Free Things For Kids to do While You Shop

by Jeni Wilson (subscribe)

Of course we all love to take our kids shopping… right? But if yours are anything like mine, they don't always want to go. This is especially true when you just need that extra can of paint or the special you just have to have. The shopping expedition can be sweetened enormously if there's something in it for them. Many shopping centres and large chains now offer fun and free activities for kids. I have listed a few that are bound to make kids and their parents happy.



IKEA
Have a big indoor adventure playground including rope swings, ball pit and other activities. The facility is very safe and secure with sign in and out book. Parents are given one hour to shop without their children and take an electronic beeper in case of emergencies.

From time to time they also offer activities such as painting a pot, making a trinket box, creating a puppet or mask.

The following in-store activities state on their websites that they require adult supervision but this is not always required on the day.

Bunnings
Free DIY workshops for children over 5 years old. Children can be a little builder/artist themselves when they learn how to make creative products like toolboxes, mosaics, decorated bags and planter boxes. Bunnings runs DIY workshops for children very Saturday and Sunday. Contact your nearest store for details.



Masters
All tools and materials and a Masters Builder expert will assist children (between 5 -10 years) to complete their own construction to take home. The free one-hour DIY workshops include projects such as make a monster truck, castle or train. Each child will also receive a merit certificate.

These workshops are held in school holidays the first weekend in every month. Advance bookings ahead and registration is required.

Shopping Centres
Westfield and many other shopping centres hold their own free programs. Craft activities and free entertainment are commonplace. Often the programs are linked to current popular movies in holidays.

To punctuate the shopping expedition so everyone can have a break, shopping Centres also have play equipment. Grab a coffee and let the kids run off some energy while you prepare to finalise the shopping list.

You can register for email notification of school holiday events.

Even if you don't have to go shopping, consider the free events available. It saves you sourcing and setting up all the tools and materials. Have fun!

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Why? So you can shop while kids play and learn