Saturday is our going out with kids time! I found it is much easier to watch them out and about than staying at home. Especially when you have more than one child!
It can be expensive to do paid activities with kids every week. Luckily, there are many ways to save money raising children. I collected many free things to do with kids.
From outdoor activities to indoor crafting and storytelling, there are countless unique options across the country. You can easily find many free activities for your kids near you.
What are the Free Activities for Kids?
1. Home Depot – Free Kids Workshop
When is the Free Kids Workshop?
The first Saturday of every month from 9 am to 12 pm.
What is the Activity?
Did you know Home Depot has this cool thing every month? It’s a free Kids Workshop. Yep, every child gets to take home their very own crafting project, plus an apron. And guess what? Once they finish, they even get a special pin as a little congratulations!
Each workshop is a new adventure. You might be putting together a planter one month and a picture frame the next. Just pop onto their website to see what’s up next.
But, don’t forget to sign up first. If you are too late to register, there may not be enough supplies.
Also, if you’re ever in need of some fun crafting ideas to do at home, their website is a treasure trove. Seriously, tons of articles and activities to try out with your kids.
So, if you’re looking for a fun, free way to spend some quality time making stuff with your kids outside of the house, this is it!
2. Lowe’s – Free Kids Workshop
When is the Free Kids Workshop?
Every second Saturday of each month from 10 am to 1 pm.
What is the Activity?
I’m not sure if Lowe’s and Home Depot are in cahoots or what, but Lowe’s schedules their free workshop for the Saturday right after Home Depot’s. Talk about timing, right?
Just like with Home Depot, kids at Lowe’s get an apron and all the materials they need for free. And hey, if you’re not feeling up to doing the project there, you can just take everything home and have your own little workshop.
Geared for ages 4 -11 years old, Lowe’s switches things up every session with new cool projects. From making bird feeders to building wheelbarrow planters, the program offers a wide variety. Super fun!
Heads up though, you’ve got to sign up a month in advance. Lowe’s workshops are a hit, and spots fill up fast!
3. Lego Store
When is the Free Lego Workshop?
The first workshops are on April 20 & 21, 2024 at Lego stores.
What is the Activity?
The Lego Store is now a hot spot for some free fun! They’ve just rolled out this awesome new workshop called Play Unstoppable Creativity Workshops. It’s like a creativity explosion, just for kids!
Designed for young builders aged 6 to 12, these workshops are a blast. But remember, you’ve gotta sign up first to get in on the action.
Can’t make it to the store? No problem! You can join the workshop magic online right from the comfort of your home.
Oh, and for those who were fans of the Lego Store’s monthly mini builds, I’ve got a bit of bittersweet news. The in-store event is no more, poof, vanished.
But don’t you worry, you can still download the free instructions and whip up the models at home. So, the building fun never really has to end!
4. Michaels – Kids Club
When is the Free Crafting Activity?
The free crafting activity happens every Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm.
What is the Activity?
Get ready for a whole world of crafting and painting fun just waiting to be discovered! The store hands out all the materials you need. Heads up though, there might be times when you have to pay for a few supplies yourself.
These activities are perfect for kids aged 3 and up, making it a fantastic way for parents and kids to create memories together.
One day you might be crafting paper flower bouquets, and the next, you could be assembling adorable plastic egg bunnies. Super fun!
Don’t forget, though, you’ve got to book these activities online to snag a spot.
Sunday MakeBreak
Michaels isn’t just for the kiddos. They offer Sunday MakeBreak free activities that are perfect for adults or older kids in the family.
This is no conflict with the Kids Club. Sunday MakeBreak happens every Sunday from 2 pm to 4 pm.
5. Lakeshore Learning Store – Free Kids Events
Lakeshore Learning Store is one of my favorite kids stores! It’s a treasure trove for toys and learning supplies for kids. Lucky me, we have a Lakeshore really closeby.
What is the Activity?
This place is all about the fun, offering up free in-store events now and then that are just packed with surprises.
Like, there’s this event on April 20, 2024, where you get to play detective and solve the mystery of the missing cake! We’ve been to some of their crafting activities before, and trust me, it’s a blast.
And the best part? No need to sign up or anything. Just show up and dive into the fun!
When are the Free Events?
They don’t have these events on a set schedule, so it’s a bit of a surprise each time. A good tip is to keep an eye on their website to catch what fun event is coming up next.
6. Barnes & Noble – Free Story Time
Barnes & Noble hosts free events like book clubs, special talks with authors, and even Story Times for the kiddos.
When is the Free Story Time?
Every store has its own schedule. Some locations do it multiple times a week, others once a week, and a few might be on a once-a-month vibe.
You’ve gotta hop onto their website and check the event schedule for your local store. If there’s a Story Time happening, it’s usually set for 11 am.
I do like that no register is required. Just show up and enjoy some quality story time with your little ones. It’s that easy!
7. JCPenny – Kids Zone
What is the Activity?
JCPenney’s Kids Zone offers a fantastic opportunity for free family fun. These gatherings are a blast for school-aged kids, providing everything needed for the craft, including a special kit.
You don’t even have to sign up in advance. Just show up and enjoy! The kids get to bring home not just their craft but also an ID badge, lanyard, and a collector’s pin for each project they complete.
After six projects, they earn a Master Medallion. And there’s something in it for the parents too — a 10% off coupon for in-store shopping.
These events are known for their seasonally themed crafts, offering a great way for kids to make gifts or keepsakes while spending quality time with family.
To ensure you get a craft kit, it’s recommended to arrive early as supplies are limited and they’re quite popular.
