lowe's and home depot kids' activities.

There's just something magical about a freebie. Food tastes better when it's free and activities certain have a little more allure (for parents) when they're free. I've blogged before about free kid activities at hardware chains like in this post; they're fun, they're family oriented, and they're free. 

Once I first found out about the activities we went to each,and.every.one. It got a little exhausting and N was probably a little too young to be attentive and really enjoy them, so we took a break. I found one online last night and N seemed interested, so we registered. 

So before a show you today's project, here's some of the differences between the sessions we've been to - all are free! I wish I had found more information on them before we started attending, so I hope this helps another family! Disclaimer that these are based on my own experiences and the sessions offered in your area may be a bit different: 

Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics

• Sessions fill up FAST! I'm really not joking - in my area, the slots are filled within minutes of registration opening (I guess I'm not the only one with a love for freebies!)
• Sessions are usually once a month or every other month on a Saturday morning - one hour
• A printed registration/waiver is required for your child to participate - I bring ours to the clinic
• On your first visit, be sure to ask for your child's free apron and goggles (they are adorable!)
• Be ready to jump in! We've never been offered help with assembly (I am not handy, at all - these clinics are just as much for me as my kiddo, assembly wise. I bring my husband for the 'heavy lifting') 
• All of the session kits involve stickers and, therefore, no mess! 
• Once you're done with your project, your child will receive a certificate and a patch that should be ironed onto their apron (I've yet to do this .... we have a stack of patches somewhere) 

Home Depot Kids Workshops

• Sessions are open so much longer (thus I was able to register for this latest session the night before!) 
• Sessions are once a month or every other month on a Saturday morning - registration says there is a three hour window, but we always go when it begins 
• No printed registration or waiver necessary! Just tell them your child's name.
• On your first visit, be sure to ask for your child's free apron! (Cute but not as good quality as the aprons at Lowe's)
• The employees who run the session generally offer help and are available to jump in if you can't figure out the instructions. LOVE this! 
• Every session that we've been to involves paint. Be prepared to get a little messy. The paint is my kiddo's favorite part. Just be ready to bring a wet project and messy child in your car. Baby wipes are a lifesaver! 
• Once your done with your project, your child will receive a certificate and a pin for their apron 

Today's project was a little sled. So adorable and N was very excited to make it! 

N still isn't very enthusiastic about the assembly process, though he's gotten much better at looking at the pictures in the instructions and problem solving to determine which pieces go where. I think we spent about thirty minutes on today's project! Surprisingly, putting in the nails isn't a big hit (awful pun) with him. The painting, that's another story! On the way to the workshop he told us over and over how he would paint his sleigh red - and he did a great job! What a little cheeseball :) 

He's been so proud of this little sled, which I think is an awesome outcome for these little sessions. N has played with this sled all afternoon.

Hooray for fun (and free) activities for family time!