There are many FREE and inexpensive ways to indulge your little crafter this summer, while not making a mess at home:
- Michael's stores Camp Creativity offers craft classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon through July 26 for ages 3 and up in all their stores. This year the program has a different theme each week and participants can collect stickers and coloring sheets each time they visit. Cost: $3/child. Registration is required. For schedule and registration information, click here.
- The Second Friday art program runs through the summer at the Smith College Museum of Art, July 12 and August 9, from 4-8 p.m. Kids get to make a FREE (and always very cool) art project.
- Make It Springfield offers workshops for all ages. Every Sunday afternoon from 3:30-5:30 p.m. there is a Make It Together workshop where families are invited to create together -- projects may vary from drawing, to painting, to sewing, to crafts. Cost is $5/person, drop ins welcome. There are other workshops offered throughout the week, some are FREE. You can follow their schedule on their Facebook page.
- All Barnes and Noble stores also offer weekly storytimes geared toward the younger set which always end with a simple craft project. They have lots of other hands-on events for all ages throughout the summer. Check the events page for your local store.
- Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft stores offer the Learn with Jo-Ann program where older children can sign up for more advanced crafting classes like sewing, knitting, and jewelry making. These classes cost around $30, but kids will learn more advanced techniques and leave with a functional product like a pillowcase or jewelry set. You can find a list of classes offered at the Holyoke store here.
- The Home Depot Kids Workshop series will also be held throughout the summer, first Saturday of the month, 9 a.m. - noon, FREE. Register here.
- Check with the children's department of your local library to find out what types of drop-in crafts programs are offered during the summer. There are usually a bunch of really cool projects kids can make for FREE.
- Your town's parks and recreation department may also have a crafts program you can sign up for (usually for a fee).
Wishing you a creative summer!
*Don't forget -- we'll resurrect our "What to do with the kids tomorrow" posts beginning on June 24 to help you plan FREE and low cost summer fun all season long.*
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