Stores are not just for shopping! There are many retail establishments that offer free and cheap kids’ workshops and classes in the Nashville area. Some have fees but most are free.
2021 is a year like no other, but there are still options for fun workshops and classes. The fun has just moved online.
There are some places that you can just come join in the fun and others that you need to sign up in advance. I’m sure there is something close to your house to keep your family busy this weekend!
Arts and Crafts
Michaels
- Various classes available for both kids and adults. These classes are offered all online via Zoom so far in 2021, but we are hopeful that in person classes will return soon.
- Kids Club – These used to be offered on Saturdays in person, but for now, Kids Club projects are available online. There are classes now on other days of the week. Check out the schedule for more details including how to sign up.
- Fun Events – Typically Free, but depending on the project may need to purchase supplies. For the moment, these are all virtual classes.
- Offered at all 4 Michaels locations – Madison (Map), Nashville -100 Oaks Mall (Map), Murfreesboro (Map), and Cool Springs (Map).
Hobby Lobby
Classes in sewing, art and more available. Learn how to create a project with detailed instructions and videos online. In person classes have not returned yet, but keep an eye out for that to change.
- Franklin (Map) – Event Calendar
- Hermitage (Map) – Event Calendar
- Hendersonville (Map) – Event Calendar
- Madison (Map) – Event Calendar
- Murfreesboro (Map) – Event Calendar
- Mt Juliet (Map) – Event Calendar
- Smyrna (Map) – Event Calendar
- Clarksville (Map) – Event Calendar
Joann Fabrics
Sign up in advance for a series of classes to learn to sew, craft and cake decorate just for kids and teens. At the moment, all classes are available online. Some classes are free, and others are $10 to sign up, and then you get $10 to spend in the store to buy supplies for the class.
- Mt Juliet
- Madison
- Cool Springs
- Murfreesboro
Home Depot
- offers workshops for kids, Moms and do it your-selfers – now all online!
- DIY workshops, Kids Workshops, and help for homeowners is available for free. Start with the list of workshops and then see the schedule for your local store. Once you find one you are interested in, just sign up and attend from the comfort of your home.
Lowe’s Build and Grow
Lowe’s Build and Grow workshops are back in select areas and we are lucky that it includes Nashville! Workshops are held monthly and you need to sign up in advance to reserve a spot for your little builder. Click here to get all the details and register
Pottery Barn Kids in The Mall at Green Hills
- Prior to Covid, there were weekly FREE story times and craft activities. The in person meet ups have not started yet, but keep an eye on the store information page, where updates will be announced.
Toys and Fun
Disney Store
- Various activities, crafts and story times through the year, currently hosted online.
- Event Calendar – Opry Mills is an outlet store and doesn’t host all the advertised events. Be sure to call before you go and confirm the activity is happening at the Nashville store.
- Cost: FREE
- Location: Opry Mills Mall (Map)
Lego Store
- Events Calendar
- Cost: Varies
- Opry Mills Mall (Map)
Cooking
Williams-Sonoma
Take cooking classes. There were 3 programs offered – the Jr Chef Program geared at kids. the Cookbook club, and Technique classes for adults and teens. For the moment, all classes are virtual. Check out the full schedule for details and how to register.
Geared for the Outdoors
Bass Pro Shop
- Lots of family events and workshops through the year including Santa, Easter, Labor Day, Halloween and other seasonal events.
- Look at the Events and Workshop listing on the website or check the Bass Pro Facebook page
- Cost: Varies (lots of FREE options)
- Location: Opry Mills Mall (Map)
Computers, Books, and More
Apple
- Typically, Apple stores offer a variety of kids’ programs including camps over the summer – all FREE – but all classes have been paused. Keep an eye on that and see if it changes. You can check out the class schedule HERE
- Green Hills
- Cool Springs
Barnes & Noble
- The book store offers virtual story times, Author visits and more.
- Cool Springs – Event Calendar
- Hendersonville – Event Calendar
Nashville Library
- In addition to story times, the library offers workshops, classes, performances and more. Check out the calendar HERE.
Nashville Community Education
- classes are available throughout Nashville. Ranging from ballroom dancing to learning Spanish to making Sushi, most are geared toward adults but call to see if older teens can attend the class you are interested in. Click here for the full schedule.
(Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. A small percentage of your purchase will help fund Nashville Fun for Families so we can bring you more family fun ideas of things to do in Middle Tennessee.)
