If your kids are anything like ours, they love to make crafts, and Tampa Bay offers many opportunities for your kids to make crafts each month. Just take a look at what’s going on in March.
*** Throughout the month, we will find more free craft activities for kids and add them to this list. Please check back periodically to see what might have been added so you don’t miss anything. Thank you! ***
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Kids … Dillydally with Dali
Time: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (Mon.-Fri.); 11:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Sat.); 12:30-4 p.m. (Sun.)
Date: Daily
Location: The Dali Museum
Cost: FREE for these activities in the classroom; Regular admission applies if you want to explore the museum
Info: (727) 823-3767; The Dali Museum Calendar of Events
What’s Doing?
Children can discover the creative world of Dali every day in the Education Classroom with stories, puzzles and activities that both educate and encourage family interaction. There will be a story hour every Tuesday through Thursday at 11:15 a.m., featuring selected books from the Dali Museum Library and store. Activities and puzzles are available through 5:30 p.m. weekdays. And on Saturdays, Dillydally with Dali features games, puzzles and unique craft activities during their weekly Arts & Crafts for Families event.
Arts & Crafts for Families
On Saturdays, children can explore their creativity in the Education Classroom with games, puzzles and unique crafts designed to educate and encourage family interaction. Just like Dilly Dally With Dali, Arts & Crafts for Families is FREE. Here’s the schedule for March:
— Saturday, March 2: 1-4:30 p.m.
— Saturday, March 9: 11:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
— Saturday, March 16: 11:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
— Saturday, March 23: 11:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
— Saturday, March 30: 11:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Address:
The Dali Museum
One Dali Boulevard
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Click here for more information on the museum.
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Kids Workshop at Home Depot
Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 2, 2013 (This event takes place on the first Saturday of every month)
Location: Home Depot Stores
Cost: FREE
Info: Home Depot Kids Workshop Website
What’s Doing?
If it’s your child’s first time at a Home Depot Kid’s Workshop, they will receive a FREE orange Home Depot apron to wear, keep and bring back each time they attend. Upon completing the project, they will receive an achievement pin to add to their apron and a certificate of completion. (NOTE: Home Depot crafts are unfinished when you complete them at the store. Some Home Depot stores may offer paint to decorate your project during the craft event, but this is not usually the case.)
This month: Build a race car (Stickers will be available to decorate the car.)
Address:
Locate a Home Depot store near you.
Images courtesy of The Home Depot U.S.A. Inc.
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Pottery Barn Kids Read Across America Day
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Saturday, March 2, 2013
Location: Pottery Barn Kids
Cost: FREE
Info: (813) 253-0964; Pottery Barn Kids In-store Events
What’s Doing?
Bring the kids for a special story time that celebrates Dr. Seuss’ Birthday. In addition to hearing Dr. Seuss™ classics, there will be craft activities and each child will earn a Certificate of Participation.
Address:
Pottery Barn Kids
Hyde Park Village
804 South Village Circle
Tampa, FL 33606
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Family Crafts at Michael’s
Time: Kids Club: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; Family Craft Time: 1-3 p.m.
Date: Saturdays in March
Location: Participating Michael’s stores
Cost: Some crafts are FREE while some require a nominal fee (cost is indicated in the schedule below)
Info: Michael’s In-store Kids Events
NOTE: We strongly advise that you call ahead to your store to be certain they are participating before heading out with the kids.
What’s Doing?
Michael’s stores offer Kid’s Club craft events and family craft times. Here’s the schedule for February:
— Saturday, March 2: Kid’s Club: NEA’s Read Across America (10 a.m.-11:30 p.m.; Register for a 30-minute craft and story time session; $2) — Kids will make a Dr. Seuss-themed craft and listen to a Dr. Seuss story.
— Saturday, March 9: Kid’s Club: Paper Easter Basket (10 a.m.-11:30 p.m.; Register for a 30-minute craft session; $2)
— Saturday, March 16: Family Craft Time (1-3 p.m.; FREE) — Make a FREE Crayola Model Magic duck (quantities are limited)
Saturday, March 23: Kid’s Club: Easter Egg Mosaic by Perler (10 a.m.-11:30 p.m.; Register for a 30-minute craft session; $2)
Address:
Locate a Michael’s store near you.