When is the Free Craft Activity?
The second Saturday of each month from 11 am to noon.
8. IKEA – Småland Play Area
IKEA’s got this cool spot called Småland where kids can hang out while their parents shop. Sweet!
It’s a fun, supervised place for kids to play, with all sorts of activities like climbing stuff, chilling areas, movies, and crafts.
Kids can stay there for about 30 minutes, but if you’re part of the IKEA Family, your kiddo gets extra 30 minutes playtime. So, you can’t shop without kids for too long, but it helps!
To play, kids need to be a certain height and able to use the bathroom by themselves. If your child needs extra help or has a disability, IKEA’s open to chatting about how they can join in safely.
They’re all about making sure every kid has a good time.
9. Kids Bowl Free
Do you know your kids can do 2 free bowling games every day for a whole summer?!
Yep, the Kids Bowl Free program teams up with over 1,500 bowling alleys globally to offer kids two free games of bowling every single day each summer.
It’s this cool thing bowling centers do to give back and make sure kids have a fun and safe place to hang when school’s out.
How to Sign Up?
Click the bowling center you want to go to, then fill in the information to sign up
10. Kids Skate Free
Besides free bowling, there is also free roller skating for kids! Well, it’s not completely free. They charge a $4.99 club fee per year for each rink you join. But, it’s a steal compared to regular prices.
Similar to Kids Bowl Free, the Kids Skate Free program partners with roller rinks nationwide. It doesn’t cover every city. Hopefully, you can find one near you!
Remember, each rink has its own set of rules, so be sure to check the specifics before signing up!
How to Sign Up?
Join the membership of the rink you pick and pay for the annual club fee.
Click “Sign up at the rink”, and fill out the form
11. Bass Pro Shops
If you’re into the great outdoors, you’ve probably heard of Bass Pro Shop. It’s not just about gear; they also offer Outdoor Skills Workshops, including fishing workshops perfect for kids.
These aren’t just any classes—they’re a chance for your little angler to learn fishing basics and maybe even score a freebie. It’s a fantastic way for kids to pick up a new skill for free!
At each holiday, stores give away freebies and offer free photos. It’s a fun option to get a family photo for free!
12. Cabela’s
Cabela’s is Bass Pro Shop’s sister store. It has similar free events and workshops as Bass Pro Shops.
Just check out your local store website for the details.
13. Guitar Center
Guitar Center is one of the largest music instrument stores. You can find their stores all over the country.
Many talented musicians are teaching in their stores. There are free group lessons that both adults and kids can attend.
This is a great way to expose your child to music and explore different instruments without spending any money.
14. Libraries
You know, I was surprised to find out that almost every public library has a special area just for kids and parents to hang out and play, all for free!
We’ve spent loads of time in various libraries, especially during those chilly winter days when going outside just wasn’t an option.
Our kids absolutely love it, and honestly, so do we. It’s super easy to keep an eye on the little ones in those safe, enclosed spaces.
Definitely check out the local libraries near you. Each one is unique, offering cool setups and toys that encourage kids to play and read. Plus, they’re great for kids of all ages.
Each library has story times too. Just look up their schedule on their website or give them a call to get more details.
15. National Parks
Nature’s like a huge playground for kids! Remember, along with all the free stuff I mentioned, don’t miss out on your local, national, or state parks. They’re great for exploring hiking trails or going for a bike ride.
Junior Ranger
Kids all over the country can become Junior Rangers, promising to take care of national parks. They do fun activities, talk to a ranger, and get a cool patches along with a certificate.
It’s mostly for kids 5 to 13 years old, but anyone can join in on the fun.
Every Kid Outdoors
This program is for 4th graders! You get to explore the natural wonders and historic sites for free for a whole year! Just follow these 3 steps!
Hit the road!
Don’t forget to print your pass and bring it with you. The parks don’t accept electronic copies.
By the way, if you are an educator, you get a free pass too!
16. Factory Tours
Have you thought about taking your kids on a factory tour? It’s a fantastic way for them to learn and see how things are made, and get hands-on.
Across the country, more than 544 factories welcome little visitors, offering insights into the making of various products. Some even offer free samples.
While many tours are free, not all are, so it’s a good idea to search for factories in your area and check their visitation details before you show up.
17. Geocaching
This one is unique! Geocaching is like an unlimited free outdoor treasure hunt, perfect for both kids and adults. When you find treasures, you log them and leave them for the next person.
It’s exciting because you can also hide treasures for others to discover.
To join in, you’ll need the Geocaching app on a phone. Little ones might need some help from parents to play. It’s a great way to explore and enjoy the outdoors together!
18. Museums
Museums are a hit with me and my family! They’re packed with cool stuff for every age, making them a fantastic outing and learning resources for families.
You’ll find all sorts of museums out there. While not all offer free entry, many do, or at least offer free admission on particular days. And don’t forget, most museums tend to close on Mondays.
So, make sure to use the awesome, often free resources that museums provide!
Conclusion
There you have it!
Doesn’t matter where you live, there are so many free activities to enjoy with your kids.
From bowling and roller skating to geocaching adventures outside, there’s something for every little explorer.
You can also find places where kids can make things and learn new stuff for free, like how to play an instrument or fish.
Museums offer a world of discovery, often free or on special days. Don’t overlook the joy of factory tours or the learning opportunities in local libraries and parks.
With options like these, fun doesn’t have to break the bank. It’s all about creating memories, learning new things, and spending quality time together.
So, dive into these adventures and make the most of every moment!
