If your kids are anything like ours, they love to make crafts. And us Moms love FREE crafts — especially as Mother’s Day presents! There are so many opportunities for your kids to make FREE crafts this month. Just take a look at what’s going on!

** We will be adding to this list as we locate more FREE crafts for kids to make in May, so please check back. **

***************************************************************************************

Kids … Dillydally with Dali
Time: Weekdays, 10 a.m.-5:30 pm; Saturdays, 11:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Sundays, 12:30-4 p.m.
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: Website

What’s Doing?
Children can discover the creative world of Dali every day in the Education Classroom through stories, puzzles and activities that 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 fun games, puzzles and unique arts and crafts activities.

Address:
The Dali Museum
One Dali Boulevard
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Click here for more information on the museum.

******************************************************************************

Make Maracas for Cinco de Mayo … Plus Plinko!
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Location: Chick-fil-A at Seminole Plaza
Cost: FREE to attend; FREE kid’s Icedream with the purchase of a Kid’s Meal (plus FREE toppings at the Sundae Toppings Bar); Other food items available for purchase
Info: (727) 398-0777; Website

What’s Doing?
Get creative by creating and decorating your own set of maracas for Cinco de Mayo.
Plus, you can play Plinko to win Chick-fil-A food prizes!

Even Better! Chick-fil-A at Seminole Plaza always offers FREE Icedream for kids with the purchase of a kid’s meal so they can keep their toy. And the Sundae Toppings Bar offers a selection of FREE toppings to make that Icedream taste even better!

Address:
Chick-fil-A at Seminole Plaza
10790 Park Boulevard
Seminole, FL 33772

Mexican dancer and musician illustration is from Yum Sugar.

******************************************************************************

WFamily Fun Days
Time: 4-5:30 p.m.
Date: 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month
Location: Westfield Citrus Park Mall (Macy’s Court)
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) 926-4644; Facebook Event Page

What’s Doing?
Kids enjoy themed stories, a snack, crafts and more during this bi-monthly family event.

May Theme: “Get Up and Go!”
— Thursday, May 3: Stories include Silly Sally and I Love Mommy Because …, followed by a Mother’s Day craft.
— Thursday, May 17: This week’s stories include Is There Really a Human Race? and Duck on a Bike. Afterwards, kids will have the opportunity to decorate a mini backpack.

Even Better! Learn how Chick-fil-A makes their fresh-squeezed lemonade, and enjoy a sample. Plus Chick-fil-A will be providing the snack for this week’s event.

Address:
Westfield Citrus Park Mall
8021 Citrus Park Town Center
Tampa, FL 33625

***************************************************************************************

Michael’s In-Store Crafts
Time: See below
Date: See below
Location: Michael’s Stores
Cost: Some are FREE, while others require the purchase of an item
Info: Website

What’s Doing?
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a variety of crafts to give Mom. (NOTE: Not all Michael’s crafts are FREE. We’ve indicated where the purchase of an item is required for your child to participate in the craft.)

— Friday, May 4: Mother’s Day Frame (6-8 p.m) — Decorate a picture frame for Mother’s Day (Purchase of frame required, while supplies last; ages 3 and up)
— Saturday, May 5: Mother’s Day Butterfly Card (1-3 p.m.) Make Mom a special handmade card (FREE, while supplies last; ages 3 and up)
— Wednesday, May 9: Mother’s Day Mug (6-8 p.m.) Show Mom she’s #1 with a personalized mug for her morning coffee or tea (Purchase of mug required, while supplies last; ages 3 and up)
— Friday, May 11: Mother’s Day Flower Clip (6-8 p.m.) Let your creativity bloom this Mother’s Day (Purchase of flower clip required, while supplies last; ages 3 and up)
— Saturday, May 12: Mother’s Day Apron & T-shirt (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) Make Mom something special to wear (Purchase of apron or T-shirt required, while supplies last; ages 3 and up)
— Saturday, May 12: Mother’s Day Button (12-2 p.m.) Create a fun keepsake for Mom (FREE, while supplies last; ages 3 and up)

Don’t forget to get your Knack Club Card so you can redeem it for prizes. If you don’t have a Knack Club card, you can get one from the service desk or download and print it from this page.

Address:
Locate a Michael’s store near you.

***************************************************************************************

Kids Workshop at Home Depot
Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Date: Every 1st Saturday of the month
Location: Home Depot Stores
Cost: FREE
Info: 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, so they will not look like the picture until you add your own paint. Some Home Depot stores are offering paint at the location to paint your project on the spot. Paint is optional.)

— Saturday, May 5: Build a Planter Box

Address:
Locate a Home Depot store near you.

