Posts Tagged ‘Free Things to Do’

FREE Lowe’s Kids Workshops (2024): What will you make this month?

Ready to load up the kids for a FREE DIY Kids Workshop at Lowe’s? Each month your kids will enjoy a new project and it’s totally free. Build and complete your project right in person at Lowes and you won’t even have to deal with the mess at home, or bring your free kit home and build whenever you want!

Upcoming Lowes Kids Workshops:

May 4th, Butterfly Biome

About the Lowe’s Kids Workshops

Sign-Up for Lowe’s Kids Workshops

2024 Lowe’s Kids Workshop Schedule

Lowes Kids Workshop FAQ

Free fun DIY workshops and free fun out of the house on Saturday? We love it and we think you will too! Here’s everything you need to know to sign up and join in the fun at your local store.

Remember, those kids are only little once. There are a lot of memories to be made right at Lowes. Kids love their free projects and so do their grown-ups. Go make those family memories and have fun now. They grow up quickly and you’ll both treasure memories of time spent together creating something fun at these hands-on workshops.

Kids Workshop at Lowe’s

The Lowe’s kids workshops are similar to the other big box store where kids get a free construction project that is geared for their age and they get to put it together.

Ideally, kids do this with some help from parents. Some help, not all the help. They have to learn somehow! You don’t need any special skills, the directions are all included and they are easy. We know from experience that one little mistake in the project doesn’t matter, you’ll still have fun making something together. Trust us, the time you spend together is way more important than that project. Though, that’ll be pretty cool, too!

Have fun creating something together and watching your child learn and grow their skills!

What Do Kids Make at Lowe’s DIY Kids Workshops?

The projects are all kinds of fun crafts like little cars or games or frames or insect houses. Recent past projects include a dancing turkey toy, jolly holiday ornament, and a football goalpost. The people who come up with these kits are pretty creative and we love how the crafts are festive and fit the season. Often they make a great gift for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, or even to give to Grandma for a just-because gift.

One of my favorite Valentine’s gifts is a heart frame my husband and two boys made me at one Lowe’s Kids Workshop. They still sit on my bookshelf with pictures of the boys at the age they made them, which at this point was about 10 years ago. So, yes, they can totally make great gifts.

The free kits include all the materials necessary to complete the projects. This may include wood, nails, glue, stickers, and more. They really are 100% free.

The crafts are designed for kids ages 4 and up. It’s a really fun activity to do together.

While there is no cost to do a kids’ workshop, you do need to sign up. The workshops are from 10 am – Noon on the days they have the kids’ workshops. Walk-ins starting after 12 are accepted, for any remaining kits, but we highly recommend reserving your kit.

When you go to sign up for the workshop online, you will be asked to create an account and then choose a time slot, either 9 – 10 am, 10 – 11 am, or 11 am – Noon.

Lowe’s has everything you will need to complete the project so there is no need to bring anything extra. When I took my kids to the Lowe’s workshop, they never had painting projects so your kids should be fine to wear whatever they want as they won’t be using paint.

What is this month’s Free Lowes Kids Project? (2024 Schedule of Lowes Kids Free Workshops)

Wondering what your child will be making at the next Lowes Kids’ Workshop?

January 20, 2024, My First DIY Toolbox
February 10, 2024, Chalkboard Message Center
March 16th, 2024, Flower Birdfeeder
April 20th, 2024, Garden Cart Planter
May 4th, 2024: Butterfly Biome
June 15th, 2024: Father’s Day UTV
July 20th, 2024: Kinetic Sandbox
August 17th, 2024: Mini-Treehouse

Past projects include:

Home Team Football Card Holder
Snowman Picture Frame
Swan Note Holder (Valentine’s)
Cardinal Garden Ornament
Build a Bunny Planter
Spring Flower Pop-Up Toy
Lawn Mower Photo Holder
Tic-Tac-Toe Grill Game
Rolling Toy Pick-Up Truck
Fun Football Player Card Holder
Fire Truck Toy
Thanksgiving Turkey Photo Holder

Become a Senior Builder

Once kids complete 12 projects they will become a “senior builder” and earn a free tool bag from Lowes.

