Whether it’s gluing and painting a birdhouse for the backyard or coloring a picture for the refrigerator, kids love to make things. Several area businesses offer free make-and-take projects, providing a great way to spend time with your children and costing only the gas to get there.
- Lakeshore Learning Stores offer free crafts 11 a.m.-3 p.m. every Saturday for kids 3-11. For a list of stores and upcoming projects, visit lakeshorelearning.com/freecrafts4kids. No pre-registration is required.
- Home Depot offers the “Home Depot Kids Workshop” the first Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. Best for kids 5-12, the workshops teach tool safety and do-it-yourself skills. Recent projects include a race car and a window bird feeder. In-store pre-registration is suggested. Visit homeimproverclub.com for information.
- Lowe’s hosts a similar event called “Build and Grow” for children in second through fifth grades at 10 a.m. twice a month on Saturdays. Recent projects included a basketball hoop and an art station. Visit lowesbuildandgrow.com for upcoming dates and projects. Online pre-registration is required and each class is limited to the first 50 participants.
- Michael’s Stores feature a club for children 3 and up called “The Knack.” It is free to join and offers at least one free craft each month, as well as several others that require a modest purchase. Visit michaels.com/theknack. Pre-registration is not required and kids don’t have to join to participate.
- The first Tuesday of each month, LEGO stores sponsor a free mini-model build for kids 6-14. The models are themed according to the month. To preview the model of the month and find the LEGO store nearest your home, search stores.lego.com. No pre-registration is required, but arrive early since supplies are limited.
Enjoy working alongside your children as they experience the satisfaction of making interesting things with their own hands absolutely free.
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