What to Do on a Saturday Morning | Weekend Fun for Kids & Families

Wondering what to do on a Saturday morning? Several local stores and businesses offer free or inexpensive classes and events on the weekend for families to enjoy together. Kids can craft, build, listen to stories, or even volunteer. If sleeping in on Saturday mornings isn’t your thing — or your kids’ thing — take advantage of these easy, age-appropriate activities. All you have to do is show up and let the professionals lead the fun.

What to Do on a Saturday Morning

Sleep in (if you’re lucky). Grab a mug of your preferred coffee or tea. Hop in the car and set off for some free and often educational entertainment for your kiddos.

Mr. Muffins Trains

Just north of Indianapolis is a treasure. Mr. Muffin’s trains moved from Carmel to Atlanta, Indiana a few years ago and families are still flocking to this Hamilton County city to see one of the country’s largest miniature train collections and track layouts. If you’re ever stuck trying to decide what to do on a Saturday morning, this impressive train layout is just a short drive outside of Indy.

Each Saturday, Mr. and Mrs. Muffin (nicknames given to them many years ago because of the muffins they offer to their visitors) open up their storefront and sell trains. A walk down the block takes you to “The Layout” where small trains whistle and steam in and out of beautiful scenes of miniature life. The Choo Choo Cafe recently opened, welcoming visitors for a delicious breakfast or lunch. Admission to Mr. Muffin’s Trains is free.

Lakeshore Learning Free Crafts for Kids

The Lakeshore Learning store in the Nora area of Indianapolis is well known for having teaching, educational, and craft supplies. On select Saturdays throughout the year, they offer free Lakeshore Learning theme days for kids. These events are drop-in and everyone is welcome (age 3+) to participate in crafts, games, and testing out some popular Lakeshore Learning toys. Keep an eye on their calendar for these free events. Past themes have included robots, dinosaurs, sensory activities, and more!

JCPenney Free Kids Zone

Visit a JCPenney store on the second Saturday of every month to participate in a free craft. The workshop begins at 11 and ends at 12, so plan to arrive on time. Kids receive a lanyard to display the collector’s pins they earn after each visit. They’ll earn a Master’s Medallion after completing six activities. As a bonus, accompanying adults are given a 10% off coupon to use in-store!

Free Home Depot Kids DIY Workshops

On the first Saturday morning of every month, Home Depot offers a free kids’ workshop in their stores. Kids will assemble, build, and paint a new project each month. On their first visit, children are given a Home Depot kids orange apron. At each workshop, guests will receive a special pin to affix to their apron. You’ll know how popular these events are when you see how many pins some kids have collected!

Barnes & Noble

Another idea for what to do on a Saturday morning? Barnes & Noble offers free storytimes throughout the month. Times and days vary by store, but most are held on Saturday mornings. Be sure to check their website ahead of time for events. In the summer, don’t forget to participate in the Barnes & Noble summer reading program!

Michaels Craft Store

Michaels stores have a variety of classes and activities available during the year. Some of them are free but most of them cost a few dollars. Other more advanced classes are available for a fee + materials. Check out the free weekly craft on Sundays from 2-4 pm. Sign up in-store or online, or just drop in. An adult must remain in the store during the event.

Indy Reads Books

This charitable used bookstore on Virginia Ave wants to get families reading, and the more you buy, the more they can help Indy area adults and families learn to read. Stop in on select Saturday mornings for Paws to Read times, where kiddos can read books to reading therapy dogs. Also, some Saturday mornings, visitors will be treated to a children’s story time with a drag queen. Children can volunteer in the bookstore with their adults.

Other local bookstores such as Kids, Ink, and 4 Kids offer story times, crafts, and author signings.  Check their websites and Facebook pages for details.

Lowes DIY-U

Typically held on the second or third Saturday of the month, Lowes kids’ workshops get children building, creating, and learning. Each month, your child can assemble a new kit in-store. Free registration is required for time slots between 10 am-1 pm, but walk-ins are accepted in the afternoon, while supplies last.

Cabela’s Noblesville

During the Christmas season, the Winter Wonderland at Cabela’s is a popular destination for free photos with Santa. But the Noblesville Cabela’s frequently hosts special kids’ and family events throughout the year. Events may include giveaways, special activities, crafts, or outdoor-themed learning opportunities. You’ll want to follow them on Facebook to hear about opportunities.

Apple Camp

Visit the Apple Store during summer break (typically June through August) to participate in free, creative classes introducing kids ages 8-12 to design skills they can use on Apple products. Apple Camp 2023 sessions at the Keystone Fashion Mall are currently scheduled for Thursdays and Saturdays from 2-3:30 pm. Each summer, the topics and creative challenges change but all Apple products needed will be provided for your child while they are there. Registration is required (and sessions do fill up!) and parents are required to stay in-store with their child.

Keep an eye on the Today at Apple calendar for other pop-up kids’ classes throughout the year.

Never wonder what to do on a Saturday morning again! These in-store activities around Indianapolis are just the ticket you need for some inexpensive entertainment for the kids.

We’ve rounded up all the best places to play indoors this weekend!

We hunt down the best local events to attend with your family each weekend.