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Free or Inexpensive Children's Activities from Retail Stores

mommymommymommy | Feb 1, 2010 |

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There are many free and inexpensive children's activities from retail stores to entertain children whose parents have a limited budget. Dance, gymnastics, karate, and instrumental lessons are a great way for your children to learn a new skill and be with other children. Unfortunately, these lessons cost a lot of money, which in these economic times, you may not have available.

Your children can still have varied activities without it costing you any, or very little, money. Many major retail stores offer free and inexpensive classes, events, and workshops for children. Based on your child's interest, you can find a retail establishment that offers such a class.

Arts and Crafts

If your child is into arts and crafts, look for free and pay-for-supplies only craft workshops at stores such as A.C. Moore and The Rag Shop. Schedules for workshops are in the store itself or on-line. Call ahead and make a reservation, as classes fill up quickly.

Builders

For children who like to build things, stores such as The Home Depot and Lowes have workshops for building anything from birdhouses to toolboxes. Many take place on Saturday mornings. Again, call or register on-line to guarantee your child a space.

Cooking

Does your child think that she is the Next Food Network Star? Your local supermarket, such as Shoprite or Whole Foods, as well as stores like Kitchen Kapers, have cooking classes geared for children of all ages. The cost is usually minimal and your child gets to eat what s/he has created!

Whole Foods also offers craft classes using recycled items.

Book Stores

For younger children, take advantage of free story times at bookstores like Barnes and Noble. Stores have these scheduled on different days, including the weekend, making it easy to schedule into your life. These stores also have play areas to keep your child entertained after the story is over.

Borders Bookstore also has story times and occasionally they include a craft that ties with the story.

Check on-line at the "Events" schedules to find what works best for you.

Pottery Barn Kids also offers free storytimes at their stores. Go on-line to check for dates and times.

Getting Physical

Many McDonald's Playlands are indoors. Pack your kids some water bottles and buy yourself a cup of coffee at the counter. Let the kids play. Bribe them with McDonald's Chocolate Chip Cookies or a small sundae if they play nicely together.

There are a lot of free activities for your kids to do at your local retail stores. Try one today!