If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend without blowing your budget we’ve got you covered. Thanks to More with Less Today for compiling a list of national retailers with hands-on workshops, classes and free in-store events for this weekend and a few within the next few months. 
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Make some memories and try a new workshop, lesson, or craft.
Share this fun, money-saving list with your friends and family. And, if you know of any others to include, please let us know! It is always best to call ahead and make sure that your local store or retailer is participating to avoid disappointment.
American Girl Special Store Events
Special events differ by location. During August, they include Grace’s Apron Craft & Cookie Decoration, Discover Truly Me Event, Doll ‘Dos & How-Tos: Bright Highlights, Meal & Memories with a Grandparent 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. Call ahead and make sure that your local store or retailer is participating to avoid disappointment.
Barnes & Noble
Saturday, August 15th at 11:00 AM
Storytime and activities featuring If You Give a Mouse a Cookie- 30th Anniversary Celebration
Find the times and participating Barnes and Noble stores.
Guitar Center
Saturday, August 15th {no age restrictions for free music lessons}
10:15 AM – Group Ukulele Workshop
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, August 15th from 10 AM – 11:30 AM – Learn to Install a Faucet
Sunday, August 16th from 1-2:30 PM – Learn to Install a Toilet
You can pre-register online here.
Lakeshore Learning Store
Saturday, August 15th from 11 AM-3 PM and a few locations offer crafts on Sunday.
Kids design and take a Summer Breeze Wind Chime craft. Get more information here.
Michael’s Fun Family Craft Time
Saturday, August 15th from 1-4 PM
Make a customizable family account chart to help kids on track. $7 per project, supplies included. Get more information here.
Michael’s Kids Club
Saturday, August 15th from 10 AM to 12 Noon
Kids can make and take a Duck Tape Pencil Pouch craft. The cost is $2 per session. Get more information here.
Pottery Barn
Sunday, August 16th from 10-11 AM* (check your local store to make sure they are participating)
How to Style the Perfect Shelfie- styling bookshelves to show off collectibles without looking cluttered. Get more information and RSVP here.
Pottery Barn Kids
Now through Thursday, August 20th
First Day Photo Booth – gather friends and capture the excitement in the back to school photo booth, complete with fun props. Locate a store near you here.
Williams-Sonoma Free Technique Classes for Adults
Sunday, August 16th
Focaccia Making with Oil and Vinegar Tasting- Learn how to make the classic Italian flatbread known as Focaccia and dip the freshly baked bread into an assortment of oils and vinegars. To find specific class times, contact your closest store right here.
* For more ideas for family fun, be sure and check Groupon in your area. Join each site for free and start having more fun on a budget! These vouchers make great gifts too!
For inexpensive and sometimes free tickets to local events, I am a fan of Goldstar tickets. Watch your emails for the heading “Comp Train” from Goldstar. If you are new, you can set up a free account here.
……… MARK YOUR CALENDAR, COMING SOON……..
:: Free National Park Entrance
August 25th – National Park Service Birthday
Find out the list of participating parks (over 405 of them) right here.
:: Smithsonian Free Museum Day
Saturday, September 26th
:: Bass Pro Shops
Ongoing- free archery workshops and family friendly store events. Check your local store for specific events, times, and details.
:: Home Depot Kids Workshops
Saturday, September 5th from 9 AM to 12 PM
Make a football toss game. Get more information and register online here.
:: Lego Stores Free Model Build
Usually held monthly in stores, kids ages 6 to 14 can build binoculars. Contact your closest LEGO® Store here for details.
:: Lowe’s Build and Grow
Saturday, August 22nd at 10M
Kids make and take Thor’s Chariot. Pre-register at the website here.
:: Michael’s Classes for Adults
Find out more information right here about creative classes happening all week long.
:: Microsoft High Tech DigiCamp for Girls (free)
Microsoft is proud to offer technology programs specifically for youth. Find out more information here.