We will update our calendar when Lowes adds more kids’ workshops to their schedule!

Lowes Kids Workshop FAQ

Do I need to sign-up for the free workshops for kids at Lowes?

Yes! While walk-ins are accepted after 12 pm on workshop days, there is no guarantee there will actually be any extra kits. Sign-up to avoid disappointment.

How do I sign-up for Lowes Kids Workshops?

Right here! Sign up for Lowes kids workshops online. Registration opens the month before the project date.

Are the Lowes Build and Grow Kits Really Free?

Yep. Attend the workshop and it’s totally free. You and your child will have everything you need to complete the project. Go make some free memories!

How old do kids need to be for the Free Lowes Kids Workshops?

The workshops are recommended for ages 4 and up. Younger kids will need more help from mom and dad, but that’s totally ok. Older kids will get a chance to be a little more independent, and that’s great, too.

Are Lowe’s Kids Workshops Worth it? Should we bother going?

So much yes. Truly free family fun is rare, and it’s the stuff awesome memories are made of, so don’t pass up these fun workshops.

Remember, those kids are only little once. Go make those family memories and have fun now. They grow up quickly and you’ll both treasure memories of time spent together creating something fun.

Do any other stores do free projects for kids?

Yes!

The Home Depot offers Free Kids’ Workshop kits and we have all the information you need to know to get the kits.

AND, check out the FREE Kids Zone craft events at JCPenney on the second Saturday of each month.

More Free Projects for Kids

The Home Depot Free Kid’s Workshops Schedule

JCPenney Kids Zone Free crafts every month

Free Crafts for Kids

JCPenney Free Kids Zone Crafts Schedule

10+ Story Times: Greenville SC’s Fun Way to Instill a Love of Reading in Your Kids

Are you looking for a Greenville, SC story time? There are some wonderful options for story time with your kids in the Upstate. You’ll find story times at libraries, bookstores, museums, and more! Plus, there are also some wonderful virtual story times you can check out from home. Many of these events are completely free, and others like museums require regular admission.

You’ll often find these organized by day on our Kidding Around Greenville calendar, so don’t forget to check that when you are looking for something fun and educational to do.

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FREE Kids Craft Events: JCPenney Kids Zone

Did you know that JCPenney offers free kids’ craft events on the second Saturday of each month? Just visit your local participating JCPenney for these JCPenney Kids Zone events between 11 am and 12 pm on the second Saturday each month. You’ll get a totally free craft kit for kids, plus a store coupon for mom and dad.

We love free activities for the kids! For more free kids activities from national chain retailers, see the FREE Home Depot Kids Workshop and FREE Lowes Kids Workshop.

Going out for a little family fun doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Kids just want to spend time with the people who love them. This is why we love free kids’ activity events, like the monthly kid’s crafts events at JCPenney.

Owl Dream Catcher in April 2024

JC Penney Kids Zone crafts are often very seasonal and make cute little gifts kids can give to those important people in their lives or enjoy for themselves!
April 13th: Make an Owl Dream Catcher. This craft includes a foam owl, stickers, string and a plastic needle.

About Kids Zone, FREE Crafts for Kids at JCPenney

JCPenney Kids Zone happens on the second Saturday of each month. Just drop in between 11 am and 12 pm, you do not need to sign up in advance. These kids’ crafts are totally free and include all the supplies necessary to complete the craft.

Plus, kids will receive an ID badge, lanyard, and a collectible pin at the completion of each craft. Once kids have completed 6 kids zone crafts, they will receive a Master Medallion.

Kids must be accompanied by an adult. That adult will receive a coupon for 10% off their shopping trip, so you get to save a little money, too! No purchase is necessary for the kids to do their free craft.

