We frequently participate in the Home Depot workshops for kids. In colder weather especially, these free monthly events provide outlets for hands-on craft activities that allow our kids to get some fine motor practice done in a casual setting, with a finished project to bring home at the end of each session.
Workshops tend to begin at 9 a.m., and we usually show up around the beginning of sessions when they are less crowded. Advance registration is available, but may not be technically required at all locations. We always bring headphones for our children, who tend to be sensitive to sound, although they don’t always need them. It depends on the amount of hammering going on at once.
Wood crafts are usually on the menu, along with painting, and decorating with stickers. We have made little houses, ornaments, banks… lots of cute keepsakes. All materials are provided, including aprons to keep and snacks for during or after project time. Our kids like to spread out on the floor to make their projects, and this has always been fine with the staff. Depending on the craft, we adjust how much assistance to provide. The directions are always clear, and they have a lot of fun putting together the projects.
A special bonus is that around the holidays, our local store brings Santa in to visit. This has been a very low key way for our kids to visit with Santa for the last two seasons; mall photos would not be feasible, and sensory-friendly photo slots often fill up quickly.
We rarely miss a kids’ workshop. These have been excellent opportunities for our kids to work on OT while doing something creative, and in the cooler months, it is a nice break from the same indoor activities that we tend to repeat on weekends.
Shoreline Special Parents 