We’re all starting to think about summer, so if you’re not already enjoying these free activities for kids at stores nationwide, bookmark these store websites for your summer calendar. They’re an easy way to shake up those long summer days for FREE:
Free Arts & Crafts at ACMoore:
ACMoore holds monthly craft demos and projects. This Saturday, decorate a T-shirt free when you purchase the shirt; then on 26th, make a free Duct Tape Cup Cozy. Last summer, they offered Family Make & Take crafts for kids ages 2-12 every Wednesday. I’ll keep an eye on the website for an update on the 2012 offering.
Free Storytime at Barnes & Noble:
Most Barnes & Noble stores offer a weekly storytime for preschoolers around 10:00am, though the day varies depending on the store. Check out your local store’s website for details.
Free Special Events at Disney Store:
Head to the Disney Store website and click on Upcoming Events. There’s an Avengers Event this Saturday, May 12th at 10:30, 11:30, and 12:30. They usually offer 1-2 events per month, so keep an eye out for next month’s FREE event.
Free Building Projects at Home Depot:
You know I love these events on the first Saturday of each month at Home Depot. You don’t need to register; just show up with your child(ren) ages 5-12 anytime between 9:00am-12noon. On their first visit, kids receive a Kids Workshop Apron, and every week they can take home their craft, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement.
Free Arts & Crafts at Lakeshore Learning:
Every Saturday from 11:00am-3:00pm, kids 3 and up can make arts & crafts at your local Lakeshore Learning store. This weekend, there’s a cute Handprint Keepsake for Mother’s Day, and you can see the projects ahead for the next two months on their calendar.
Free Building Events at The Lego Store:
At most US Lego Stores, there’s a Monthly Mini Build on the first Tuesday of each month. Check with your local store for start time, since the kit is while supplies last.
Free Building Projects at Lowe’s:
These require registration, and they fill up quickly, so keep a note on your calendar to register online two weeks ahead of time. Workshops are typically at 10:00am on every other Saturday, but they’re offering extra workshops during the summer on Sunday afternoons at 2:00pm. Check the full schedule for upcoming projects. This Saturday, May 12th, kids can make a Picture Frame Planter; the next project is an Ice Cream Truck.
Free Arts & Crafts at Michael’s:
Check your local Michael’s for Make it Take it projects for kids 3 and up. Many are free; occasionally there’s a nominal charge for materials (like $1-2). This Saturday, kids can make a FREE Mother’s Day button.
Free Storytime & Other Events at Pottery Barn Kids:
This Saturday, attend a Mother’s Day Doll Tea Party at your local Pottery Barn Kids; in June, they’re hosting a National Geographic Kids event. Events are FREE but require RSVP; most are for kids 3 and up.
The PBK Storytime is every Tuesday at 9:30am. Each week has a different theme and often includes a small art project and stickers; there’s also a gift after five visits.
Free Kids Club Events at Whole Foods Market:
Many Whole Foods locations offer a Kids Club, including FREE events like Cooking with Kids! and craft projects. Each store has a different schedule, so you’ll need to locate your store and check their calendar for details.
Let me know if you find other FREE events & activities at stores near you!
This post is linked up to Frugal Friday at Life as Mom.
Thank you for these great ideas Gina. I was starting to worry about what I would do to fill the void of preschool this summer, and now I have some great ideas!
Local malls usually have a kids club that meets once a month and is free. Also, bigger shopping centers such as Virginia Gateway or Fairfax Corner.