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This post is sponsored; however, we would not work with or promote a business that was not of interest to our readers.

Summer means a LOT of free time with the kids at home. If you’re anything like me, you love the idea of your child using some of that crazy summer energy to get creative while they’re on a break from school (especially on those inevitable rainy days).

The biggest crafting challenge for me, however, is the stress of planning and executing at home. Even when I have a bunch of creative ideas collecting dust on my Pinterest boards, I never seem to have the time to sit down and pick one with two crazy toddlers running around. When I do finally decide on a project, I have to go out and buy the supplies (rarely time for that, either), and then find the patience to complete the craft with young kids — we all know toddlers have the shortest attention spans possible. Since most of the time I am a “Pinterest fail” myself, it all translates into too much work on what is supposed to be a carefree summer day.

So when I learned that A.C. Moore actually offers a FREE craft series for families at their stores, I couldn’t wait to visit one of their locations to check it out. My 3-year-old and I sat down with other kids and parents as a very friendly and helpful A.C. Moore activities coordinator led us through an adorable “Under the Sea” door hanger project. Anyone who has ever done a craft with a 3-year-old knows it requires the patience of a saint, so I was thrilled when my daughter was able to complete the simple but fun project from start to finish. Between the extra help from the coordinator and the sparkly gems provided to decorate her project, she was definitely hooked on crafts after her fun fish project!

FullSizeRender (13)For me, the best part of the experience was that it was not only cost-free, it was completely stress-free. I didn’t have to plan what craft to do and I didn’t have to spend any money on supplies that we may never use again. It added some structure to our day and gave my daughter a fun, creative outlet, using her fine motor skills to practice with glue and markers.

While we were there I was excited to learn that A.C. Moore will soon be offering Kids’ Summer Fun Wednesdays, a six-week FREE crafting series for families. Beginning Wednesday, June 29 (through August 10) you can stop by any A.C. Moore in the Boston area for a free crafting activity, every week from 1-3 p.m. There is no need to register, and you can come anytime between those hours. Easy for parents and fun for kids, this is definitely a stress-free summer crafting win for all!

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Megan Samborski
Megan is a mom of two daughters (2012, 2014) and lives with her family in Stoneham, MA. Her interest in writing began as a child and developed throughout her study of Journalism at St. Bonaventure University, where she graduated in 2003. Megan's love for New England began in 2006 when she moved from her hometown of Syracuse, NY to pursue her masters degree in Marketing Communications at Emerson College. Boston holds a special place in her heart as the city where she met and married her husband, started a family and has planted roots. In her professional career, Megan focuses on positive youth development, community outreach and mental health awareness. Loves: Family, friends, dogs, being a mom of girls, reading, Netflix, holidays, the ocean, fall in New England. Could do Without: Winter, snow (besides at Christmas), being late, traffic.