnership Opportunities
Three children are participating in a hands-on learning activity about installing siding on a house. One child in an orange shirt is kneeling on the floor, while the other two children, one in a yellow jacket and the other in black, are helping to hold and position siding panels. There are various tools and siding panels scattered around them, and informational signs on the wall explaining the activity.
Two children, one girl standing on a small platform and another girl holding a pipe, are playing with plumbing pipes at an indoor exhibit.
A young boy building a wooden structure with various wooden pieces inside a building. There are other children and adults in the background, with a blue sign that reads 'How do you build onto the house?'

Thank you to our 2026 Build It Expo partners:

Logo of NAWIC, the National Association of Women in Construction, featuring black and red text with a check mark.
Logo for Andersen Windows & Doors with black text and an abstract orange, black, and white geometric design.
Logo of the American Public Works Association Minnesota Chapter with text and a graphic of Minnesota.
Blue logo with plus signs and the letters 'GF' in the center.
City of Bloomington Minnesota logo with a graphic of trees and buildings
Logo of the Maryland Department of Transportation, featuring stylized 'm' in blue and green colors with the department name next to it.
Logo of Uncommon Construction, a Minneapolis-based construction company established in 2022, featuring a hammer, a rolled blueprint, and a paint roller within a circular design.
Logo for Jedunn Construction featuring a stylized 'D' in a circle.

FAQ’s about Build It Expo:

  • No. Please remain in attendance with your children. All children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.

  • Expect to spend one to two hours exploring Build It Expo activities, and allow additional time for exploring the Experience Gallery.

  • You are welcome to leave and return any time during the event, just be sure to keep your Museum wristband.

  • Pre-registration is encouraged and saves money! Visitors may purchase event tickets at the door for $17. Members are free, but pre-registration is still encouraged.

  • We do not accept coupons for Build It Expo. If you have free admission passes, you may pay the difference ($2 per ticket) to attend the event.

  • Free parking is available in our lot.

  • Build It Expo is ideal for kids ages 4 and up. However, we see a lot of younger siblings. Just be aware that you will find small parts and other activities inappropriate for kids under 4.

A young boy and an adult man assembling a wooden structure at a workshop or classroom. The boy is sitting on the floor, focused on attaching a piece of a wooden frame, with the man assisting nearby.