***************************************************************************************

Saturdays @ the Morean
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Date: Every Saturday
Location: Morean Arts Center
Cost: FREE
Info: Website

What’s Doing?
Each Saturday, the Morean Arts Center will have FREE art experiences specially geared for families with children ages 5–10. The center will be open for FREE art exploration with open art stations and take-home projects with instructors on hand to assist. The projects are held in the Bank of America Children’s Learning Center.

Address:
Morean Arts Center
719 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Click here for more information on the center.

***************************************************************************************

The Art Spot
Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Date: Every Saturday
Location: Tampa Museum of Art
Cost: Admission to the activity is FREE; Regular admission costs apply to view the galleries (NO registration required)
Info: Website

What’s Doing?
Every Saturday the Museum is offering a drop-in art program where you can let your children explore their creativity. The activity takes place in the Golding-Scher classroom. The art projects are self-guided, and the gallery-related monthly themes offer a different art activity each week.
— Saturday, May 5: Let’s collage our families
— Saturday, May 12: Paint a tiny terracotta planter
— Saturday, May 19: Design a new style of chair
— Saturday, May 26: Recycled sculptures

** 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

Click here for more information on the museum.

***************************************************************************************

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; Website

What’s Doing?
Every Saturday, Lakeshore Learning Store has FREE crafts for kids to make that go along with the month or season. Here’s what’s planned for May:

— Saturday, May 5: “Thank You” bouquet card
— Saturday, May 12: Hand print keepsake
— Saturday, May 19: Rainbow-colored creatures
— Saturday, May 26: Patriotic wand

Address:
Lakeshore Learning Store
4501 West Kennedy Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33609

***************************************************************************************

Krafts For Kidz 2012 at LaFrance
Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Date: Every Saturday
Location: LaFrance (outside the store)
Cost: FREE
Info: (813) 248-1381

What’s Doing?
Every Saturday morning, kids of all ages can stop, create, and recycle something in keeping with the theme of the week. The crafts take place outside the store. Be sure to stop by and pick up a bookmark with the craft themes for May.

Address:
LaFrance
1612 East 7th Avenue
Ybor City, FL 33605

***************************************************************************************

Make a Mother’s Day Gift for Mom
Time: 4-5 p.m.
Date: Saturday, May 5, 2012
Location: Chick-fil-A at Seminole Plaza
Cost: FREE to attend; Food items available for purchase
Info: (727) 398-0777; Website

What’s Doing?
Dad … give Mom some time to herself and bring the kids to decorate an oven mitt and make her a beautiful, giant Mother’s Day card!
(Supplies are limited.)

Address:
Chick-fil-A at Seminole Plaza
10790 Park Boulevard
Seminole, FL 33772

Apple with a Heart: Image: Clare Bloomfield / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Gift Box: Image: Master isolated images / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

***************************************************************************************

Lowe’s Build and Grow
Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Date: Every other Saturday
Location: All Lowe’s Stores
Cost: FREE, but registration is required
Info: Website

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, keep and bring back for each time they attend. Upon completing the project, the child participating will receive a certificate and 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 the masterpiece!

—Saturday, May 12: Picture frame planter
—Saturday, May 26: Ice cream truck

Address:
Locate a Lowe’s store near you.

***************************************************************************************

Glazer Children’s Museum Mother’s Day Weekend
Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sat.) & 1-6 p.m. (Sun.)
Date: Saturday, May 12, 2012 & Sunday, May 13, 2012
Location: Glazer Children’s Museum
Cost: FREE for Museum members, or included with regular admission
Info: Website

What’s Doing?
Glazer Children’s Museum is turning the Greenberg Traurig Art Lab into a Mother’s Day art studio, where kids — no Moms allowed! — can make Mom a special gift and they’ll bag it so kids can keep it a surprise.

Address:
Glazer Children’s Museum
110 West Gasparilla Plaza
Tampa, FL 33602

DOWNTOWN TAMPA DETOUR: Effective Monday, May 7 Ashley Drive will be closed at Cass Street for railroad crossing repairs. This will impact access the Poe Parking Garage for on the upward of 3 weeks. Click here for details on how to access the Poe Parking Garage with this detour in effect.

***************************************************************************************

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store Mother’s Day Make-It Take-It
Time: 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Date: Saturday, May 12, 2012
Location: All Jo-Ann Fabric Stores
Cost: FREE
Info: Information found in online flyer; Facebook Event Page

What’s Doing?
Kids will enjoy making a cupcake-shaped magnet using Crayola Model Magic. Just in time to give to someone special for Mother’s Day.

Address:
Locate a store near you.

