Free September 2026 Events: Kids Crafts, LEGO Builds, Museums & More

Pick a Project: Free Kids Crafts and Builds

These events give kids something more interesting to do than simply walk around a store, and most send them home with a project they made themselves.

• September 5: The Home Depot Kids Workshop runs from 9 AM to noon, with children building a School Bus Organizer at participating stores. Later that day, Target’s Mondo Llama event offers a free product demo and hands-on crafting activity from noon to 4 PM at most locations.
• September 6: LEGO fans ages 6 and up can build a free LEGO Micro Castle from noon to 2 PM and take it home. Models are limited to one per guest and distributed first come, first served at participating LEGO Stores.
• September 12: Choose from three different projects. Register for the Lowe’s Haunted House Workshop at 10 AM, visit Michaels Kids Club from 10 AM to noon for quilted foam art, or stop at JCPenney Kids Zone from 11 AM to noon to make a cabin picture frame. JCPenney also gives kids a badge, lanyard and collector’s pin, plus a 10% off coupon for parents.
• September 26: Select stores are hosting a Pottery Barn Kids Fall Craft Event at 10 AM. The activity is free, but an RSVP is required and space is limited.
• Flexible dates: Families with children ages 2-5 can reserve a place in a monthly LEGO Little Builder Class. Each free session combines simple building activities with hands-on learning and requires a supervising adult.

Come Home With Something: Samples and Giveaways

September also brings beauty samples, pet-food tastings, collector events and a few giveaways worth arriving early for.

• September 12: Visit a participating Target from noon to 4 PM to try Eucerin Radiant Tone skincare. Samples of the Dual Serum and Eye Cream are available while supplies last.
• September 12: Tractor Supply’s Harvest Fest runs from 10 AM to 2 PM with local makers, bakers and farmers. The first 20 shoppers at participating stores can receive a free FFA-designed harvest bag.
• September 12-27: Petco is holding three consecutive Meow Market weekends from 2-4 PM. Cats can sample Boxie, Blue Buffalo and Tiki Cat on September 12-13, Fussie Cat, Merrick and WholeHearted on September 19-20, and SHEBA, ACANA and Taste of the Wild on September 26-27. Participating stores and sample selection may vary.
• September 13: Target’s Hot Wheels Collector Event begins when participating stores open, with fresh cases of collector cars available to browse. The event is free to attend, but the exclusive hat requires a qualifying purchase while supplies last.
• September 26: Select Target locations will hold a Beauty Studio celebration from noon to 4 PM. The first 100 guests ages 16 and up can receive a curated beauty sample box, while eligible Target Circle members can also get $20 off a $50 purchase.
• Through September 30: Pokémon fans can visit a LEGO Pokémon GO Trainer Centre to collect special items, discover in-store surprises and activate exclusive in-game rewards while available.

Make a Day of It: Museums, Parks and Sports

These options can fill an afternoon or become the main family outing instead of a quick promotional stop.

• September 5-6: Eligible Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders can receive free general admission at participating museums. Each cardholder must show an eligible card and photo ID; special exhibitions and additional experiences are not included.
• September 17: U.S. citizens and residents can visit any National Park Service site that normally charges an entrance fee and enter free on Constitution Day. Camping, reservations, timed entry and other activity fees still apply.
• Any available day: Join the Go Bowling Squad to receive a coupon for one free game of bowling at a participating center. Availability and redemption terms depend on the location.
• Dates vary by state: Some states schedule license-free fishing dates during September and later in the fall. Use the Free Fishing Days directory to check your state’s date and rules before heading to the water.
• Plan ahead for October 3: USA Hockey’s next national Try Hockey For Free Day lets children ages 4-9 get a beginner-friendly introduction to the ice at participating local rinks. Registration and event times vary by location.

Check the Details Before You Go

Free events can fill up or run out of supplies long before the advertised end time. Register when the option is available, confirm that your local store is participating, and arrive close to the starting time for limited builds, sample boxes and giveaways.

New workshops, admission days, ticket offers and local activities are added throughout the month. Browse the latest free events and things to do before planning your next outing.