If your kids are starting to whisper about being bored this summer, Michaels’ free craft sessions — with in-person, take-home, and live guided sessions — could just be the boredom-busting solution you’re looking for.
My kids and I all love going to Michaels, honestly, sometimes even when we don’t need anything, because it’s so fun just to browse. We never fail to get inspired by the creativity on display. And it’s that very creativity that kids love that led Michaels to introduce Camp Creatology and Safari Saturdays.
The two summer craft “camp” offerings from Michaels are in-store, virtual, and at-home program options that keep kids busy — and help exhausted parents survive the rest of the summer. All of the craft “camps” are totally free, and the in-store sessions even include free supplies.
Here’s the scoop on Michaels’ free summer crafts:
Camp Creatology
Camp Creatology runs weekly and offers a free on-demand or live, guided craft class that kids can use to follow along to create the craft of the week. The craft supplies can be purchased ahead of time, or kids can improvise with art supplies they have on hand.
Safari Saturdays
Safari Saturdays, on the other hand, are free in-store programs occurring every Saturday in July from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at local Michaels. You can see a full list of the stores running Safari Saturdays and search for stores near your location.
All of the supplies for Safari Saturdays are free, and no registration is required. Parents or caregivers can just pop into the store and have fun crafting together.
Both Michaels’ crafting options sound like the answer all tired parents are looking for (not that I’m speaking for myself here or anything…).
If you’re curious about some of the upcoming crafts that Michaels will be featuring through Camp Creatology, you can take a look at some weekly crafts, along with some other suggestions for at-home boredom busting from Michaels.
Camp Creatology: Textured Paper Art - July 15
Price may vary
from
This Michaels’ free craft class centers on textured paper art on canvases. You can pick up the exact supplies Michaels recommends for this craft (oh, and btw, the craft is meant for ages 6 years and up), or use some simple supplies at home.
To create the textured art, Michaels suggests using:
- Paint
- Small canvases
- Tissue paper (cut into rectangles or squares)
- Glue
- Pipe cleaners (optional)
Camp Creatology: Woven Clay Lion - July 17
Taking place July 17, from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. ET, kids 6 and up can follow along for a live 60-minute class to create this majestic woven clay lion. The lion’s face is made out of clay, while the mane features woven yarn.
The link will take you to registration and a full supply list. Recommended supplies include:
- Cotton yarn
- Modeling clay
- Acrylic paint
Camp Creatology: Leopard Pinata - July 18
Round out a crafty week by putting together a real piñata in the cutest leopard-print design. I was honestly shocked to see how simple the supply list for this piñata is too. All it takes is three supplies:
- Glue
- A pair of scissors
- Tissue paper squares
Terra Cotta Clay Pot - On-Demand
If your kids aren’t able to make any of the live camp Creatology classes, not to worry! All of the classes are available on-demand for free!
Each class features the full video (most are between 20 to 60 minutes long) and a supply list so you can set them up to craft and create on their own time. I love this Terra Cotta clay pot that features fun and friendly safari animal faces and designs. Who knew snakes could be so cute?
Camp Creatology: Paper Bead Bracelets - On-Demand
I’m also loving this paper bead bracelet craft kit, because I know my kids would absolutely love it.
And as a bonus, once you buy the supplies that include brightly colored cords for the bracelets and fun alphabet beads, they can be reused for even more bracelet making.
Summer Scratch Art Craft Kit by Creatology™
$4.99
from
If you’re looking for more of an all-in-one craft solution for your kids, Michaels also has a ton of summer craft kits on clearance right now, like this easy-to-follow summer scratch art craft kit.
You can stop into your local Michaels store or shop online. Pro tip: Throw some supplies in your cart to get free shipping for orders over $49!
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, Mom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