Image courtesy of Michael’s
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Saturdays @ the Morean with Catherine Cross Tsintzos: Family Drop-in Studio
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Date: Every Saturday
Location: Morean Arts Center (Bank of America Children’s Learning Center)
Cost: FREE
Info: Morean Arts Center Website
What’s Doing?
Every Saturday morning, the Museum offers a drop-in art program geared for families with children age 5-10. Explore your creativity with open art stations and take-home crafts. Instructors will be on-hand to offer assistance where needed. The projects, which take place in the Golding-Scher classroom, are self-guided, and the gallery-related monthly themes offer a different art activity each week.
Address:
Bank of America Children’s Learning Center
719 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Image courtesy of Morean Arts Center
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Celebrate Dr. Seuss
Time: 11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, March 2, 2013
Location: Barnes & Noble – Dale Mabry
Cost: FREE
Info: (813) 871-2228; Barnes & Noble-Dale Mabry Calendar of Events
What’s Doing?
Kids and parents can listen to a reading of the Dr. Seuss classic The Cat in the Hat, followed by some Cat-themed crafts.
Address:
Barnes & Noble – Dale Mabry
213 North Dale Mabry
Tampa, FL 33609
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The Art Spot
Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Date: Every Saturday
Location: Tampa Museum of Art (Golding-Scher classroom)
Cost: Admission to the activity is FREE; Regular admission costs apply to view the galleries (NO registration required)
Info: Tampa Museum of Art Website
What’s Doing?
Every Saturday morning, the Museum offers a family drop-in art program. Let your children explore their creativity with self-guided projects based on gallery-related monthly themes. No registration required.
** Participants enter the classroom from the exterior entrance until the museum is open. **
Address:
Tampa Museum of Art
120 West Gasparilla Plaza
Tampa, FL 33602
Image courtesy of Tampa Museum of Art
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Lakeshore Learning Center
In-Store Crafts
Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m
Date: Every Saturday
Location: Lakeshore Learning Store
Cost: FREE
Info: (813) 207-0468; Lakeshore Learning Store Website
What’s Doing?
Every Saturday, Lakeshore Learning Store has FREE crafts for kids to make that go along with the month or season. Every time you complete a craft, you receive a paper dollar. Once you collect 3, you can turn them in for a prize from the treasure chest! Here’s what’s planned for March:
— Saturday, March 2: Birthday Party Clown
— Saturday, March 9: Photo Collage
— Saturday, March 16: Fluttering Butterflies
— Saturday, March 23: Door Hanger
— Saturday, March 23: Bug Basket
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!
In addition to their weekly craft, Lakeshore Learning Store will also host a special event in honor of Dr. Seuss’ Birthday. On Saturday, March 2 between 11 a.m.-3 p.m. there will be crafts, games and a story read every hour.
Address:
Lakeshore Learning Store
4501 West Kennedy Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33609
Image courtesy of Lakeshore Learning Materials
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Read Across America: The Cat in the Hat
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Location: Barnes & Noble – Clearwater
Cost: FREE
Info: (813) 871-2228; Barnes & Noble-Clearwater Calendar of Events
What’s Doing?
Kids and parents can listen to a reading of the Dr. Seuss classic The Cat in the Hat, followed by some Cat-themed activities and treats.
Address:
Barnes & Noble – Clearwater
213 North Dale Mabry
Tampa, FL 33609
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*** NOTE: The activity that accompanies the story may NOT be a craft. ***
Book Time @ Brooker Creek
Time: 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Date: Thursdays (See schedule below)
Location: Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center (Check in at the front desk.)
Cost: FREE, but registration is required for participating children (Accompanying adults do not need to register themselves. Registration closes 24 hours prior the program.)
Info: (727) 453-6800; Book Time @ Brooker Creek March 2013 Online Registration Page
What’s Doing?
