Keeping kids entertained doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Several stores and businesses are offering free crafts, holiday activities, and family-friendly experiences throughout November 2026.
From building projects at Home Depot and Lowe’s to holiday crafts and a visit with Santa, Columbia families have plenty of fun options to explore.
Here’s what’s happening this month, along with the dates and details parents should know before heading out. We will do our best to add local kids’ activities that are FREE and fun! This list will stay updated monthly.
Be sure to verify the details and registration before heading out! The following are listed by DATE for your convenience.
Free Home Depot Kids Workshops – November 7 & 21
Kids can get hands-on with a free building project at Home Depot’s Kids Workshops.
On Saturday, November 7, children can build a dump truck to take home. Another workshop is scheduled for November 21, featuring a Christmas car ornament.
These workshops are designed to help kids practice building skills while creating something of their own.
Details:
- Where: Home Depot, Columbia, MO
- Dates: November 7 and 21, 2026
- Time: 9 a.m. – noon, with scheduled sessions
- Cost: Free
- Registration: Required in advance
Parents can check available spots through the Home Depot Kids Workshops page. The November 7th one is likely already full, so register for the next one to get a spot!
Free Santa Arrival Activities at Bass Pro Shops – November 7
Santa arrives at Bass Pro Shops on Saturday, November 7, and families can join the celebration.
The event begins at 5 p.m. and includes holiday treats, a tree lighting, and a free mini reindeer plush toy for children while supplies last.
Bass Pro Shops also begins its seasonal Santa photo program the following day.
Details:
- Where: Bass Pro Shops, Columbia, MO
- Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Time: 5 p.m.
- Cost: Free
- Bonus: Mini reindeer plush while supplies last
Check with the Columbia store to confirm its participation and activities.
Free Hallmark Vintage Ornament Workshop at Michaels – November 7
Michaels is teaming up with Hallmark for a free holiday craft workshop on Saturday, November 7! Families can stop by the Columbia store to make vintage-inspired Christmas ornaments.
During this hands-on activity, kids will create dimensional paper ornaments inspired by Hallmark’s archives. The designs feature festive colors, decorative accents, and glittery edges for a little extra holiday sparkle.
This is the first of a two-part holiday workshop series, and no crafting experience is needed. All Michaels stores are participating, including the Columbia location.
Event Details:
- Where: Michaels, 2001 W. Ash St., Columbia, MO
- Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Time: 10 a.m. – noon
- Ages: 6+
- Cost: Free
- Activity: Vintage-inspired paper Christmas ornaments
- Skill Level: Beginner
It’s a fun opportunity for kids to make their own Christmas decorations and bring home a handmade keepsake.
View Event Details at Michaels
Fun fact: Michaels has their tutorials online for their crafts so if you can’t get there, you can view here: michaels.com/classes.
Free Hallmark Holiday Card Workshop at Michaels – November 7
Kids can make their own Christmas cards during a free Hallmark-inspired workshop at Michaels in Columbia on Saturday, November 7!
This hands-on activity is the second part of Michaels’ holiday workshop series with Hallmark. Participants will use masking tape and paint-scraping techniques to create colorful, personalized holiday greeting cards.
The beginner-friendly class is designed for ages 6 and older, and no previous crafting experience is needed. All Michaels stores are participating, including the Columbia location.
Event Details:
- Where: Michaels, 2001 W. Ash St., Columbia, MO
- Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Time: 1–3 p.m.
- Ages: 6+
- Cost: Free
- Activity: Handmade holiday greeting cards
- Skill Level: Beginner
Families can also attend the free Vintage Ornament Workshop earlier that morning from 10 a.m. to noon, making it a full day of holiday crafting at Michaels!
View Event Details at Michaels
Fun fact: Michaels has their tutorials online for their crafts so if you can’t get there, you can view here: michaels.com/classes.
