If your kids are anything like ours, they love to make crafts. And us Moms love FREE crafts! Well, there are so many opportunities for your kids to make FREE crafts all over town, it will keep you all hoppin’. Just take a look at what’s going on!

Because we will be adding to this list throughout the month, please remember to check back often.

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Halloween FREE Make-it Take-it Event
Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Date: Saturday, October 15, 2011
Location: All Joann Fabric and Craft Stores
Cost: FREE
Info: We found this information in the Joann Fabric and Craft Stores shopper in October 9, 2011 edition of your newspaper

What’s Doing?
Joann’s is hosting a Halloween Make-it Take-it at all of it’s stores.

Address:
Find a Joann Fabric and Craft Store near you.

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Halloween Fun at Learning Express at Westchase
Time: 2-3 p.m. both days
Date: Saturday, October 8, 2011 & Sunday, October 9, 2011
Location: Learning Express at Westchase
Cost: FREE
Info: (813) 818-TOYS (8697); Website

What’s Doing?
Are you planning on doing a little shopping this weekend? Stop by Learning Express at Westchase and let the kids make a lollipop ghost!

Address:
Learning Express at Westchase
12950 Race Track Road
Tampa, Florida 33626

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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

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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: Ongoing
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 & crafts activities.

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

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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 offers 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.

** Participants enter the classroom from the exterior entrance until the museum is open. **

Address:
Tampa Museum of Art
120 W. Gasparilla Plaza
Tampa, FL 33602

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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; Website

What’s Doing?
Every Saturday, Lakeshore Learning Store has FREE crafts for kids to make. Here’s what’s planned for October:

— Saturday, October 1: Hang Around Spider — Children create a long-legged fun spider that dangles from a “spider web” just like the real thing!
— Saturday, October 8: My Art Portfolio — Kids create a special place for all their art work–a portable portfolio to keeps projects safe!
— Saturday, October 15: Eye-spy Binoculars — Fun is in sight as kids make and decorate their own play binoculars!
— Saturday, October 22: Masquerade Mask — Kids gear up for Halloween — with an eye-popping mask they make themselves!
— Saturday, October 29: Batty Buddy — Children make and decorate a fun, life-size bat to hang on Halloween!

Even Better! October 8 also features a special Kids’ Career Day event from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. with career-themed crafts and activities.

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

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KRAFTS FOR KIDZ 2011 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 October.

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

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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 acheivement 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.)

— Saturday, October 1
This Fire Rescue Helicopter is ready to help out where help is needed. Watch your children fly it through the air and land safely. This cool project can be added to any rescue team.

Address:
Locate a Home Depot store near you.

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LOWE’S BUILD AND GROW
Time: 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
Date: Every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month
Location: All Lowe’s Stores
Cost: FREE
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 and keep for each time they attend. Upon completing the project, the child participating will receive a certificate and embroidered patch to add to their apron.

— Saturday, October 8
Your kids will love building this Halloween Monster Machine and creating lots of funny monster combinations afterwards! It’s the perfect accessory to any fun mad scientist lab. Then after Halloween is over, it can be safely stored until next year.

— Saturday, October 22
This kit is awesome! This “Monster” truck includes a flashing light and glow in the dark stickers!

Address:
Locate a Lowe’s Store near you.

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Family Fun At IKEA Tampa!
Time: Starts at 11 a.m.
Date: Friday, October 21, 2011
Location: IKEA Tampa
Cost: FREE
Info: (813) 623-5454 ext. 1208; Website

What’s Doing?
When school is out, get in on the fun at the IKEA Tampa Kids’ Academy! Featuring FREE activities, a FREE meal and a FREE IKEA Tampa Kids’ Academy t-shirt for kids under 12 years old who attend*. Activities last 20 minutes and start at 11 a.m., then repeat at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m.

— Friday, October 21: Keep your school supplies organized by personalizing a GLIS box.

* Meal, activity and t-shirt offer valid for children under 12 years old, while supplies last. No adult purchase necessary. Choose from 3 combo meals. One meal per child; dine-in only from 11:00am to 8:00pm. One t-shirt per child, per 12 month period. Child must be present to get t-shirt.

Address:
Ikea Tampa
1103 N. 22nd Street
Tampa, FL 33605

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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?
Michael’s Crafts stores are offering lots of fun activities for the month of October.

— Saturday, October 8, 2011: The Crazy Pumpkin Event (1-3 p.m.) Design an extreme craft pumpkin. Make-It Take-It with purchase of pumpkin. Ages 3 and up. While supplies last. This event is hosted by The Knack.

— Sunday, October 9, 2011: Paper Bat Event (1-3 p.m.) Go batty this All Hallows’ Eve. FREE Make-It Take-It. Ages 3 and up. While supplies last. This event is hosted by The Knack.

— Saturday, October 22, 2011: Halloween T-Shirt Event (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) Make a fun scary spider T-shirt. Make-It Take-It with purchase of shirt. Ages 3 and up. While supplies last. This event is hosted by The Knack.

— Tuesday, October 25, 2011: Paper Pumpkin Event (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) Grace your home with ghoulish decor. FREE Make-It Take-It. Ages 3 and up. While supplies last. This event is hosted by The Knack.

