Chances are good that you have a business near you that offers a kids workshop. Some charge a fee for your child to attend, but most do not. The following businesses, in the chart below, offer kids workshops. I'll be going over each individual business and what they offer in the individual articles you can click on below. For now though, let's talk about kids workshops in general.
Here Are The Best Kids Workshops of 2018
Product Image | Product Name | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
 | Home Depot | |
 | Michael's | |
 | Toys"R"Us | |
 | Disney Store | |
 | LEGOS | |
 | Microsoft | |
 | Lowe's | |
 | Lakeshore Learning | |
 | Bass Pro | |
 | American Girl |
Pros and Cons of Letting Your Kids Do A Workshop
Pros
- Your child will get to learn new skills.
- Your child will most likely come home with something they made.
- Most workshops are free!
- Your child may meet new friends and interact with other kids their age.
- It's fun!
- It gives you and your husband a break and some time to yourselves.
Cons
- If it's flu season, your child may come home with more than what they made in the workshop.
- Some kids simply don't play well with others, so your child could have bad experiences with other kids.
- You may end up spending more than you planned to get supplies for more activities that involve what your child can make now that the workshop is over.
Safety Concerns When Sending Your Child To a Workshop
You may have some safety concerns when allowing your child to attend a workshop. Your concerns may depend on what type of workshop they are attending. For example, if the workshop is at Home Depot, you may be concerned they will be using power tools that could hurt them. Make sure to ask companies about your concerns up front before the workshop begins. But then rest assured, companies don't want your children to get hurt any more than you do.
Another concern you may have is letting your child hang out with adults and kids who you know nothing about. What if a child abductor is lurking around the workshop? You can solve this problem by staying and watching the workshop. Most businesses require a parent to stay anyways, so that should alleviate your concerns. Keep an eye on your child and enjoy taking a break while someone else teaches them.
Different Kinds of Workshops
There are many different options out there for kids workshops. The type of workshop offered will be highly dependent on the business offering it. For example, Home Depot and Lowe's are going to offer building type of workshops. Because Bass Pro is an outdoor centered business, their activities will be centered around archery, camping, fishing, hiking, and kayaking. Each store is going to have a workshop geared towards what they sell. The businesses do this to promote what they sell so that you may come back and buy your supplies there.
Costs of Kids Memberships
Most workshops are free of charge. If there is a membership or fee associated with the class, it should be minimal. Businesses do this as a promotion to get you to come back and buy supplies. Unless your child is receiving highly specialized instructions, or will be taking home something valuable and costly, I wouldn't plan on spending much.
Process To Sign Your Child Up
To sign up your child for a workshop, simply call the business and tell them that you'd like to sign your child up. Most businesses will take your name and your child's name over the phone. For the most part, you are signed up after that. At that time, ask if there is anything your child should bring with them. You may also want to ask if they should dress a certain way. For most workshops, it's a good idea to not dress them in their Sunday bests in case they spill something or rip their clothes. I know for the Home Depot workshop, they have kids wear Home Depot Aprons to protect their clothing. Don't have them wear anything that you wouldn't mind getting ripped or stained.
Overview Of The Top Kids Workshops
Home Depot
Home Depot offers free building and learning classes once a month at all participating stores.
Michael's
Michael's offers classes where kids can sign up to make specific arts and crafts. They normally charge a small amount for the material used for the crafts.
Toys"R"Us
Toys"R"Us offers free kids classes and activities several times a month. They do fun days like Star Wars day, Pokemon trading card day, and LEGO building day.
Disney Store
Participating Disney stores offer game days and free activities, several times a month each summer.
LEGO
On the 15th of every month, LEGO offers a monthly mini-build activity and program. Spaces are limited, so make sure that you plan in advance for this one.
Microsoft
Microsoft has always been concerned about the children of the future, that is why they hold monthly workshops centered on learning and technology. These events are free.
Lowe's
Saturday's at 10, Lowe's offers Build and Grow clinics for kids. This gives kids the opportunity to build with wood and learn other building skills.
Lakeshore Learning
Every Saturday Lakeshore Learning offers free craft classes for kids. Visit their website to find out what fun crafts they are planning to make each week.
BassPro
During the summertime, Bass Pro offers summer workshops every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday as part of their Summer Camp. Kids learn things like fishing, outdoor safety, fire making, and wilderness tips.
American Girl
American Girl offers many fun workshops throughout the year. Most notably, they offer a dress making class so that children can make a dress for their very own doll.
Conclusion
Kids workshops can be great fun for kids. Most are held on weekends or during the summer when kids are out of school. The classes are generally not super long. Most are free. Make sure to ask the businesses ahead of time about any concerns you may have about the workshop. Ask them how you can sign your child up so you are prepared in advance. Then enjoy watching your child build, create crafts, and learn new skills. Make sure to bring a camera or have a cell phone ready to capture some great moments. I hope that my article has shown you the perks of signing your child up for a kids workshop. Have fun!
