You know that feeling when you find an activity that keeps your kids engaged for more than five minutes while they’re actually learning something useful? Turns out, some of the biggest stores with locations across the US have figured out how to make that happen so you don’t have to. Places like Home Depot and Lakeshore Learning are hosting workshops and events monthly (or more often) where kids can build, create, and explore new skills. Here’s what’s out there.
For Our Crafty Kiddos 🎨
JCPenney
JCPenney keeps things simple with one Saturday workshop per month from 11am to noon. Think bookmarks, magnets, and other quick crafts that don’t require power tools. All supplies are included, and kids walk away with their creation plus a badge, lanyard, and monthly collector’s pin. After six workshops, kiddos earn a craft medallion. Parents get 10% off to use in store or online that day.
Lakeshore Learning
Lakeshore Learning does twice-monthly events on select Saturdays from 11am to 3pm with no reservations needed. Kids get story time, a take-home craft, and access to their Play & Discover Area. They rotate themes monthly with activities like Wikki Stix art and crafting with OOLY products. Parents get a BOGO 50% coupon for that day, plus there’s a drawing for a $100 e-gift card at every event.
Michael’s
Michael’s runs multiple events throughout the month, but the schedule varies by location. Their Kids Club sessions work for all ages and include all supplies. They also offer Sunday Makebreaks for ages 13 and up. Sometimes these are completely free (like yarn painting), and sometimes you’ll purchase a base product like a canvas while they provide paints and other supplies.
Building Skills One Project at a Time 🔨
Home Depot Kids Workshops
Home Depot takes a similar approach with their first Saturday workshops at 9am. Kids build things like leprechaun traps and small planters. You can register up to four kids at once, and registration opens a month ahead. The thing is, these run while supplies last, so getting in early helps.
Lowe’s Kids Club
Lowe’s runs their Kids Club workshops every first Saturday from 10am to 1pm. You’ll need to join MyLowe’s Rewards (it’s free) and create a profile for your child before registering. Kids tackle building projects like birdhouses and mini toyboxes, earning badges along the way. After 12 workshops, they get a free tool bag. Registration opens a month before each event, and your confirmation email’s QR code gets you checked in.
Coding and Creating for Young Tech Enthusiasts 💻
Apple Store’s Today at Apple sessions run on weekday afternoons and evenings, with schedules posted about two weeks out. Sessions target ages 8-12 and cover things like creating theme songs in GarageBand or designing custom emoji in Procreate. All devices are provided, registration is required, and some sessions require parents to stay.
More Places For Free Kids Activities
While you’re mapping out your options, don’t forget about:
- Barnes & Noble: Weekly story times but hours vary by location
- IKEA: Occasional craft events with registration required, but they don’t run on a set schedule
- Pottery Barn: Seasonal kids events usually around holidays
- Local libraries and children’s museums: Check for story times, crafts, and even LEGO-building groups
- The Every Kid Outdoors program: Gives fourth graders a free pass to federal parks and lands at everykidoutdoors.gov
These workshops give kids hands-on experience with real skills, whether that’s using a hammer, navigating creative software, or just following multi-step instructions. The popular ones fill up quickly, so set a reminder for when registration opens each month. It’s a solid way to fill a Saturday morning with something your kids will remember.