It started out as a quick trip to grab an extra can of paint for some benches we’re refreshing. The K Man and I walked into The Home Depot after Saturday’s swimming lesson to find several six-foot tables lining the entryway, parents and young kids hammering and gluing some wooden contraption.
“Wow, look, Mommy – can we do that?” asked my nearly four-year-old son (who, incidentally, has a Home Depot-branded workbench of his own in our playroom).
“I don’t even know what that is,” I replied. “Let’s go find out.” We were officially side-tracked.
I asked what was happening – they were making cute little wooden planter boxes, part of a monthly series of workshops just for kids aged 4 to 12 – and if we could participate. A signature orange-coloured apron-clad teenager took my kid’s name and showed us to one of the work stations. There, we found a package with everything we needed (pre-cut pieces of wood and eight tiny nails) alongside glue and a kid-sized hammer.
We worked together to build our planter – he loved hammering the best – and The K Man was given a certificate, an apron, a “Kids’ Workshop” pin and a package of carrot seeds.
I never did get the paint, but we did leave with a $3 bag of soil, a place in the following month’s activity and some very big smiles.
THE GOOD
Um, it’s FREE! Everything. All of it. Free, free, free. How had I never heard of this before? I love free!
The instructions were clear and easy to follow, and the activity was age-appropriate. An older child – perhaps 6+ – would’ve barely needed any help beyond getting the nails started.
It took 10 minutes from start to finish. If I’d really been desperate for that paint, we certainly could have found the time to go get it. But I was in a bit of a hurry, and I decided getting soil to plant The K Man’s carrot seeds was more important. However, this is a great activity to do with your kids – even if you’re time-strapped.
THE GEARS
Carrots. It’s pretty unlikely they’re going to grow in a planter box that measures about eight inches long by four inches wide and no more than two or three inches deep. It would be great if The Home Depot organizers provided seeds for plants or flowers that have a good chance of growing to help round out the experience and teach kids how things grow. We’re playing along, though, watering the seeds and keeping the planter box in the sun – but I’m not hopeful.
The instructions included something to the effect of “paint your planter box in any way you like.” But there was no paint. Beggars can’t be choosers, I know. I really was grateful that we stumbled upon such a fun activity; I just prefer that my kid paints in spaces other than my home, where my neuroses require me to put down plastic sheeting over every surface.
I had to buy one of those gargantuan bags of earth so we could plant those tiny seeds the minute we returned home. Mini soil bags would have been awesome. I probably would have paid $2 for a bag one-quarter of the size for the convenience. Holding my kid’s hand in the parking lot while carrying a heavy bag of soil wasn’t easy. But I could think of nothing worse for my child than not letting him carry out the rest of the activity that day – so we sucked it up.
THE GEARS
4.5/5
So…where can you do it?
- Check The Home Depot website for dates and times across Canada (be sure to look for the tricolour hard-hats icon on the left-hand side that indicates a kid-friendly workshop)
Tara Crawford says
never knew they did workshops for children will have to check it out thank you again
Geoff Codner says
I love free too. Home Depot has it all!
Laurie Pittman says
never heard it this before, interesting
Ben D. says
Took my niece to the HD Workshop last Christmas. She got to make a holiday themed picture frame, but it ended up looking like a mini square wreath =)
Mommy Gearest says
LOL
R says
I didn’t know about this…guess which DH will have more to do soon! lol
Sandra O says
Thanks for this info! I have a Home Depot across the street and didn’t know about it. I’m def going to check it. It will be perfect for my 5 yr old son.
Steph says
I’ve definitely heard of these and have had friends participate .. Maybe the next time we’ll have to join in!
Carol Denny says
Great program! The kids love to go there
Amanda B says
My sister takes her kids for different projects. My niece loves them!
Kristi Renout says
This looks like a blast. I think I might take my son to the next one.
Mommy Gearest says
You should! He would love it!
angela m says
My oldest daughter would so love to do this, I will have to sign her up and get daddy to take her.. Thank you so much for the review.
holly messana says
I had no idea that they had stuff for kids. I knew that there were workshops for adults. This is great.
Jeannie says
I need to check this out! I love that it’s free and I think my little guy would really enjoy it!
Angela Mitchell says
We don’t have a Home depot where we live but my daughter would love doing this if we did.
Jayna says
My nephew has done so many of these programs. He loves it!
Olivia L says
I never knew about this. I need to check this out! My kid would LOVE this!
Toby says
So important for kids to do projects with their hands! The dexterity and skills are so important to their future!
Melissa G says
Home Depot workshops are awesome, kids love hands on for sure!
tennille says
Aren’t these fun! We made a spice rack
stacey h says
i’ve seen kids doing this in store – what a great learning experience
Tanis says
I love these kids workshops and I know my husband will love to take our children when they are old enough. And as you mentioned.. it’s free!!
Heather says
these workshops are great…a wonderful add on to a weekend!!
Carla says
I have been meaning to take my kids to these events, I have seen them advertised in the flyers. they look like fun (kids will learn a lot) – looks like you guys enjoyed! i loved the idea of kids growing seeds, we have planted a bunch already 🙂
Anisa T says
I’ve always wanted to have my boys attend one of the workshops but they always over-lapped with a swimming or dance lesson. Now that’s it’s summer, I think it’s a great time! And I would love something they made in my garden!
Cathy says
I have always wanted to do one of their workshops. Need to find one for the summer!
Christine says
Sounds like such a fun activity! Definitely something my little one would be into!
danielle t says
I had seen these when my daughter was only 2 and wished she was old enough. then I totally forgot about them until this year. she’s now 5 and the little man is 2 and both absolutely love going on the Saturday mornings to hammer their little projects. i think little lady’s fav part is getting the pin at the end to decorate her apron while little man just love to hammer away.
Sherri Norton says
I am definately going to have to check out our local HomeDepots for workshops!
Florence C says
Great Idea to get kids started early on such a project. they get to build and also plant something to what it grow, Bird houses be a nice project also.
Mia P says
Such a great program. Keep meaning to sign up my kids for one of their workshops!