Bring your pre-schooler (age 3-5) to a program designed to connect them to the wonders of the natural world. Each program begins with a story, and continues with a craft, game or other hands-on activity related to the story that was read. Here are the stories planned for March:
— Thursday, March 7: Izzy Lizzie Alligator by Susan Tate
— Thursday, March 14: Eliza and Dragonfly by Susan Caldwell
— Thursday, March 21: Morris the Moose by B. Wiseman
— Thursday, March 28: Tale of a Tadpole by Karen Wallace
Address:
Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center
3940 Keystone Road
Tarpon Springs, FL 33688
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IKEA Tampa Kids’ Academy
Time: 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Date: Monday, March 11, 2013 through Friday, March 15, 2013
Location: IKEA Tampa Store
Cost: FREE
Info: IKEA Tampa Website
What’s Doing:
When IKEA Tampa Kids’ Academy is in session, kids under 12 can enjoy a FREE meal in the restaurant and a craft activity in the Exit Lobby. On your first visit, children will also receive a FREE IKEA Tampa Kids’ Academy T-shirt. Here’s the schedule for March:
— Monday, March 11: Decorate an IKEA ORADD flower pot
— Tuesday, March 12: Personalize your very own sand toy
— Wednesday, March 13: Create a delicious dessert blooming with edible delights
— Thursday, March 14: Create a festive flower
— Friday, March 15: Make a delicious Irish Potato
Address:
IKEA Tampa
1103 North 22nd Street
Tampa, FL 33605
Image courtesy of IKEA Tampa
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Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinics
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Date: Saturday, March 9, 2013 & Saturday, March 23, 2013
Location: All Lowe’s Stores
Cost: FREE, but registration is required
Info: Register online at Lowe’s Build-and-Grow
What’s Doing?
If it’s your child’s first time at a Lowe’s Build and Grow Workshop, they will receive a FREE Lowe’s apron and goggles to wear each time they attend a Build & Grow Clinic. Upon completing each project, your child will receive a certificate and an embroidered patch to add to their apron. Lowe’s projects are typically plain with the Lowe’s emblem printed on them somewhere. Some even come with stickers for the kids to decorate their masterpiece!
— March 9: Monster Jam®, featuring Monster Mutt®
— March 23: The Croods: Piranhakeet Chomper (Inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s The Croods.)
Address:
Locate a Lowe’s store near you.
Image courtesy of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. / Feld Motor Sports Inc.
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Pottery Barn Kids St. Patrick’s Day Story Time
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Location: Pottery Barn Kids
Cost: FREE
Info: (813) 253-0964; Pottery Barn Kids In-store Events
What’s Doing?
Dress in green in preparation for St. Patrick’s Day riddles, stories and a shamrock craft. Then, help find the leprechaun’s pot of gold, hidden somewhere in the store!
Address:
Pottery Barn Kids
Hyde Park Village
804 South Village Circle
Tampa, FL 33606
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*** NOTE: The activity that accompanies the story may NOT be a craft. ***
Wee Time @ Weedon
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Date: Thursday, March 14, 2013 & Thursday, March 28, 2013 (Held the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month)
Location: Weedon Island Preserve (Check in at the front desk.)
Cost: FREE, but registration is required for participating children (Accompanying adults do not need to register themselves. Registration closes for this activity 24 hours before the program.)
Info: (727) 453-6500; Wee Time @ Weedon March 2013 Online Registration Page
What’s Doing?
Bring your pre-schooler (age 3-5) to learn about the wonders of nature and culture through a story and hands-on activity. This month’s stories include:
— Tuesday, March 14: TBD
— Tuesday, March 28: TBD
Address:
Weedon Island Preserve
1800 Weedon Drive NE
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
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Time: 4-5 p.m.
Date: Friday, March 15, 2013
Location: Largo Public Library (Children’s Program Room)
Cost: FREE
Info: (727) 587-6715; City of Largo Website Calendar
What’s Doing?
Visit stations — learn trivia, make crafts, and play games based on the Cressida Cowell book series — to gain the tools you’ll need to fully train your dragon.
