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Summer’s coming — do you know how you’re going to keep your kids busy once school’s out?
If not, we’ve got a great idea. Lowe’s recently brought back its free Build and Grow clinics for kids, and on June 8, participants will be building super-cute bird feeders from 9 a.m. to noon. The craft activity is free for children accompanied by an adult and lasts 15-30 minutes.
The birds will love having such a cute feeder to eat from, of course, but so will anyone who gets one of these as a gift. And Father’s Day falls on the following weekend, June 16, this year.
Lowe’s hands-on monthly workshops aren’t available everywhere, unfortunately. Hip2Save reports that the return of the program appears to be rolling out slowly, starting in Tennessee and North Carolina. But if you’re lucky enough to have one in your area, you can find a location and register at the Lowe’s Build and Grow website. If you register ahead of time, show up before 11 a.m. or your kit may have been given to a walk-in customer who wants to participate.
The Build and Grow workshops are specifically designed for kids aged 4-11 to work with a parent or caregiver and develop confidence and skill in creating DIY projects. Kids receive a custom building kit and all materials needed (including safety gear) to create a quality product. Families can also enlist the help of Lowe’s Build and Grow Captains — store associates that facilitate each clinic. Events are held on the second Saturday of each month.
While Lowe’s hasn’t announced too many future Build and Grow sessions yet, the next one appears to allow kids to build an ice cream truck, complete with paperboard cutouts and stickers. This one takes place on July 13 at the same time, 9 a.m. to noon. Registration begins on June 9.
For those of us who don’t have a Lowe’s in the area, or at least not one that’s participating in the Build and Grow program, options are still available. If you wish, you can purchase Build and Grow kits from Lowe’s online for $8.98. Choose from projects like the bird feeder, a coin bank, a racing car, a pirate ship and a Tonka construction truck. Additionally, you can buy inexpensive kid-sized tools and safety accessories to make these family-friendly DIYs even better.
If you’re looking for a great activity for kids that will encourage a love of creativity and get them away from their digital screens for a little while, this sure seems to fit the bill. See you there!
About the Author
Helen is a Chicago-area freelance writer, editor, and social media manager. She has two degrees, in journalism and biology. In her spare time, she loves volunteering, doing Zumba and watching MCU and "Star Wars" movies. She is a single mom. More.
