We Tried It: HONOLULU Family Keiki Krafts Presented by City Mill

Get creative and hands-on at these free monthly keiki workshops that are fun for the whole family.

May 3, 2023

Laura Dornbush,

What: HONOLULU Family Keiki Krafts presented by City Mill

Who: Suited for keiki of all ages, but adult supervision is required

Where: A different City Mill location each month

When: Monthly through the end of the year! The upcoming workshop schedule is Saturday, May 6 in Hawai‘i Kai; Saturday, June 3 in Wai‘anae; Saturday, July 9 in Kāne‘ohe; and Saturday, August 19 in Honolulu. Registration for the events will be on HNLtix.com.

Photo: Laura Dornbush

My 6-year-old son, Duke, is a builder. From day one, he’s been fascinated by construction trucks, blocks and LEGO. Whenever I hear about a DIY activity where he can use tools, we’re there! So, we signed-up for the Robot Monster workshop held at the City Mill in ‘Ewa Beach in April.

Making a robot at City Mill Keiki Krafts

Photo: Laura Dornbush

We were greeted by friendly HONOLULU Family and City Mill staff members who were on-hand to guide keiki through the project. Heads-up: you will need to stay to supervise, as this is not a drop-off activity. After checking in and writing his own nametag, Duke got busy gathering the makings of a robot monster: a wood block, googly eyes (the more, the better), pipe cleaners and screws. All supplies were provided, including a cuter-than-can-be mini screwdriver, just right for keiki.

The workshop space was set up with colorful kid-sized tables and chairs positioned in the center of the store. I think Duke enjoyed the authentic atmosphere being surrounded by real tools, paint samples and hardware. He even showed off his knowledge of the grades of sandpaper when chatting with a City Mill employee.

Photo: Laura Dornbush

SEE ALSO: Oahu‘s 2023 Summer Fun Program

Duke breezed through the project needing little help from me. First, he sanded down the block, screwed in the hardware ‘antenna,’ glued on popsicle stick arms and googly eyes, and finally added details with markers. The craft took him about 20 minutes to complete.

A family with a 3-year-old son working next to us took a little more time and more parent supervision, but both boys equally enjoyed the do-it-yourself activity. They were proud to show off their creations. Duke even named his robot, Bob.

We are looking forward to the upcoming workshops, and love that they are themed for the season. For example, the March craft celebrated spring with an egg carton critter craft, and in May, keiki will create coffee filter water-colored flowers, just in time for Mother’s Day.

City Mill x HONOLULU Family keiki kraft workshops

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Our Tips

1. 1. 1. 1. Registration is required. You’ll need to sign up in advance. Select a 30-minute window between 10 a.m. and Noon.
      2. Plan your errands. It’s a win-win: your kids get to make a craft and you can get your shopping done. We even received a $5 off coupon from City Mill at the Keiki Krafts check-in table.
      3. Bring fido. Did you know that City Mill is pet-friendly? Make it an outing for the whole family, furry friends included.
      4. Explore a new neighborhood. Workshops are held at a different O‘ahu City Mill location each month, allowing you to discover different playgrounds or new lunch spots around the island.
      5. Dress the part. If your keiki lean toward messy, you’ll want to bring an apron or change of clothes from home. And good news, there are bathrooms at City Mill for your use!