***************************************************************************************

WFamily Fun Days
Time: 4-5 p.m.
Date: Thursday, May 17, 2012
Location: Westfield Brandon Mall
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; Facebook Page

What’s Doing?
Family Fun Days are always FREE and feature a different story, snack and craft at each event. Join Westfield Family this month at Ryuu Japanese Steakhouse. Kids and parents will enjoy listening to the story Silly Sally by Audrey Woods, after which children will decorate a Mother’s Day votive cup and Ryuu Japanese Steakhouse will do a Hibachi Grill Demonstration.

Address:
Westfield Brandon Mall
459 Brandon Town Center
Brandon, FL 33511

***************************************************************************************

IKEA Tampa Kids’ Academy
Time: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Date: Monday, May 28, 2012
Location: IKEA Tampa
Cost: FREE
Info: Website

What’s Doing?
When school is out, bring the kids to IKEA Tampa for IKEA Tampa Kids’ Academy! Each Academy event offers FREE activities and FREE kid’s meals. The activity, which takes place on the 1st floor by the checkout lines, lasts about 20 minutes and repeats throughout the day. First timers will receive a FREE IKEA Tampa Kids’ Academy T-shirt to wear whenever they attend an IKEA Tampa Kids’ Academy event. Kids can eat for FREE throughout the day in the restaurant, where popular children’s films can be enjoyed in the kids dining area. Oh, and don’t forget about Smäland, where kids can play while adults enjoy some shopping time!

NOTE: The activity, FREE kid’s meal and T-shirt are for kids age 12 and younger only. Also, if the activity is filled, you need to wait for the next activity time.

— Monday, May 28, 2012: Make a flag for your special Memorial Day celebration.

Address:
IKEA Tampa
1103 North 22nd Street
Tampa, FL 33605

***************************************************************************************

Your public Library offers FREE craft events and activities for kids and families, too!

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM CRAFT EVENTS
Below are some highlights of events being offered around Hillsborough County in April. Be sure to visit the Hillsborough County Public Library online event calendar to see all the events planned for this month!

~~~ Wednesday, May 2, 9, 16 & 23 2012 ~~~

Afterschool Art and More (3:30-4 p.m.; Temple Terrace Public Library)
Bring the kids for 30 minutes of coloring, drawing and more, as well as reading activities. This program is for children age 6-12.

~~~ Friday, May 4, 2012 ~~~

Muffins With Mom (10-11:30 a.m.; Bloomingdale Regional Public Library)
Children are invited to enjoy a special morning with their Moms, sharing stories and making a craft.

~~~ Saturday, May 5, 2012 ~~~

Cartooning (10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Bloomingdale Regional Public Library)
Leah of Leah’s Cartooning will teach teens and adults tips and tricks of cartooning. Even Better! Following the class, in honor of Free Comic Book Day, comic books will be given away from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (first come, first served) or while supplies last. There is a limit of two comic books per person. (NOTE: The Cartooning class is limited to 50 participants. Participants must pick up a ticket at the Ask Me Kiosk after 10 a.m.)

~~~ Monday, May 7, 2012 ~~~

Crafternoon (3-4 p.m.; SouthShore Regional Library)
Join the Children’s Librarian and create colorful and fun take home crafts. For children in grades K-5th. Registration is required; Register at the Reference Desk or by calling (813) 273-3652.

~~~ Monday, May 7 & 21, 2012 ~~~

Crafterschool (3:30-4:30 p.m.; Town ‘N Country Regional Public Library)
Have fun with some crafts.

~~~ Monday, May 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2012 ~~~

Wee Artists (11:30-11:50 a.m.; Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library)
Arts and crafts for preschoolers and their caregivers, featuring projects just right for little hands; (limit of 25 participants; for children age 3-5 year)

~~~ Wednesday, May 9, 16, & 23, 2012 ~~~

Art After School (4-5 p.m.; Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library)
Art After School is a time for kids age 6-10 (along with their parent or caregiver) to express themselves through visual arts. There is something for everyone to take home. NOTE: This program is limited to 25 participants.

~~~ Friday, May 11 & 25, 2012 ~~~

Crafternoon (3:30-4:30 p.m.; Norma and Joseph Robinson Partnership Library @ Sulphur Springs)
Kids are invited to stop by the Library for some crafting fun.

~~~ Saturday, May 12, 2012 ~~~

Crafternoon (2 p.m.; John F. Germany Public Library)
Bring the kids by to make a Mother’s Day craft.

Crafty Cartouche (3-4 p.m.; C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library)
Kids age 8-12 are invited to create their name out of hieroglyphics using Microsoft Publisher.

~~~ Monday, May 14, 2012 ~~~

Pee Wee Artists Let’s Create (10:30-11 a.m.; SouthShore Regional Library)
Pee wee artists age 3-5 are invited to enjoy a morning creating an art project along with a parent or caregiver. This class is limited to 15 participants, and registration required. Register at the SouthShore Regional Library Information Desk or by calling (813)273-3652.

