Fun, Free or Cheap Weekend Activities for Everyone
This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy for details.
If you are looking for some new and exciting fun on a budget, we have compiled a GIGANTIC list of national retailers with hands-on workshops and free events for this weekend and many more that are coming soon. Seriously – if you’re looking to get out and do something there is PLENTY on this list! I know here in Iowa it’s FREEZING so getting out and doing something different indoors is a big plus right now! Make some memories and try a new workshop, lesson, or craft. It is of course always best to call ahead and make sure that your local store or retailer is participating.
:: American Girl Special Store Events
Special events differ by location. During January, they include Grace’s Travel Tags craft, Grace’s Apron Craft & Cookie Decoration, Twists & Braids hands-on hairstyles, Princess Bitty Baby Story Time, Making Memories with Mom and Dad, Valentin Card Craft and more.
Many of the American Girl in store events are free, however some have a fee and some have age restrictions. Get the details here and find participating stores.
:: Barnes & Noble
Saturday, January 10th at 11 AM
Please, Mr. Panda Storytime at many locations
Most stores have free toddler story time, NOOK events, hands-on learning events and author events – find the times and participating Barnes and Noble stores here.
:: Bass Pro Shops
Saturday, January 10th
Camping Workshop at 2 PM – Hunting Workshop at 3 PM
Most Bass Pro Shops have the same workshops, but be sure and check your local store here before you head out.
:: Guitar Center
Saturday, January 10th {no age restrictions for free music lessons}
10:15 AM – Recording Made Easy for GarageBand
10:15 AM – Group Bass Lesson
More free classes are offered during the week with their Music Mentor Series. Register at the Guitar Center website here.
:: Home Depot Workshop for Adults
Saturday, January 10th from 10AM to 11:30 AM
Learn to build a storage ottoman from wooden crates ~You can pre-register online here.
:: Lakeshore Learning Store
Saturday, January 10th from 11 AM-3 PM and a few locations offer crafts every Sunday.
Kids make and take a Dream Catcher. Get more information here.
:: Michael’s Classes for Adults
Saturday, January 10th from 11 AM to 3 PM
Creative Classes Open House – meet the instructors, find out about upcoming classes and sign up!
Find out more information right here.
:: Michael’s Kids Club
Saturday, January 10th – 10AM – 12 Noon
Kids can drop in and take home a felt bag. Just $2 per child for 30 minutes of creative craft fun, supplies included. Ages 3 and up. Sessions start every half hour from 10AM – 11:30. See a store associate to sign up. Get more information here.
:: Williams-Sonoma Free Technique Classes
Saturday, January 10th for Kids at 10 AM.
Baking for Beginners – prepare a yummy breakfast and a baked snack.
Sunday, January 11th for Adults
Cooking with non-stick pans, covering all the basics, plus new healthy recipes
To reserve a spot, and find out specific class times, contact your closest store right here.
……… MARK YOUR CALENDAR! COMING SOON……..
:: FREE National Parks Entrance Day
January 19 Free National Park Day in honor of Martin Luther King
Go to the National Park Service website for more information and to find participating national parks.
:: Bass Pro Shops
Saturday, February 28th from 10 AM to 1 PM.
Kids Fly Tying Class for kids aged 7 through 12
Go here for more info.
:: Home Depot Workshop for Kids
Saturday, February 7th from 9 AM to 12 PM
Kids build a Heart Box in time for Valentine’s Day ~You can pre-register online here.
:: Lego Stores Free Model Build
Usually held monthly in stores, kids ages 6 to 14 can build and binoculars. Contact your closest LEGO® Store here for details.
:: Lowe’s Build and Grow
Saturday, February 14th at 10 AM
Build a Sweetheart Picture Holder. Registration begins February 2nd at the website here.
:: Pottery Barn
Sunday January 18th at 10 AM
Decorating with window treatments – learn tips from the design experts.To reserve a spot, and find out specific class times, contact your closest store right here.
:: Pottery Barn Kids
Junior Designer Camp workshops
Fun with Color & Pattern: February 7th at 11 AM
Textile Design 101: February 16th at 11 AM
Creating a Mood Board: February 21st at 11 AM
More to Explore Throughout the Year:
:: Apple Camp
Enrollment is open for kids ages 8-12 to attend Apple Camp. This is popular free camp where kids can learn to make movies or create interactive books complete with their own illustrations and sound effects. Hurry, spots fill up quickly. Go here to sign up.
:: Apple Store
Free workshops – learn the basic of Mac, iPad, iPhone, or iPod. Learn how to create slideshows with iPhoto. Edit home movies with iMovie and more! Find your local store and make a reservation for a free workshop here.
:: Factory Tours
Find factory tours all across the USA, go here, The site has 570 tours and counting! Many are free but some may have an admission fee. (Thanks to the Happy Housewife for sharing this!)
:: FREE Major League Baseball Clinics
Through the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, kids can attend a free baseball clinic in many locations across the country. The free program is called Free Legends for Youth Kids Clinics.
:: Free Bowling
Kids Bowl for Free at select bowling centers. Just join their mailing list to get notified of the next Kids Bowl Free Day.
:: Free Flying Lessons
Young Eagles – kids ages 8 to 17 experience aviation and get free rides in private aircraft flown by experienced pilots. Get more information here.
:: FREE Roller Skating
Kids Roller Skate for Free: Find the closest participating facility right here.
* For more ideas for family fun, be sure and check Groupon in your area. Start having more fun on a budget! These vouchers make great gifts too and we also find great new places to eat this way!
Be sure and check out your local library and parks and recreation departments for free programs and events right in your hometown!
Thanks More with Less Today