Free Crafts for Kids JCPenney Kids Zone Schedule (2024)

January 13th, 2024: Arctic Snowglobe
February 10th, 2024: Cactus Valentines Bag
March 9th, 2024: Spring banner
April 13th, 2024: Owl Dream Catcher
May 11th, 2024: Special Mother’s Day Trinket Box

Check back soon for additional JCPenney Kids Crafts in 2024.

Past projects included:

Penguin Pillow
Sloth or Panda Valentine
Windchimes
Grow your own flower kit
Mother’s Day bouquet
Father’s Day Grill
Summer Tote Bag
Pencil Pouch

JCPenney Kids Zone Free Kids Crafts at Haywood Mall, Greenville, SC

Check with your local JCPenny to ensure participation. These in-store events happen only where local mandates allow. The JC Penney location in the Haywood Mall, Greenville, SC does participate.

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Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve: Take A Garden Walk in Spartanburg, SC

Have you enjoyed Hatcher Garden in Spartanburg, SC? Just a couple miles off of I-26 in Spartanburg, among shopping and restaurants on the busy main thoroughfare of John D. White, Sr. Blvd, is a 10-acre botanical garden and woodland preserve.

The beautiful space is full of ponds, waterfalls, wildlife, trees and gardens with a wide variety of leafy and flowering plants. Hatcher Garden is open free to the public and should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Spartanburg.

Here’s your guide to all the fun things to do in Spartanburg, SC!

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See Cool Cars for Free at Greenville’s Cars and Coffee

Do you know about Cars and Coffee of the Upstate? This exciting event is back in 2024! This free, quarterly Greenville event features interesting local cars that kids can check out! Kidding Around Contributor Deborah brought her kids recently and tells us all about it so you can plan your own trip to the next Cars and Coffee.

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Kids Bowl Free: Your Kids Can Go Bowling for Free All Summer Long

Have kids who like to bowl? Kids can bowl free all summer long with the Kids Bowl Free program. They’ll get two free games every day at participating bowling alleys. Plus, the Kids Bowl Free people thought of everything with a heavily discounted Family Pass so the grown-ups can join the kids in the summer bowling fun. What a great opportunity to make memories this summer without breaking the break. We have done all the research so you can fill out the registration form and start bowling!

2024 Kids Bowl Free Registration is Open Now!

Is the Kids Bowl Free program legit? You bet. We have the answers to all your questions about the program so you can plan your summer and register now.

This article includes:
How Can I Sign-up for Kids Bowl Free?
Where Can My Kids Bowl for Free this Summer?
When Can My Kids Bowl?
What Ages Can Bowl Free?
Is it Actually Free?
Can Adults Bowl With Their Kids?
What is the Kids Bowl Free Family Pass?

This article contains affiliate links.

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Upstate, SC Birds: Birds and Birding at Conestee Nature Preserve

Have a love for the birds of Upstate, SC? My family enjoys visiting Conestee Nature Preserve not just because of its wonderful play areas but for its easy trails that are teeming with wildlife, especially birds. I didn’t realize until recently that Conestee Nature Preserve is an Upstate, SC birds watcher paradise with over 200 different species of birds.

Birds and birding at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

I’m so excited that Paul Serridge from the Greenville County Bird Club has agreed to share with us more about the birds at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve and the presentations and free guided bird walks that they offer to the Greenville Community. All of the following photos are taken by local Greenville County Bird Club member Don Faulkner and depict birds that you can look for at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve.

Birding at Conestee Nature Preserve

Are you interested in birds and want to know more?

Cedar Waxwing bird at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

Cedar Waxwing (Photo Credit: Don Faulkner) – learn more about the Cedar Waxwing

There are currently 1138 species of birds on the ABA (American Birding Association) checklist for the area covered by the Continental US and Canada.

Wood Duck at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

Wood Duck (Photo Credit: Don Faulker) – learn more about the Wood Duck

There are 472 species on the official bird list for South Carolina.

And….there are 226 species on the checklist for Conestee Nature Preserve birds of Upstate, SC that live right here in Greenville. Use this Conestee Nature Preserve Bird Checklist.