:: Pottery Barn
Thursday, August 20th from 6-7 PM* check your local store
Ken Fulk: How to Hose a Magical Event
We’re sharing celebrity designer Ken Fulk’s secrets for creating magic – from setting the table to selecting the right food and music, it’s all covered. Enjoy sips, treats, and a chance to win in our Instagram giveaway. Plus, each guest will receive a copy of Ken’s “How to Host a Magical Event.” Get more information and RSVP here.
:: Williams-Sonoma Free Technique Classes for Kids
Saturday, August 22nd at 10 AM
Make Pressed Italian Sandwiches: Learn to make kid-friendly combos with favorite ingredients like Nutella, strawberry, ham, tomato and cheese. Suitable for ages 5–13. Get more information by contacting your closest store right here.
More to Explore Throughout the Year:
:: Playground Finder
If you find yourself in a new location and are looking for a playground, use the free KaBoom Map of Play, playground finder and just type your location into the search bar.
:: Apple Camp
Enrollment is open for kids ages 8-12 to attend Apple Camp. This is popular free camp where kids 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.
:: Athleta Stores
Free fitness classes, group runs and special events at your local store. Visit your local store page here for more information.
:: 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.
:: Beauty Events in Stores
Find free beauty events at local stores with free samples and demonstrations. Visit the website that keeps track of these right here.
:: Bowling for Kids all Summer
Kids Bowl for Free all summer at select bowling centers. Get two free games for each child, every day, all summer long. Shoe rental is not included. Check to see what nearby bowling alleys are participating 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!)
:: Family Movies for $1 During the Summer
Participating Regal Cinemas, United Artists, & Edwards Theaters offer 9 weeks of family movies, rated G or PG, for just $1 on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings at 10 AM. You can see the schedule, starting dates and movies here on the Regal website.
:: 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.
:: Home and Garden Shows
If you like Home and Garden shows, this site will give you a free pass. Check the ACS Home Show site.
:: Lululemon Fitness Classes
Lululemon locations offer free yoga classes, go here for schedules and locations.
:: 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.
:: Playground Finder
If you find yourself in a new location and are looking for a playground, use the free KaBoom Map of Play, playground finder and just type your location into the search bar.
:: REI Running Classes
Learn or get back into running with training and technique classes. Find out more at REI.com.
:: Roller Skating
Kids Roller Skate for Free all Summer: Find the closest participating facility right here.
:: Sephora: Free In Store Beauty Classes
Join the Sephora Beauty club , and attend free beauty classes inside Sephora stores to learn everything from building a skin care routine to creating the perfect smoky eye. Classes are held on Sunday at more than 60 stores across the USA. Check with your local stores for schedules and times.
:: SKI Passport for 5th Graders
Go to www.5thgradeskipassport.com to get a free pass in Idaho or the Pacific Northwest. For other areas, search for your state with the words “5th grade ski pass + your state”, or the name of your local ski resort.
:: Target – Free Community Events
Target is also sponsoring FREE community events ranging from free museum admission, free theater tickets, family activities and tours at some of our country’s most famous venues. Times and locations vary by city. Find free family activities sponsored by Target in your area right here.
:: Wine Tasting
Total Wine stores offer free wine tasting classes each weekend. Learn about specific producers, regions and varietals. Where allowed by law, participants receive special discounts on the wine being tasted. View the FREE Wine Tasting Schedule here.
:: More Free Museum Dates
This site, www.freemuseumday.org, tracks free museum days in the following cities: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Portland, San Francisco Bay Area, and the Seattle Area.
:: Celebrate Crazy and Fun Holidays
Make memories and celebrate fun holidays with your family. This week you can celebrate Creamsicle Day, Corn on the Cob Day, Tell a Joke Day and more. See the schedule here at Days of the Year.
Be sure and check out your local library and parks and recreation departments for free programs and events right in your hometown!
