#34 Home Depot Kids Workshop

A great way to spend time with your kids is to attend a Home Depot Kids Workshop

Attend a Home Depot Kids Workshop:

One of my first dates with Eli, my oldest son, was a Home Depot Kids Workshop, and we’ve loved them ever since. On the first Saturday of every month, Home Depot offers a free workshop for kids of all ages. Although provided for all ages, the ones for toddlers through elementary-aged children get my recommendation. At our Home Depot, they get a craft-related pin each month, a stamp of completion, and cookies. If going for the first time, your child will receive an apron to keep. This apron provides a place for them to put the collectible pins they receive each month after they complete the craft. In this hands-on workshop, you will work to help them build the project each month. Although my children enjoy some projects more than others, they get excited and look forward to it every month. The whole thing takes about 30 minutes. We always take a picture with Bob, the employee running our workshops, and have enjoyed getting to know him over the years.

WMTDS (What Makes This Date Special):

I love any date that has the potential to turn into something meaningful and long term. The workshop started as a date with my oldest and turned into a family tradition. We’ve been doing it monthly for the last six to seven years, and all three of my children get involved. I love the way it shows consistency and love to them each month. I appreciate that some of the projects also becoming meaningful in our home as well. Another takeaway besides the project is the apron itself. It becomes a trophy of work and memories as they begin to collect more and more pins. With every 25 pins they collect, they receive a unique pin – these are coveted in our home. You may find that you can’t go every month, but go when you can.

Teachable Moments:

The primary teachable moment here is necessary life skills.
Your child gets practice with essential tools, such as a hammer and a screwdriver.
Parents don’t have to have any talent with tools, as any adult can handle the necessary skills required for these projects. Besides, if you get to a place that you can’t figure something out, several staff members are there to help walk you and your child through it.

Variations:

This date does not offer a lot of variations, although Lowe’s does offer a similar workshop. You may find that where you live, Lowe’s does a better job, but we preferred Home Depot after trying both. Many Chick-Fil-A locations also have Home Depot Kids nights, where they offer free meals with an adult combo meal plus the same type of workshop offered in the Home Depot stores. If none of these retailers have locations in your town, I provided some videos and books below as resources for doing this at home.