Home Depot Kids Workshops: Fun and Educational DIY Projects for Children

Looking for fun, family-friendly activities that go beyond typical arts and crafts? Consider taking a trip to Home Depot to participate in one of their free in-store kid's workshops. These classes offer a great opportunity for families to bond while teaching children valuable home improvement skills they can use for a lifetime.

If you're interested in learning more about these Home Depot workshops, we're here to help. Below, we'll outline everything you need to know, including how to locate nearby stores, schedule dates, and explore the projects available for you and your kids to enjoy.

What are Home Depot Kids Workshops?

Home Depot offers free kids' workshops at select locations across the United States and Canada. In the U.S., these workshops are held on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. In Canada, they take place at the same time but on the second Saturday of each month (time may vary).

Regardless of the location, the primary goal of these workshops is to teach children aged five to twelve essential building skills and introduce them to basic tools. However, younger children, such as those as young as three, are also welcome to participate with additional parental assistance.

Families can expect to create and build different projects at each workshop event, such as wooden delivery trucks, frames, and planters. During the holidays, families can also enjoy making seasonal projects like pumpkin tic-tac-toe boards and snowglobes. But no matter which project you choose, participants receive an apron, a collectible pin, and a project completion certificate.

Benefits of Home Depot Kids Workshops

Educational and hands-on learning

According to Theresa Bertuzzi, chief program development officer and co-founder of Tiny Hoppers, an award-winning early learning center and daycare provider in Canada, Home Depot workshops offer valuable educational opportunities for children to learn through hands-on experiences.

"These workshops introduce kids to a range of practical skills that are not only fun but also educational," she says. "Kids can learn about important concepts related to science, technology, engineering, and math. For example, when they measure wood or assemble different parts of a project, they learn math and basic engineering in a way that feels more like play than a lesson. The use of tools also helps them develop fine motor skills, which are essential for activities like writing and drawing."

Strengthens social skills

Home Depot Kids Workshops not only teach practical building skills but also help strengthen critical social skills among children.

"Even though they often work on their own projects, being in a group setting allows children to observe how others approach similar tasks, exchange ideas and sometimes even help each other out," Bertuzzi explains. "This is often referred to as parallel play."

Boosts confidence and creativity

Completing a project on their own gives kids a real sense of achievement, which can be incredibly empowering," says Bertuzzi. This empowerment encourages them to embrace new challenges confidently.

She further elaborates, "The creative aspect of these workshops, where children can decorate or personalize their projects, allows them to express themselves in unique and meaningful ways. This fosters their artistic abilities, enhances their problem-solving skills, and boosts their self-esteem."

Creates family bonding opportunities

Bertuzzi says that when kids and parents participate in Home Depot Kids Workshops together, it creates family bonding opportunities that everyone will fondly remember.

"When parents participate, the activity becomes a shared experience, strengthening the parent-child relationship," she suggests. "Working on a project is a great way to spend quality time, offering a fun and educational experience for parents and children."

Popular Projects at Home Depot Kids Workshops

Home Depot's kids workshops offer different projects every month, providing a fantastic opportunity for families to learn and create something together.

One of the more popular activities is building a poolside birdhouse, where kids not only get to construct a charming home for birds but also learn essential skills like using glue and a hammer.

Another engaging project is the rescue float plane, which allows families to build and decorate a model aircraft. Other activities include crafting toolboxes, picture frames and planters.

Home Depot Workshop Schedule

"In the United States, Home Depot hosts workshops on the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Some exciting events coming up in 2024 include making a field goal game on September 7, building a fire rescue truck on October 5, creating a pumpkin tic-tac-toe game on November 2, participating in a special cocoa ornament workshop on November 30 and crafting a snow globe on December 7.

While the activities are the same in Canada, be sure to check the exact dates for the Canadian workshops, as they occur on the second Saturday of the month, unlike in the United States.

How to Find Kids Workshops Near Me

Register via the Home Depot website

To find a Home Depot workshop in your area, visit the Home Depot website and use the store locator to find the nearest store. You can explore the available workshops and register for a class online. However, when you register, make sure you book a workshop ahead of time to ensure you get a spot.

Register through the Home Depot mobile app

You can also use the Home Depot Mobile App to find local workshops. Simply navigate to the workshops section in the app to discover local workshops, complete with dates, times and registration information.

Explore online projects and opportunities

If attending an in-person event isn't possible, parents can opt for projects to do with their children at home.

The Home Depot website offers a wide range of guides, including fun activities like creating painted placemats, DIY painted rocks and window bird feeders. Each guide provides a list of necessary tools and includes simple, step-by-step instructions that parents and guardians can easily follow from beginning to end.

Tips for Attending Home Depot Kids Workshops

Register early

To make the most of your experience at the Home Depot Kids Workshop, reserve a slot beforehand to guarantee your spot at the event of your choice. Slots can fill up rather quickly, so booking a few weeks ahead can help secure your place.

Arrive before the workshop stops

On the day of the workshop, be sure to arrive early. This will ensure you have access to all necessary supplies before they run out. Arriving early also allows participants to wear an apron, collect an apron pin, and receive a completion certificate after finishing their project. This way, your child can fully experience the workshop from start to finish.

Dress appropriately

Comfort and practicality are key when dressing for the Home Depot Kids Workshop. Wear comfortable clothes that can withstand mess, and opt for closed-toe shoes to protect your feet. Additionally, bring safety glasses to shield your eyes from potential hazards.

Get ready to help

Parents should assist little ones with projects that may require help during the event. However, if you need clarification on something, feel free to ask the workshop staff for guidance. They can help you with completing tasks and answer any questions about the materials or steps involved.

Alternatives to Home Depot Kids Workshops

Explore similar workshops

If you enjoy the Home Depot Kids Workshop, you may also be interested in similar opportunities at other retailers, such as Lowe's and Michaels.

Lowe's offers the DIY-U by Lowe's workshops, which are monthly events where kids and their parents can build and complete projects together. These workshops foster essential building skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Similarly, Michaels hosts Kids Club Workshops, where children can engage in different craft projects each week, sparking creativity and artistic expression.

Visit your local community center or library

Even your local community center or library can be home to engaging and fun activities.

As Bertuzzi notes, "Local community centers and libraries often offer DIY classes for kids, where they can participate in different activities like crafting, building, and exploring STEM projects. These opportunities entertain and foster creativity and learning, helping children grow personally and academically."

Try DIY projects at home

For those who prefer to stay closer to home, Bertuzzi suggests trying out simple DIY projects, such as building birdhouses, planting small gardens, or experimenting with beginner robotics kits.

"Painting rocks can also be a fun, classic activity," she adds. "Try hiding them around the neighbourhood afterward for a fun scavenger hunt later!"

Here is a revised version of the paragraph: If you're looking for budget-friendly family fun or want your kids to learn a new life skill, Home Depot Kids Workshops is a fantastic option to keep on your radar.

These classes allow parents and children to spend quality time together working on projects. They also teach kids hands-on home improvement skills useful in everyday life.

Remember, depending on your location, workshops occur on the first Saturday of each month in the United States and on the second Saturday in Canada. Be sure to reserve your spot online or via the Home Depot app.

Have you ever attended a Home Depot kids workshop with your family? Share your thoughts and experiences with us below.

Experts

• Theresa Bertuzzi, Chief Program Development Officer and Co-founder of Tiny Hoppers.