Bunnings free DIY workshops for kids are one of the best-kept secrets in Australian family life. Every weekend at most Bunnings stores, children aged roughly 5–12 build a small project using real tools — a birdhouse, a toolbox, a plant pot holder — guided by Bunnings staff. The session is free, takes about an hour, and kids keep whatever they make.
If you've never been, here's exactly what to expect.
What Happens at a Bunnings Kids Workshop
Sessions run on Saturday and Sunday mornings, typically between 9am and 12pm. When you arrive, you'll check in at a dedicated area (usually near the trade desk or a marked workshop space), and your child will be given:
- A pre-cut timber project kit with all the pieces already measured and prepared
- Child-sized safety goggles
- A hammer and nails, or a screwdriver and screws, depending on the project
- Sandpaper to smooth rough edges
- Paint or stain to finish the project
A Bunnings staff member walks the group through each step. The session is hands-on — kids do the building themselves, with staff helping when someone gets stuck or needs a nail straightened. There's no sitting and watching. Within about 45 minutes to an hour, your child has a finished, functional object to take home.
What Do Kids Actually Build?
Projects rotate, and stores don't always run the same project at the same time. Past projects have included:
- Birdhouses — the classic; always popular with younger kids
- Garden seedling trays — simple box construction with drainage holes
- Toolboxes — a step up in complexity, satisfying for older kids
- Picture frames — flat construction, good for 5–6 year olds
- Pencil holders — small, quick project, often done in 30 minutes
- Plant pot holders — a current favourite; involves angled cuts
Bunnings rotates projects across the year. You don't usually know which project is on until you arrive or check the Bunnings website when booking.
How to Book
Booking is free and done online at the Bunnings website.
- Go to bunnings.com.au and navigate to DIY Workshops (under "Inspiration & Advice")
- Filter by your state, then by suburb or postcode
- Select a date and time
- Register your child's name and age
Spots fill fast — particularly in school holidays. Sessions typically open for booking 2–3 weeks in advance. Check early in the week for the upcoming weekend's availability.
Tip: If your local store is fully booked, check a nearby store. Bunnings stores are dense across Sydney — often 3–4 within a 15-minute drive — and booking patterns vary between locations.
What to Bring
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory. This is enforced. Thongs, sandals, and bare feet are not permitted. Kids in sandals will not be allowed to participate — Bunnings staff take this seriously for safety reasons. Double-check before you leave home.
Beyond that, the kit is minimal:
- Clothes you don't mind getting sawdust or paint on
- Closed-toe shoes (non-negotiable)
- A water bottle — sessions can run close to 60 minutes
- A bag to carry the finished project home (birdhouses are awkward to carry)
Everything else — tools, materials, safety equipment — is provided.
Age and Ability
The sweet spot is ages 5–12. Younger kids (5–6) can participate but will need close help from a parent throughout. Older kids (10–12) can largely work independently and often finish faster, which can lead to restlessness if the group is slower.
Under-5s can come and help, but they typically can't handle a hammer safely enough to participate meaningfully. Some parents bring younger siblings and hold them for most of the session while supervising the older child.
There's no upper age limit. Teenagers occasionally attend, and are usually welcomed without comment.
What Parents Are There For
Parents must accompany their children — this is not a drop-off program. Your role during the session:
- Help with tricky steps (driving nails straight takes practice)
- Hold pieces in place while nails are hammered
- Manage younger siblings
- Take photos
Most parents stay nearby rather than hovering. Bunnings staff run the session; you're there for safety and support, not to teach.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of It
Book ahead for school holidays. During term breaks, workshop spots vanish within hours of opening. Add a calendar reminder for when each holiday's workshops open (usually 3 weeks prior).
Arrive a few minutes early. Check-in happens before the session starts. Arriving late means missing the instructions, which throws younger kids off.
Let kids struggle a little. The point is not to build a perfect birdhouse — it's to build the birdhouse themselves. Resist the urge to take over when a nail bends. Staff are good at helping kids recover from mistakes.
Paint at home if time is short. If the session runs long or your child wants to add more, you can take the project home to decorate further. Water-based craft paint works well on the finished timber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bunnings workshops really free?
Yes, completely free. No materials cost, no booking fee. Bunnings absorbs the cost as community programming.
How long does a Bunnings workshop take?
Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the project complexity and the size of the group.
What age is appropriate for a Bunnings workshop?
Ages 5–12 is the practical range. Five-year-olds need significant parental help; 10–12 year olds can work largely independently. Under-5s can attend but won't be able to participate fully.
Can I just walk in without booking?
Occasionally there are spare spots on the day, but it's not reliable. Sessions frequently sell out, particularly on Saturdays and during school holidays. Always book online first.
Do kids keep what they build?
Yes. The finished project goes home with your child. That's half the point.
Find a Bunnings Workshop Near You
Little Rascal lists upcoming Bunnings DIY workshops across Sydney with dates, times, and direct booking links.