Address:
Largo Public Library
120 Central Park Drive
Largo, FL 33771
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The Easter Bunny’s EGGs-ellent Adventure
Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 16, 2013
Location: Tyrone Square Mall (JCPenney Court)
Cost: FREE; $5/year Simon Kidgits Club membership (Kidgits Club members will receive special prizes, while supplies last); Photo package discount exclusively for Simon Kidgits Club members
Info: Tyrone Square Facebook Events Page; Simon Kidgits Club Events
What’s Doing?
Hop over to the mall to visit with the Easter Bunny and join in fun activities and crafts in the Kidgits Korner play area.
Address:
Tyrone Square Mall
Tyrone Square
6901 Tyrone Square
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
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Home Depot & Face Painting Family Night @ Chick-fil-A of Seminole Plaza
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Location: Chick-fil-A of Seminole Plaza
Cost: The activities are FREE, you pay only for your food
Info: (727) 398-0777; Chick-fil-A of Seminole Plaza Facebook Page
What’s Doing?
Enjoy supper with the family, a Home Depot project, and face painting.
Address:
Chick-fil-A of Seminole Plaza
10790 Park Boulevard
Seminole, FL 33772
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April’s Art Corner: Easter Craft
Time: 2-4 p.m.
Date: Thursday, March 21, 2013
Location: Learning Express Toys in Hyde Park Village
Cost: FREE
Info: (813) 250-6200; Learning Express Toys Hyde Park Facebook Page
What’s Doing?
Kids can make an Easter craft while you get time to browse.
Address:
Learning Express Toys
Hyde Park Village
800 South Village Circle
Tampa, FL 33606
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Hop Hop Tiny Tot
Time: 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Date: Friday, March 22, 2013
Location: Highland Recreation Complex
Cost: $5 in advance or $8 the day of the event
Info: (727) 518-3016; City of Largo Events Calendar
What’s Doing?
Dress your child to the theme — Easter — and bring them to make an Easter craft, listen to a story, and enjoy a snack.
Address:
Highland Recreation Complex
400 Highland Avenue NE
Largo, FL 33770
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Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Gulf View Square
Time: 8:30-10 a.m.
Date: Saturday, March 23, 2013
Location: Gulf View Square
Cost: FREE
Info: (727) 848-3600; Gulf View Square Events on Facebook; Gulf View Square Mall “Breakfast with the Bunny” web page
What’s Doing?
Join other families for a special Breakfast with the Bunny event. Here’s what you can expect:
— Decorate an Easter tote
— Decorate an Easter egg
— Create an Easter picture frame
— Design an Easter bracelet
— Coloring
— Glitter tattoos
… and more!
Even Better! Auntie Anne’s will be providing Cinnamon Pretzel Nuggets and lemonade.
Address:
Gulf View Square
9409 U.S. Highway 19
Port Richey, FL 34668
Image courtesy of Simon Gulf View Square
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Peter Rabbit™ Story Time at Pottery Barn Kids
Time: 10-10:30 a.m. (Sat.) & 11-11:30 a.m. (Sun.)
Date: Saturday, March 23, 2013 & Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Location: Pottery Barn Kids
Cost: FREE
Info: (813) 253-0964; Pottery Barn Kids In-store Events
What’s Doing?
Kids will have fun listening to the classic Beatrix Potter tale and making bunny ears.
Address:
Pottery Barn Kids
Hyde Park Village
804 South Village Circle
Tampa, FL 33606
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Deviled EGG-off!
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Date: Saturday, March 23, 2013
Location: Whole Foods Market Tampa
Cost: FREE
Info: (813) 874-9435; Whole Foods Market Tampa Events
What’s Doing?
Five brave Whole Foods team members will go egg-to-egg with their favorite deviled egg recipes. Guest votes will decide the winner. One lucky voter will win a year’s supply of eggs!
Even Better! Kids will get to dye some eggs … naturally!
Address:
Whole Foods Market Tampa
1548 North Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33607
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WFamily Fun Day
Time: 1-2 p.m.
Date: Sunday, March 24, 2013
Location: Westfield Brandon Mall (at Fannie May Chocolates near Books-A-Million)
Cost: FREE; All activities are FREE for Westfield Family members. (Not a member? Visit the Mall Information Kiosk to get your FREE membership card, or sign up at the event)
Info: (813) 661-5100; Westfield Brandon Mall Facebook Page
What’s Doing?