— Wednesday, October 26, 2011: Halloween Visor Event (6-8 p.m.) Create a crafty visor for Halloween fun. Make-It Take-It with purchase of visor. Ages 3 and up. While supplies last. This event is hosted by The Knack.

— Thursday, October 27, 2011: Halloween Mask Event (6-8 p.m.)
Make your own masquerade mask. Make-It Take-It with purchase of mask. Ages 3 and up. While supplies last. This event is hosted by The Knack.

— Friday, October 28, 2011: Halloween Clay Pot Event (6-8 p.m.) Design your own adorable clay pot creations. Make-It Take-It with purchase of clay pot (3″ clay pot only $0.50). Ages 3 and up. While supplies last. This event is hosted by The Knack.

— Saturday, October 29, 2011: Halloween Extravaganza Event! (11 a.m.-2 p.m.)
Join the Costume Parade, create trick-or-treat Duck Tape totes or pails and get kids faces painted. Schedule as follows:
— Duck Tape Pail or Tote: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. featuring Make-It Take-It with purchase of pail or tote, while supplies last.
— FREE Face Painting: 12-1:30 p.m.
— Halloween Parade: 1:30-2 p.m.

— Sunday, October 30, 2011: Halloween Crayola® Pumpkin Patch Event (1-3 p.m.) Celebrate Crayola® style. FREE Make-It Take-It. Ages 3 and up. While supplies last.

Address:
Locate a Michael’s store near you.

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WFamily Fun Days
Time: 4 p.m.
Date: 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month
Location: Westfield Brandon (Playspace) & Westfield Citrus Park (Macy’s Court)
Cost: FREE; Activities are FREE for our Westfield Family members. Not a member? Visit the Mall Information Kiosk to get your FREE membership card.
Info: Brandon Shopping Mall Website; Citrus Park Mall Website

What’s Doing?
Bring the kids for FREE activities on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, and enjoy stories, snacks, crafts and more.

October’s theme: Music Makes Me Dance.

— Thursday, October 6: Join us as we read Gwendolyn the Graceful Pig and Charlie Parker Played Be Bop. Kids will be treated to a few Charlie Parker tunes, a healthy snack, and each kid will design their own guitar to take home.

— Thursday, October 20: Let’s continue the celebration of music as we read Ella Sets the Stage and The Maestro Plays. Kids will create their own instruments (rain sticks and tambourines), and enjoy a healthy snack.

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

Westfield Citrus Park
8021 Citrus Park Town Center
Tampa FL 33625

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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 October. Be sure to visit the Hillsborough County Public Library online event calendar to see all the events planned for this month!

~~~ Saturday, October 1, 2011 ~~~

Big Picture Party (10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; SouthShore Regional Library)
Celebrate illustrations! Participate in a drawing lesson! Join us for this special program where each family member will illustrate and make their own book. This family program is part of the Big Draw-Ruskin program and is funded by the Friends of the SouthShore Regional Library. For grades K-3rd. Registration is required. Please ask at the information desk or call 273-3652.

Mad Hatter Tea Party (2-3 p.m.; John F. Germany Public Library)
Come and celebrate your UN-birthday at the library in Mad Hatter style! Sip tea and munch on cookies while we play games, decorate hats, and read a story or two.

~~~ Monday, October 3 & 17, 2011 ~~~

Pee Wee Artists Let’s Create! (10:30-11:15 a.m.; SouthShore Regional Library)
Pee Wee Artists 3-5 years will have a fun morning creating art with our art instructor. Adult must be present. Limit 15. Registration required at SouthShore Regional Library or by phone 273-3652.

~~~ Monday, October 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 2011 ~~~

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. Funded by the Friends of the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library. Limit of 25. For ages 3-5 years.

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

~~~ Saturday, October 15, 2011 ~~~

Children’s Craft Corner (2-4 p.m.; New River Branch Location)
Make a cool craft and bring it home! This program is for grades k – 5 and is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Creepy Critters and Candy Corn! (2-3:30 p.m.; South Holiday Branch Location)
It’s That Time of Year for Spooky Fun! Come and Create Some Creepy Critter Crafts. For Grades K – 5.

Kid’s Craft Corner!! (2-3:30 p.m.; Hudson Branch Location)
Join Ms. Cindy at 2pm to make a Spooky Pumpkin Patch & Vampire Lollipops!!

Kids Crafts (2-3:30 p.m.; Land O’Lakes Branch Location)
Join us for a holiday or seasonal themed craft for the whole family. Sponsored by the Friends of the Land O’ Lakes Library.

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

~~~ Wednesday, October 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2011 ~~~

Bright Minds Preschool Storytime (10:30-11:45 a.m.; Clearwater Main Library)
(Ages 3-6)Children and caregivers will enjoy participating in age appropriate literacy activities including stories, songs, and a craft. Younger siblings welcome.

~~~ Friday, October 14, 2011 ~~~

Halloween Crafts with Miss Connie (2-3 p.m.; Clearwater Main Library)
(Grades K and up) Children will create fun crafts for Halloween.

Preschool Halloween Crafts (2-3 p.m.; Clearwater Main Library)
Preschoolers will have fun creating simple Halloween Crafts.

~~~ Thursday, October 27, 2011 ~~~

Halloween Arts/Crafts & Storytime (6 p.m.; Clearwater Beach Library)
Make fun Halloween arts and crafts, and enjoy a Storytime Program as well. For children 7 years old and younger.

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