Looking for ways to bring more families into your store and strengthen your role as a community hub? Hosting Kid-Friendly events, or Young Builder events, is one of the most effective ways to do both. These events help kids get creative and comfortable in your space while showing parents your store is a valuable local partner they can trust.
Below you’ll find ten well-tested Young Builder event ideas, complete with resources and planning tips. From hands-on building projects to nature-inspired crafts, these ideas will help you create memorable experiences that keep families coming back.
1. Build a Hardware Pumpkin
What Makes This Event a Hit
A perfect autumn draw, this project brings families into your store during peak seasonal shopping. It turns basic hardware supplies into cute, shareable décor that parents love, reinforcing your store as a creative, community-focused destination.
Description:
Kids use hose clamps, jute, and wood discs to make safe, no-carve pumpkins—easy for all ages.
Instructions and Resource Link:
HomCo Hardware Pumpkin Young Builder Event
Planning Tips:
- Set up stations with clamps, jute, and orange paint.
- Encourage parent participation for younger kids.
- Promote it as a fall photo opportunity in-store and on social media.
2. Build a Tiki Toss Game
What Makes This Event a Hit
This project delivers both fun and function, letting kids create something they’ll actually use at home. It helps families see your store as a place for hands-on learning and quality time, boosting repeat visits.
Description:
Kids build their own classic ring-and-hook game using simple materials and tools.
Instructions and Resource Link:
HomCo Tiki Toss Game Young Builder Event
Planning Tips:
- Pre-cut wood bases to save time.
- Include string, screw hooks, and rings in kits.
- Offer painting or decorating for personalization.
3. Build a Bird Feeder
What Makes This Event a Hit
This project encourages kids to connect with nature while giving families a reason to visit your store for seasonal gardening supplies. It highlights your store’s expertise in outdoor living and strengthens community goodwill.
Description:
Kids assemble and decorate a simple wooden bird feeder to take home.
Instructions and Resource Link:
HomCo Bird Feeder Young Builder Event
Planning Tips:
- Offer stain or paint stations.
- Include a brief lesson about local birds.
- Partner with wildlife experts or local clubs for added value.
4. Build Fourth of July String Stars
What Makes This Event a Hit
Perfectly timed for Independence Day, this event taps into seasonal excitement. It drives traffic in late June or early July, helping you promote patriotic décor and summer project supplies.
Description:
Kids create star-shaped wood forms wrapped in red, white, and blue string.
Instructions and Resource Link:
HomCo String Stars Young Builder Event
Planning Tips:
- Pre-cut star-shaped forms.
- Provide string in patriotic colors.
- Promote it as a family-friendly way to decorate for the Fourth.
5. Make a String Snowflake
What Makes This Event a Hit
Ideal for winter, this event transforms your store into a cozy holiday destination. It gives families an easy, mess-free craft that becomes cherished home décor, encouraging seasonal shopping.
Description:
Kids make string art snowflakes using pre-nailed wood forms and colorful string.
Instructions and Resource Link:
HomCo String Snowflake Young Builder Event
Planning Tips:
- Pre-nail patterns onto wood bases.
- Offer a range of string colors.
- Create a warm, inviting atmosphere with holiday music or refreshments.
6. Build a Wooden Reindeer
What Makes This Event a Hit
This festive event creates real holiday magic. Kids leave with a handmade reindeer that becomes part of family traditions, and your store becomes the go-to for holiday spirit and supplies.
Description:
Children assemble and decorate a wooden reindeer with adult supervision.
Instructions and Resource Link:
HomCo Wooden Reindeer Young Builder Event
Planning Tips:
- Pre-drill holes for easier assembly.
- Provide ribbons, bells, and paints for decorating.
- Set up a photo backdrop to encourage social sharing.
7. Garden Planting Party
What Makes This Event a Hit
This event turns your garden center or parking lot into a family destination. It aligns perfectly with spring and summer sales while teaching kids about gardening—a long-term driver for repeat business.
Description:
Kids decorate small pots and plant flowers or herbs to take home.
Planning Tips:
- Provide small pots, soil, and seedlings.
- Offer markers or stickers for personalization.
- Include a short lesson on plant care.
- Invite local master gardeners for extra education.
8. DIY Fairy Garden Workshop
What Makes This Event a Hit
This highly creative workshop inspires kids’ imaginations and drives sales of plants, soil, and miniature accessories. It positions your store as the place for family-friendly projects.
Description:
Children create miniature fairy gardens with small plants and decorative items.
Planning Tips:
- Supply shallow planters, small plants, stones, and fairy accessories.
- Encourage storytelling with prompt cards.
- Offer take-home kits for families to buy after the event.
9. Recycled Materials Creation Station
What Makes This Event a Hit
This activity showcases your store’s commitment to sustainability while engaging the community in creative reuse. It’s especially effective around Earth Day or any green-focused promotion.
Description:
Kids use leftover materials like scrap wood, tiles, and PVC to build unique art projects.
Planning Tips:
- Gather safe, clean leftover materials from your inventory.
- Provide glue, nails, and kid-friendly tools.
- Display completed projects on social media to inspire others.
10. Kid-Safe Tool Demos and Practice Zone
What Makes This Event a Hit
This event builds long-term loyalty by introducing kids to real tools in a safe environment. It encourages parents to see your store as the best place to buy kid-friendly tools and DIY kits.
Description:
Kids try real tools with close adult supervision, practicing simple, safe tasks.
Planning Tips:
- Offer kid-safe hammers and screwdrivers with pre-drilled blocks.
- Encourage parent participation for guidance.
- Include a short safety talk or certificates of completion.
- Partner with tool brands for potential sponsorships or giveaways.
Keep the Inspiration Going
Hosting Young Builder events isn’t just about filling the store on a Saturday—it’s about creating lasting connections with families, showcasing your expertise, and reinforcing your place as the community’s trusted hardware partner.
Ready to plan your next event? Use these ideas as a starting point, or adapt them to fit your store’s unique strengths and audience. Need help brainstorming or want to share your own successful event?
Join our next Hardware Innovators Mastermind call and keep the ideas flowing.