Red-shouldered Hawk at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

Red-shouldered Hawk (Photo Credit: Don Faulkner) – learn more about the Red-shouldered Hawk

In other words, a birding bonanza is right here on your doorstep in Greenville, SC. Of course, many of the birds found at Conestee are common and some will visit backyard feeders or eat insects from your yard. The accompanying photographs by Don Faulkner show some of the species regularly found in the park but which many people are not aware of in our local area.

Killdeer at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

Killdeer (Photo Credit: Don Faulkner) – learn more about the Killdeer

Some common birds of South Carolina you may catch a glimpse of at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve include Carolina Wren, Northern Cardinals, Chipping Sparrows, Blue Jay, Red Bellied Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, Brown Headed Nuthatch, Red Shoulder Hawk, Mourning Dove, European Starling, American Robin, and the star of the park, the Great Blue Heron. Many of these birds can be seen in fall and winter, so you can visit any time of year and still go birding at Conestee Nature Preserve.

Free Guided Bird Walks at Conestee Nature Preserve*

The Greenville County Bird Club (GCBC) offers free guided bird walks on the third Saturday of each month at Conestee Nature Preserve (CNP). Details can be found on the outings page of the GCBC website. Check the website before heading out, because the club occasionally adds walks or changes the weekend. It is not necessary to be a GCBC member to participate. (Please note that minor children should be accompanied by an adult.)

Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker at Conestee Nature Preserve

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Photo Credit: Don Faulker) – learn more about the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Birding Events at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

In addition to exploring the beauty of the Preserve, you can also participate in any of their events. They offer small Community Events and Youth Programs. Their Annual Events are larger in size and include Hops & Herons in the fall and the Great Blue Gathering in the Spring. They also offer occasional bird-watching events. You can stay tuned to their Events page for more details.

Blue Heron nests at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve — Blue Heron Nest at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

Check out our full Conestee Nature Preserve Guide before heading out on your bird-watching trip.

More Birding Opportunities

Want to see an incredible hawk migration? You can visit Caesar’s Head in the fall for the hawk watch.

Sassafras Mountain is another great place to catch the fall hawk migration.

Have you been birding at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve? We love seeing the Blue Heron nests!

50+ Fun, Free, and Unbelievably Cheap ($5 and below) Things to Do in Greenville, SC

Looking for Free Things to Do in Greenville, SC? We have some great ideas on this extremely packed list. This list is an ode to that song, “The Best Things in Life Are Free.” Make memories and take advantage of all the great things around Greenville. Enjoy!

Free & Cheap Outdoor Activities

Free Historic & Educational Places to Visit

Things to Do for FREE with Kids in Greenville

Food, Fitness, & Fun Things to Do

Do you want to keep tabs on all the things to do in the Upstate? Don’t skip our giant list of Things to Do Near Greenville, SC, full of fabulous family fun any time of the year.

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Split Creek Farm: Learn all about goats – and even play with them – at this farm in Anderson, SC

Did you know there is a FREE self-guided tour at Split Creek Farm in Anderson, SC? Goats and educational opportunities are plentiful at Split Creek Farm in Anderson, SC. Plus, the farm shop sells award-winning cheese and must-eat fudge made from their goat milk. Get outdoors, enjoy some animals, and learn something new!

If there are baby goats involved somewhere around the Upstate, we’ll be there. Goats, especially baby goats, make us so happy! Split Creek Farm is a Grade A goat dairy farm in Anderson, SC that we’ve written about and visited before to the delight of both us and our readers. But they are more than goats. Education is hugely important to the farm and to that end, they have recently designed and installed a new self-guided tour that anyone can take.

We tried it out because, well, goats. And I’m homeschooling and thought this would be a fun adventure.

If you’re looking for more cute animals, see our Adorable Farms and Petting Zoos story.