Creative Artists Let’s Create (3-4 p.m.; SouthShore Regional Library)
Artists age 7-10 will enjoy creating an art with an art instructor. This class is limited to 20 participants, and registration required. Register at the SouthShore Regional Library Information Desk or by calling (813)273-3652.

~~~ Saturday, May 19, 2012 ~~~

Wee Artists Let’s Create (10:30-11 a.m.; SouthShore Regional Library)
Wee artists age 3-6 will make an art project with art instructor Minnette Webster. Student’s will create a project to take home and do a group project for display in the library. NOTE: An adult must be present during the class, which is limited to 15 participants with registration required. Register at the SouthShore Regional Library Information Desk or by calling (813)273-3652.

Creative Artists Let’s Create (3-4 p.m.; SouthShore Regional Library)
Art instructor Minette Webster will work with artists age 7-10 on a take-home project and a group project for display in the Library. NOTE: This class is limited to 20 participants, and registration required. Register at the SouthShore Regional Library Information Desk or by calling (813)273-3652.

***************************************************************************************

PASCO COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM CRAFT EVENTS
Visit the various Pasco County Libraries online to find out what’s going on in April. The online events calendar has a list of events happening at each library. Here are some highlights of events that include crafts:

~~~ Saturday, May 5, 19, & 26, 2012 ~~~

Prodigy Art Program (10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Land O’Lakes Branch Library)
Teens and elementary school-age children are given FREE art lessons.

~~~ Saturday, May 12, 2012 ~~~

Children’s Craft Corner (2-3 p.m.; New River Branch Library)
Children in grades K-5th are welcome to stop by to make Mother’s Day crafts.

Mother’s Day Tea Party (2-3:30 p.m.; Land O’Lakes Branch Library)
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a tea party! There will be tea, snacks, crafts and games.

ROAR! Papersaurs! (2-3 p.m.; South Holiday Branch Library)
Make a variety of paper dinosaurs, and create a prehistoric park. This program is for kids in grades 4th-7th.

~~~ Tuesday, May 15, 2012 ~~~

Family Night Out: “Teddy Bear Picnic!” (6:30-7:30 p.m.; Land O’Lakes Branch Library)
Every 3rd Tuesday of the month is Family Night Out. This month’s theme: “Teddy Bear Picnic.” Kids and their families will enjoy stories, crafts and games.

~~~ Saturday, May 19, 2012 ~~~

Dino-Mite Crafts (2-3 p.m.; South Holiday Branch Library)
An hour of dinosaur-themed crafts and fun for kids in grades K-5th.

Ms. Cindy’s Craft Corner! (2-3:30 p.m.; Hudson Regional Library)
Celebrate spring … make cupcake cup flowers and ladybugs!

~~~ Tuesday, May 22, 2012 ~~~

Teen Spring Program: Manga Drawing Workshop (5-7 p.m.; Centennial Park Library)
Teens can freshen up or learn new Anime/Manga drawing skills with a real Manga Artist.

***************************************************************************************

PINELLAS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM CRAFT EVENTS
Visit the various Pinellas County Libraries online to find out what’s going on in April. The online events calendar has a list of events happening at each library. Here are some highlights of events that include crafts:

~~~ Tuesday, May 1, 2012 ~~~

Flowery Frames! (3:30-4 p.m.; Safety Harbor Public Library)
Celebrate May Day … make a flowery picture frame.

~~~ Wednesday, May 2 & 9, 2012 ~~~

Family Story Time (10:30-11:30 a.m.; East Library)
Toddlers and Preschoolers will enjoy the stories, songs, movie and craft, along with their parent or caregiver.

~~~ Saturday, May 5, 2012 ~~~

Superhero Book Bash (10:30 a.m.; St. Petersburg Main Library)
Make crafts, play games, win prizes … save the world! Costumes are encouraged.

Laura Numeroff Book Bash “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” (10:30-11:30 a.m.; Safety Harbor Public Library)
Participate in games, prizes, story time, puppet show, snacks and crafts celebrating Laura Numeroff’s popular books. Children 12 and under welcome.

~~~ Saturday, May 12 & 26, 2012 ~~~

Family Bilingual Story Time (12-1 p.m.; East Library)
The whole family will enjoy the fun of sharing stories in English and Spanish while making some themed crafts. Bilingual story time will be offered in the kid’s area of the library.

~~~ Sunday, May 20, 2012 ~~~

Stellar Storytellers (2-2:45 p.m.; Clearwater Public Libraries Main Library)
Stories, songs and crafts center around this month’s children’s author Denise Fleming.

**********************************************************************************

Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net