Kids can get to know the brass instruments during the Philharmonic Families program Saturday. Photo courtesy of the Kaufman Music Center
Mommy Poppins Winter Fest, Puzzle Day, Pac-Man, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
39 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Galactic snow tubing at Camelback offers an LED light show come nightfall.
Best Snow Tubing near NYC for Families
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Pillow Fort photo by Seamus McCauley via Flickr 2 .0
Snow Day Activities: 55 Fun Things To Do on a Snow Day Indoors
Central Park has some great hills for a fast ride. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Sledding Hills in NYC
Museo del Barrio's The Three Kings Day Parade takes over the streets of East Harlem Photo by Mommy Poppins
Top Things To Do with Kids in NYC in January 2026, from MP Editors
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Hit the ice at the scenic Mohonk Mountan House, which offers winter day passes to enjoy its spectacular resort amenities. Photo courtesy of the venue
23 Fun Winter Day Trips from NYC
Bryant Park's Bumper Cars are a mainstay of late-winter fun in the park. Photo by Janet Bloom
Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 47 Best Things To Do with Kids in NYC
Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025
Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center
Best Museum Programs in NYC for Teens
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
Winter fun for kids in New York City: Building a snowman is just the start of fun things to do with kids in NYC during winter
GUIDE
NYC Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families
The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
39 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Best Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
Kids can see the masterpieces and get hands-on with art during a free visit to MoMA on Friday evenings. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museum Days (and Always-Free Museums) in NYC
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
GUIDE
NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love

Top Free Things To Do with Kids in Boston in January 2026, According to Mommy Poppins Editors

The Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform at the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in January 2026. Photo: ©Michael J.Lutch for the BYSO
The Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform at the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in January 2026. Photo: ©Michael J.Lutch for the BYSO
12/28/25 - By N Ferreira

Can you believe it’s already 2026? We can barely keep up either. January is the perfect time to hunt down free things to do around Boston, especially after December did a number on our wallets. Bundle up in your coziest hats, scarves, and long underwear and head out to celebrate history, culture, and community. Catch the 250th First Flag Raising in Somerville, take part in the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, or ring in tradition at a Japanese New Year Celebration. Cold days, warm vibes, and plenty of reasons to get out of the house.

These are just a few of our favorite things to do in Boston this January—We’re adding more events to our Boston Events Calendar every day.

More Things To Do in Boston This January with Kids

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Get out for free family fun with First Day Hikes in Cape Cod in January 2026. Event photo courtesy of the Barnstable Land Trust.
Get out for free family fun with First Day Hikes in Cape Cod in January 2026. Event photo courtesy of the Barnstable Land Trust.

Fun Free Activities To Do in Boston January 2026

250th First Flag Raising in Somerville

Somerville— FREE
Thursday, January 1, 2026
This year's milestone 250th anniversary expands the traditional military ceremony to reflect better the full diversity of people whose labor, courage, and aspirations shaped the Revolution. READ MORE

First Day Hikes Cape Cod

Various locations across Cape Cod — FREE
Thursday, January 1, 2026
Start the New Year on the right foot (and then the left foot) with an easy hike at a number of locations throughout the Cape. READ MORE

The Enchanted Castle (A Hand Puppet Show)

West Roxbury—FREE
Sunday, January 10, 2026
Meet Godmother Glitter as she protects the Enchanted Castle from the dragon. Enjoy a selection of fun stories and meet all kinds of puppets from a unicorn and a rabbit to a prince and a frog. READ MORE

Japanese New Year Celebration at Bow Market

Somerville— FREE
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Nagomi Bento hosts a Japanese New Year Celebration at Bow Market, featuring traditional food, music, and cultural activities. READ MORE

Russian Folk Tales and Embroidery with Zahra at BPL Copley

Boston— FREE
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Kids and their caregivers will listen to a traditional Russian fairy tale, then do a simple embroidery project together. READ MORE

Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

Boston— FREE
Monday, January 19, 2026
Celebrate MLK Day and help amplify the bold voices of youth who challenge, inspire, and lead the way toward a more just future. READ MORE

MLK Day Open House at the MFA

Boston— FREE
Monday, January 19, 2026
The MFA once again opens their doors for the annual MLK Day Open House. This year, the MFA offers free admission—including access to “Georgia O’Keeffe and Henry Moore”—for Massachusetts residents. READ MORE

Science Exploration with MIT at BPL Copley

Boston— FREE
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Explore science with the MIT Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Kids will tackle different science questions each month with hands-on learning and demonstrations.  READ MORE

An Exploration of 20th Century Flute Music

Brookline—FREE
Friday, January 23-25, 2026
Enjoy a concert by Brookline Music School faculty member Leah Kosch (piano) and guest artist, Ceora Jaffe (flute) at the Brookline Village Public Library. READ MORE

WinterFEST Newton

Newton—FREE
Sunday, January 25, 2026
This three-day, family-friendly event features ice sculptures, live music, dance, a soup social, art activities, author readings, and other interactive activities at multiple venues across Newton. READ MORE
Take to the slopes in winter 2026! Wachusett Mountain photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
Take to the slopes in winter 2026! Wachusett Mountain photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism

More Fun Things To Do in Boston this Winter

Best Snow Tubing Near Boston for Families in 2026

Find amazing snow tubing within driving distance from Boston! READ MORE

Best Indoor Water Parks in New England for Easy Family Getaways

In any kind of weather, New England indoor water parks mean family fun! READ MORE

10 New England Ski Resorts That Cater to Families

With lessons starting at age 2.5 and plenty of kid-friendly amenities, these New England ski resorts are perfect for family ski trips. READ MORE

Boston Winter Vacation Guide: Best Getaways and Activities for Families

We know where and how to have fun throughout Boston's chilly winters. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: