It can get a little confusing keeping track of all the great, free in-store kids events. So I've put together this comprehensive list of all the stores we track.
Current In-Store Kids Events
Home Depot – These monthly events are held from 9am-noon on the first Saturday of each month. They're designed for children aged 5-12 and pre-registration is required.
JCPenney – The Kids Zone events are each month on the second Saturday from 11am-12pm. They include a freebie to take home, ID badge, lanyard, collector's pin, and more. Parents also receive a free 10% coupon good for that day online. No registration is required.
Lego – These monthly-themed events have recently shifted to varying days, depending on your local store, but they tend to fall on the first weekend of the month and kids still get to build a take-home LEGO toys! Some Hiffers have reported their local Lego stores have already phased these events out, so please make sure to call ahead.
Lowe's – Their monthly kids DIY events are still going strong after all these years! Registration opens a month early and then head to your local Lowe's on the designated day from 10am-1pm. A Red Vest employee from Lowe's will guide you and your child through a kid-friendly craft project that changes each month.
Barnes & Noble – Every Saturday, many locations hold a “Story Time Saturday” event with an in-store reading of a book. These usually start around 11am. No reservation is required.
Lakeshore – They hold two events each month where kids can build and take home some sort of themed art or toy. These are free, walk-in events with no reservation required.
Michaels – Michael's hosts 1-3 Kids Club event each month, on various Saturdays and Sundays.
Upcoming In-Store Kids Events
Apple – Their summer Apple Camp will soon allow people to reserve open slots at their nearby Apple stores.
Bass Pro Shops – Their summer events typically run throughout June, July, or August.
Pottery Barn – While they used to hold events on a monthly frequency, they've recently only held events around holidays (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, etc) My guess is the next event will be around July 4th.
Previous In-Store Kids Events
Target – Their events on random Saturdays near the end of the month were a huge hit back in the day. They were often related to upcoming kids movies or events and included free games, prizes, and giveaway. I don't understand why Target stopped running these and hope to see them return in coming days.
Joann Crafts – These were regular in-store craft events, but they stopped offering them in 2024 and then went out of business in 2025. Coincidence?! Yeah, probably, but I'm gonna pretend otherwise.
Know of any repeating, free in-store kids events I should start covering? Please let me know in the comments.