Goats 4 Goodness

Goats 4 Goodness is the non-profit arm of Split Creek Farm. It was established a few years ago with the intent to “do good things” and has delivered on that goal through goat yoga, virtual farm tours, allowing guests playtime with baby goats, and participating in Make A Wish.

But a big part of the vision of Goats 4 Goodness is the educational component of the farm. They do offer tours, both virtually (imagine surprising your co-workers on a Zoom call with baby goats!) and in-person, as well as field trips and other opportunities to educate the public on what their farm does, which is a ton. The goats are the backbone of the farm, supplying the milk needed to make their award-winning feta cheese, the delicious fudge, yogurt, and other products. The farm also supports the local restaurant industry and breeds nearly-extinct breeds of goats. They also participate in local and regional goat shows and research.

Sandra and Jessica, the owners of Split Creek Farm, are pioneers in many areas of goat farming and their non-profit helps to provide funds to further the goals of the farm and integrate them even deeper into the supportive local community, bringing the joy of the goats to everyone.

The new self-guided tour

While the farm store is open Monday – Saturday for purchases, self-guided tours are available only on Friday and Saturday. The farm employs a small number of people and as you can probably imagine, it takes a huge amount of work to run the farm, milk the goats, make the cheese, fudge, and yogurt, clean the pens, collect the eggs, take care of the babies, and care and feed the herd.

As much as Sandra and Jessica would like to take every single guest on a personal tour of the farm, they needed to find a way to make what they do more accessible and understandable for guests and their families. And so was born the self-guided tour with easy-to-read and follow boards around the farm.

The topics are broad and fascinating. Guests will learn about all the different breeds of goats and why they are unique. They will learn about how the cheese is made and where the goats are milked and how that process worked. They will learn about every animal on the farm and why their individual jobs are important to making the farm run smoothly. I’ve personally been to Split Creek Farm numerous times and still learned a lot walking through the tour and reading all the plaques.

For myself and my kids, learning about where our food comes from and what goes into that process often has led to a deeper appreciation for farms and all the work they do. My own love of goats is only compounded every time I learn more about them. And my goodness, they make me happy. And they make my kids happy, which is all the more reason to visit the farm and learn about the goats.

It’s totally free to visit the farm and take self-guided tours. If you come with kids, just be sure to keep a close eye on them as it is a working farm and guests need to be respectful of those rules.

Playing with the goats

Split Creek Farm treats their animals with extraordinary care. I’ve seen both Sandra and Jessica speak to these animals exactly like I speak to my own kids. But the difference is that the goats listen to them! The goats obviously love the owners and employees and the female goats are quite literally what makes the farm run due to the sale of the products made with their milk.

So it’s no wonder the farm is protective of their animals. However, the animals get a lot of freedom and you’ll probably run into goats wandering around and Sam, the border collie, making sure they are where they need to be. There are chickens and two enormous pot-bellied pigs roaming around as well.

As long as guests are respectful of the animals, they are allowed to play with them and pet them. This is glorious. Playing with the goats is just awesome, especially the smaller ones. They are super curious (one really enjoyed munching on my daughter’s hair) and sweet and fun. Sam likes to play fetch with his frisbee and the chickens, well, they do their own thing.

Sometimes the farm will do special events where guests are able to play with the baby goats or have goat yoga sessions. Follow their Facebook page for that info. It’s really fun to play with the goats especially after you’ve done the self-guided tour because, I feel, that you may have a greater respect for them and for what goes on at the farm.

Virtual farm tours

Split Creek Farm also does virtual tours for anyone anywhere. People have really loved these as seeing the goats on their computer screens always elicits a lot of joy. Virtual tours can be arranged here at Goats 4 Goodness.

Visiting Split Creek Farm

It’s free to visit the farm and you don’t need to sign up to do the self-guided tours. Just follow all the posted rules, which include no pets. Once you arrive at the farm, you’ll see the space allowed for visitor parking on your left. The first couple of self-guided posts will be on your right near the huge penned goat pasture and on your left near the open barn. You’ll see the others around the farm.