Westfield Brandon is welcoming spring with a classic favorite, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. The second story, Spot’s First Easter by Eric Hill, is a story of an exciting hunt for hidden treats. Following the story time, children will receive a snack, and decorate plastic eggs.
Remember, Family Fun Days are always FREE and feature different stories, snacks, and crafts at each event!
Address:
Westfield Brandon Mall
459 Brandon Town Center
Brandon, FL 33511
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Easter Egg Dying Family Night @ Chick-fil-A of Seminole Plaza
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Location: Chick-fil-A of Seminole Plaza
Cost: The activities are FREE, you pay only for your food
Info: (727) 398-0777; Chick-fil-A of Seminole Plaza Facebook Page
What’s Doing?
Enjoy supper with the family and dye some eggs for Easter.
Address:
Chick-fil-A of Seminole Plaza
10790 Park Boulevard
Seminole, FL 33772
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Chick-fil-A Easter Egg Hunt & Craft
Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Location: Chick-fil-A Westfield Citrus Park
Cost: The activities are FREE, you pay only for your food; Registration is required (sign up on the Chick-fil-A Westfield Citrus Park website; Click on the event in the calendar, then click the red RSVP button to the right of the event description to register)
Info: (813) 926-4888; View the Chick-fil-A Easter Egg Hunt flyer
What’s Doing?
Have the kids bring their Easter baskets and join in an Easter egg hunt in the Food Court followed by Easter crafts.
Address:
Chick-fil-A Westfield Citrus Park
8019 Citrus Park Town Center Drive
Tampa, FL 33625
Thanks to Karis H. from Chick-fil-A Westfield Citrus Park for sending us this information!
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Easter Picnic and Fun Day
Time: 2-3 p.m.
Date: Thursday, March 28, 2013
Location: Westfield Countryside Mall (1st level near JCPenney)
Cost: FREE
Info: (727) 796-1070; Westfield Countryside Mall Facebook Page
What’s Doing?
Hop in to Westfield Countryside for a special Easter-themed afternoon with the Easter Bunny. There will be:
- Snacks
- Crafts
- Entertainment
- Meet the Easter Bunny
… and more!
Address:
Westfield Countryside
27001 US Highway 19 North
Clearwater, FL 33761
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Crafts @ Your Library
Your public Library offers tons of fun, FREE family programs every month, many of which include crafts. Find out what activities you and your kids can enjoy by visiting your local library’s online program calendar. We’ve provided the links for you:
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
Visit the Hillsborough County Public Library online event calendar to see all the events planned at all HCPLC locations.
PASCO COUNTY
The Pasco County Library System’s online events calendar has a list of events happening at every library location in the county.
PINELLAS COUNTY
Visit the various Pinellas County Libraries online to find out what’s doing this month:
Pinellas County Library Cooperative: PPLC online events calendar
Clearwater Public Library System
Gulf Beaches Library
Oldsmar Public Library
St. Pete Beach Library
Dunedin Public Library
Gulfport Public Library
Largo Public Library
Palm Harbor Library
Safety Harbor Library
Seminole Community Library
East Lake Community Library
St. Petersburg Public Library System (From this link you can download a schedule that includes programs taking place at the Main Library, Johnson Branch, North Branch, South Branch and West Community Library)
Tarpon Springs Library
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RELATED LINKS:
1. Check the WDTB calendar to find more kid-friendly events taking place around Tampa Bay in December.
Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Time: 10-10:30 a.m.
NOTE: This is a hands-on class is for kids of all ages with their parents.
“Be Mine” Valentine’s Day Event
Time: 11-11:30 a.m.
Kids Workshop at Home Depot
If it’s your child’s first time at a Home Depot Kid’s Workshop, they will receive a FREE orange Home Depot apron to wear, keep and bring back each time they attend. Upon completing the project, they will receive an achievement pin to add to their apron and a certificate of completion. 
Lakeshore Learning Center
Special Valentine’s Day Craft Event
Time: 3 p.m. & 4 p.m.
