Looking for free projects for kids?

As a father of 4, of which 2 of those are 8 and 7 years old, it is always tough to find unique and fun things to do with them that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Combine that with how much kids, especially my kids, are involved with electronics, getting them excited about something that doesn’t involed a screen of somekind can be daunting… When I am not working out with a fitness program, I am doing what I really enjoy, being a dad!

About 2 years ago, I found out about the Lowe’s Build and Grow program and at the time my kids were, well 2 years younger, but we decided to try it out to see how they would like building their own wood project. It turns out, kids love hammering on nails and wood! They love showing off their finished project as well. Being a dad and a guy that is pretty handy and a DIYer myself, I was glad that they both enjoyed this free projects for kids.

I hope the blog post doesn’t sound like a commercial for Lowe’s, it is NOT intended to, but I really do think that it’s a great program.

How Lowe’s provides free projects for kids

Twice a month, at participating Lowe’s stores, they host a Build and Grow project. It’s best if you register for the project before you arrive, even a week before if your local Lowe’s is popular or the only one around. The Build and Grow website details all of the free projects for kids that are offered each month. Just fill in the details about your child(ren), print and sign and then bring it with you on the day of the project.

The projects range from trains, cars, games and holiday themed designs. Depending on the skill level of your child and the complexity of the project, your child may be able to complete the project by themselves and they typically want to at least try before asking for help. This is a great monitoring opportunity and a chance for your child to learn numerous skills; direction reading and following, proper use of tools, creativity, cognitive learning, etc.. It’s hard, but I try to let the kids get as far as they can before I offer help. If I happen to see that they are not completing a particular step correctly, I will step in, but even in that case, I try and let them figure out what they have done wrong.

Lowe’s provides the following for all children that participate; safety goggles, apron, hammer. The first two items they get to keep and take home and bring back for the next project. Upon completion of the project, they receive a certificate and a patch, which they can iron-on to their apron to proudly display all of the projects that they have completed.

Recent Build and Grow projects

Here are a couple of photos of the recent project that the kiddos and I have completed. We are running out of room for these…

Other ideas of free projects for kids

Ok, so what if you aren’t the handy type or don’t have a Lowe’s nearby, what other ideas for free projects for kids are there? Here are just a few that we have in our household.

Printable Coloring Pages
Museum – many are free to visit or have days of the week that are free.
Michaels Store – monthly craft projects availability may vary by location.
Local Library – many libraries have weekend activity such as movies, story reading, computer workshops.

There is a very good chance that your local community has a number of offerings for free projects for kids, you just have to do a little leg work to find them.

Summary

With our budget-conscious minds, finding free projects for kids that they will enjoy can be tough at times, but the Lowe’s Build and Grow events are certainly one of my favorites to attend and more importantly the kids really look forward to them and have a great time! I would highly recommend that you look up the Build and Grow schedule of projects and make it a point to attend the next event. Your kids will love the chance to build something with real tools and you be able to spend some quality time with them while creating memorable moments that you’ll both enjoy. If you have some ideas/input for other free projects for kids that you would like to share, please comment below!

Need a Coach?

If you need to find someone that will hold you accountable, answer your questions, help you, and PUSH YOU for the entire duration of your workout! Luckily for you, that’s what me and my team are here for. If you don’t have a coach yet and want one, I’d love to be your coach and help you through a fitness program. I am available to help you reach your goals!

Join The Team Now!