This has been updated for 2019. Go check it out –> Free Kids Crafts, Classes & Workshops All Summer Long
These summer days can feel really, really long! If you're looking for some ways to get out of the house with the kids, these national stores are offering Frugal and FREE Summer Fun for Kids. And remember that you can also go to Free Summer Movies, do Free Bowling, get Free Skating, and do Summer Reading Programs. Hope you're enjoying the summer so far!
Apple Camp
Apple Stores offer FREE three-day camp sessions for kids 8-12 where they learn how to create movies and music.
Bass Pro Shops
Bass is offering FREE Family Summer Camps with FREE Workshops every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Learn archery, birdwatching, kayaking, and more. Kids get a free lanyard to collect the pins they’ll earn at each workshop.
Home Depot Kids Workshops
The first Saturday of each month, between 9am-Noon, kids can make a wooden project at Home Depot. Register ahead of time on their website. Kids receive a certificate of completion, an apron, and a pin.
Lakeshore Learning Stores
Lakeshore has an awesome lineup of summertime crafts every Saturday between 11-3, with all materials provided. For ages 3 and up.
Lego Store Mini Builds
At your local Lego Store, kids can do a Mini Build the first Tuesday of each month from 5:00pm until supplies run out. At our store, the line starts about an hour ahead of time, and they often run out of kits, so plan ahead for this one!
Lowe’s
Lowe’s offers Build & Grow Clinics on Saturday mornings at most locations. This summer, the projects are all superhero-themed, and you do need to register online ahead of time. Kids get an apron, goggles, and project patch.
Michaels
Michaels doesn’t offer as many FREE kids workshops during the summer as other months of the year, but they are offering a new program called Camp Creativity. For $5 per two-hour-session, kids will learn about all types of crafting. Sessions are for ages 5-12 and are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday. Check your local store’s event calendar for more details.
Microsoft Store
Microsoft Stores host YouthSpark Camps where kids learn coding and how to create games and apps. Camps run four days in a row for two hours each. My kids loved this one and learned a lot
Pottery Barn Kids
Pottery Barn Kids offers a summer storytime every Tuesday morning. After attending five sessions, kids receive a coupon for $10 any item in the store.
Whole Foods Market
Some Whole Foods Market stores offer FREE Kids Workshops. Find your local store and check their Events calendar. In the past, our local store has offered cooking classes and nutrition classes for kids.
Your Local Library
Many library systems run extensive summer programs for kids. Check your local library’s website for information about free kids crafts, classes and workshops.