Free Summer Activities and Workshops for Kids

As a parent, I’m always looking for activities that can help stimulate creative and problem solving thinking ability in my little one. What I’m really saying is that any activity that will  help tire my little one out is a winner! And Bonus points if I don’t have to pay for it (Yas!) so I’m always scourging for free summer activities! All winter long we did try the the fun DIY Indoor activities, but now as summer approaches it would be more fun to attend workshops and story telling or crafts projects with other kids.

I’ve added a couple here in my post and I will keep updating this as we go along so you guys can save it and keep checking to see if any new events have popped up. I’m adding events that happen nation wise as opposed to be local to just the Windy city.

You can share a couple free summer activities or events that I may have missed out too. Just shoot me a note in the comments section below.

Free Summer Activities

Home Depot

They have tons’s of projects that include a partnership with Discovery Education. That is fantastic for a fun learning experience that will also help kids benefit in school science fairs.

In addition there are game making crafts where you get to take home whatever you create as well as some Home Depot gear (while supplies last)

Check out the details for your local Home Depot store events here.

Lego

If you have a Lego fan at home then you should definitely be hogging favoriting their site! This is restricted for ages 6 – 14 years old. Lego hosts these free events where you do have to register prior to attending.

Check out the details for your local Lego store events here.

The Disney Store

This is a fun one! Everyone loves Disney (yes you do!), and Disney wants our kids to be happy (read busy) so they’ve been hosting fun summer events at their stores. Celebrate Magical Events with them – it includes fun story times, art classes and movie related events where you get to take home fun giveaways. Each event does vary from store to store so be sure to look up what your nearest store is hosting.

Check out the details for your local Disney store events here.

Free Museum/Aquarium  Days for Residents

Many people may not be aware of this but Museums have free days every month or every other month. They will have a list of Free or discounted days for residents or a sponsored day for family (many companies sponsor these days so take advantage of that!).  It may be during the week or on the weekend, be sure to check out their website or sign up to their newsletter to keep track.

Microsoft

Microsoft hosts pretty awesome educational and learning workshops for kids and young adults. Most classes and workshops are geared for kids 6 and above. From coding to trying your hand at robotics, this will be an experience they will definitely gain from. Most workshops or free summer activities  vary from store to store and are free but they will  require registration to ensure your spot is reserved.

Check out the details for your local Microsoft store events here.

Apple

I’ve heard of Apple’s kids  events from other parents  and it’s definitely an experience kids should benefit from.  Most workshops are geared towards ages 8 to 12. They can expand their digital creativity  in coding and robotics, moviemaking, or musical storytelling. through hands-on projects at Apple. Campers choose one of three tracks, then spend 90 minutes a day for three days at a local Apple Store immersed in their chosen subject.

Check out the details for your local Apple store events here.

Barnes & Nobles

I used to love reading when I was a kid (still do if I can find the time!) . i would participate in summer reading groups every year. Barnes & Nobles has something similar where kids grade 1-6 get to maintain a summer reading journal, read 8 books and describe their favorite parts and bring in their completed journals in store to choose a free book from a pre-selected list!

It’s an awesome way to instill the habit of reading in your kids. They also have story telling events from time to time, as always, events vary from store to store.

Check out the details for your local Barnes & Nobles events here.

Local Libraries

All libraries have some kind of events and workshops happening through out the year for kids of all ages. Sign up with your nearest library or check out their website for a list of events. Many require you to register before attending and most events are free. Toddler classes are mostly around storytelling, arts & crafts, and many times there are sponsored events where kids get to create and compete in competitions with prizes. Plus libraries also have their own summer reading lists and free summer activities. Be sure to get an age appropriate one for you kids.

Local Park Districts

This is another favorite of mine. I know for a fact there are a tons of free summer activities for kids happening during the summer. There are many play-dates as well as summer specific events for kids in every park district. If tickets are required then be sure to check out for free days because they do happen every month. Not only that but parks have environment, plants, animal etc related events where kids learn where specific species are from and their life. Fun bonus is when they have live animals that you can pet too!

Be sure to visit your local park district’s website to see what events they have going on during the summer.

The beach and Splash Pads

We love water and water-based free summer activities. So I may just do a separate post just for splash pads (local ones though). Most counties will have splash pads (free and ones with a fee) so again favorite that park district website! And of course if all else fails you have a beach. But gasp, if you are not near the coast then a sandbox with a  tub full of water does wonders. Do not laugh, it works like a charm! And kids are exhausted by the time it’s dinner time. So you still win!

If you have any events that you would like for me to include, leave a comment below. I will keep updating this page.

Hope you and your kids have an awesome summer!