Self-guided tours are available Friday and Saturday 10 am – 6 pm.

The farm shop is open Monday-Saturday 10 am – 6 pm.

For the latest on events and pictures of their baby goats come late winter, follow Split Creek Farm on Facebook.

Split Creek Farm
3806 Centerville Road, Anderson
864.287.3921

Duke World of Energy: Learn About What Powers The Upstate

Do you have a young one with an inquisitive mind? Bring them to the Duke World of Energy where they can learn how the electricity that keeps the lights on at home is generated and brought to local houses and businesses.

Did we mention this exhibit is FREE?

We know our readers love free things to do near Greenville so we visited the Duke World of Energy and we’re bringing you all the information you need to plan your own visit soon!

Looking for more Free Things to do in the Upstate? Here’s our list of free and low-cost things to do near Greenville, SC!

Located on the southern shore of beautiful Lake Keowee, The Oconee Nuclear Station provides energy to nearly 2 million homes via nuclear power. There is a multitude of steps that go into producing so much energy, and families can learn all about it at the power plant’s educational center.

Inside the Duke World of Energy

The Duke World of Energy is a free hands-on exhibit. Visitors will learn how electricity is generated at the plant and how the surrounding lakes contribute. You’ll start off with a short film, followed by a variety of interactive educational displays about energy production at the plant. The experience takes about 30-45 minutes.

As you enter each exhibit room, the presentation is started by an interactive touchpad. As you move from room to room you will learn about the process the plant uses to create the power that flows into homes. The way the exhibit is set up, in multiple rooms will keep kids from toddler to school-age entertained. About halfway through, you’ll find a huge picture window overlooking the power plant – a perfect photo opportunity. I was surprised to learn that this is the fifth-largest nuclear plant in the country.

The exhibits towards the end seemed to be the stars of the show for my children. My son loved the security display which features half of a car and the mirrored tool they use to check underneath cars entering the facility. The last two rooms – my daughter’s favorite – feature a simulated outdoor space, complete with taxidermy animals and an adjoining room that looks like a home. She loved looking out the window back into the “outdoor” room and waving to us.

The topography map is really neat – you can see the entire Jocassee Gorges, the Foothills Trail, the SC State Parks near there, and Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee. These kinds of maps are always fascinating!

Topographical map at Duke Energy World of Energy

Nature Trail and More at Duke Energy: World of Energy

After visiting the World of Energy exhibit, head outside to the quarter-mile nature trail by the lake. You’ll find a covered picnic shelter, a fishing pier, and even a butterfly garden that’s open during the warmer months. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of dining options nearby, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and bring a picnic.

We sat on the dock to eat lunch and finish our homeschool work and it was very relaxing. There’s a path that winds its way down to a small beach as well where you can hang out and enjoy the beautiful view. Stay off the helipad though, as the signs say!

You can also fish on the pier if you like. This is such a great way to spend a leisurely afternoon and a fun field trip. The view is breathtaking, and you just might learn something while you’re there.

FREE Special Events at Duke World of Energy

Don’t forget to check the Duke Energy website for events. In the past, The World of Energy has hosted several community events, including a National Hunting, an Orchid event (currently scheduled for February 15-17, 2024), a Fishing Day event, and a home school day.

Find More FREE Things to Do in Summer

Want to Visit Duke World of Energy?

Duke World Of Energy
7812 Rochester Highway | Seneca, SC 29672
864.873.4600

Hours:
Open 10 am-4 pm
Wednesday through Friday
Please confirm the hours before you head to the World Of Energy.

This article was originally written by Melanie Coblentz and has been updated by the Kidding Around Team.

Posts Tagged ‘Free Things to Do’

FREE Lowe’s Kids Workshops (2024): What will you make this month?

Kids Workshop at Lowe’s

What Do Kids Make at Lowe’s DIY Kids Workshops?

What is this month’s Free Lowes Kids Project? (2024 Schedule of Lowes Kids Free Workshops)

Become a Senior Builder