Free Holiday Ornament Craft at Michaels – November 8
Kids can get a head start on Christmas decorating with a free holiday ornament-making event at Michaels in Columbia!
On Sunday, November 8, families can stop by for a Hallmark-inspired craft activity where kids can create festive ornaments using foam, pom-poms, and other creative touches. They can follow the featured project or create their own personalized holiday designs.
This beginner-friendly event is recommended for ages 6 and older and is a fun way to make homemade Christmas decorations without spending a dime.
Event Details:
- Where: Michaels, 2001 W. Ash St., Columbia, MO
- Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026
- Time: 1–3 p.m.
- Ages: 6+
- Cost: Free
- Activity: Holiday ornament making
Can’t attend in person? Michaels also offers a Winter Workshop: Holly Jolly Ornaments tutorial in its online video library.
View Event Details at Michaels
Fun fact: Michaels has their tutorials online for their crafts so if you can’t get there, you can view here: michaels.com/classes.
Free Holiday LEGO Build at Barnes & Noble – November 13–15
Young LEGO fans may have another reason to get excited this November!
Select Barnes & Noble stores are hosting a holiday-themed LEGO building activity during the November 13–15 weekend.
Participating children can assemble a festive LEGO project, with registration required in advance.
Details:
- Where: Participating Barnes & Noble locations
- Dates: November 13–15, 2026
- Time: Varies by store
- Cost: Free
- Registration: Required but you have to contact the store to reserve (573) 445-4080)
Columbia families should check with their local Barnes & Noble to see whether the store is participating before making plans.
Free JCPenney Kids Zone Turkey Craft – November 14
JCPenney’s Kids Zone program is bringing a Thanksgiving-themed activity to stores on Saturday, November 14.
Kids can create a 3D turkey craft using materials provided during the event. No registration is needed.
Parents may also receive a 10% off JCPenney coupon for participating with their children.
Details:
- Where: JCPenney, Columbia Mall
- Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
- Time: 11 a.m. – noon
- Cost: Free
- Registration: Not required
This is an easy activity to add to a family shopping trip, but confirm participation with the Columbia store.
Free Holiday Engine Workshop at Lowe’s – November 14
Lowe’s is offering another hands-on building activity for children this November.
On Saturday, November 14, kids ages 4–11 can build a holiday engine during the store’s monthly Kids Workshop.
The project gives children the chance to use tools and assemble their own creation.
Details:
- Where: Lowe’s, Columbia, MO
- Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
- Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., with scheduled sessions
- Ages: 4–11
- Cost: Free
- Registration: Required in advance
Visit the Lowe’s Kids Workshops page to check availability and reserve a spot.
Free Michaels Kids Club Clay Figurines – November 14
Have a little artist at home? Michaels is hosting a free Kids Club event on Saturday, November 14, where children can create their own holiday-inspired figurines using air-dry clay.
This Hallmark-inspired craft activity lets kids follow a step-by-step project or get creative and make something completely their own. It’s a fun way to kick off the holiday season while making a keepsake to take home.
The beginner-friendly activity is designed for children ages 4 and older.
Event Details:
- Where: Michaels, 2001 W. Ash St., Columbia, MO
- Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
- Time: 10 a.m. – noon
- Ages: 4+
- Cost: Free
- Activity: Holiday-inspired air-dry clay figurines
Stop by for a morning of creativity and holiday fun! Check with the Columbia Michaels store to confirm local participation before attending.
Fun fact: Michaels has their tutorials online for their crafts so if you can’t get there, you can view here: michaels.com/classes.
Make the Most of Free Family Fun in Columbia
November is a great month to try something new without adding another expense to the family budget. Whether your child enjoys crafts, building projects, or holiday celebrations, these activities offer a chance to get out of the house and have some fun.
Register early for workshops that require reservations, and check with individual Columbia stores for participation and availability.
For more local events, family activities, and free things to do, keep checking Things To Do Columbia MO for upcoming happenings around town.
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