Michaels crafts a low-cost summer for kids

Michaels is giving children a Passport to Imagination this summer with a new free program.

This year, the low-cost, in-store sessions will focus on summer vacation fun, including lake picnics, afternoons at the beach, county fairs, music festivals and more. Passport to Imagination begins July 6 and will run through Aug. 21 in all Canadian stores, with three classes per week, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to noon.

For just $5 per class, or three sessions for $12, kids ages 5-10 can create projects that relate to summer activities, with a different theme every week. Registration for the program is available online and in stores.

"Our Passport to Imagination program allows children to express their creativity with projects that celebrate the fun and adventure that summer brings," said Michaels Vice President-Digital Marketing, Strategy and Education Liz Zale. "Every session includes instruction from a Michaels craft specialist and also open playtime where kids are free to experiment with their creations."

As of May 2, the Michaels company owns and operates 1,177 Michaels stores in 49 states and Canada and 118 Aaron Brothers stores.