Enjoy free family programs at Bayou Bend and Rienzi. Photo courtesy of MFAH.
Astros FanFest, Lego Day, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend with Kids
Keep costs down with a party at a local playground. Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Cheap Party Rental Spots in Houston Great for Kid Birthday Parties
Discovery Green hosts free events like Arte en el Parque, where kids learn Spanish while making art. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
100 Free Things To Do in Houston with Kids
Free activities like feeding the ducks at Mary Jo Peckham Park are simple and still great fun for kids. Photo courtesy of Canva
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Free Things to Do in Houston with Kids Guide
Children's Museum Houston is free every Thursday evening. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston
Free Museum Days (and Always-Free Museums!) in Houston
Cheap, delicious, and good for leftovers. Photo of Buffalo Grille by Jessica Stautberg
Best Cheap Places to Eat in Houston for Kids and Families (Under $10!): Recs From Locals
Don't miss the MLK Grande Parade this January 2026. Photo by 2C2K Photography via Flickr 2.0
Top Free Things To Do with Kids in Houston in January 2026, According to MP Editors
Play Street Museum West U is perfect for toddlers. Photo by Jessica Stautberg.
The Best Places that Opened in Houston Last Year: 11 New Things To Do with Kids
Yes, you can snow tube in Texas! Photo courtesy of Gaylord Resorts.
Best Snow Tubing for Families in Texas
Tomfoolery is packed with toys. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
The Best Toy Stores in Houston: Gifts for Kids of All Ages
Buffalo Bayou Park has trails, climbing structures, and skate park, slides, and more. Photo by Jessica Stautberg.
Things To Do in Houston That Everyone Will Love - From Toddlers to Teens (and Parents Too!)
Free alligator education at Brazos Bend State Park. Photo by Sarah Banks.
The 10 Best Free Hidden Gems for Kids in Houston
Visit the Hall of Paleontology at the Museum of Natural Science. Photo courtesy of Visit Sugar Land.
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Help your Scout rack up the badges at these programs in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva.
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Our favorite gymnastics gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva
Gymnastics Gyms in Houston: Places to Take Gymnastic Classes, Camps, or Open Gym
Palace Social has bowling and a restaurant in addition to arcade games. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
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The Mini classes at Goldfish Swim School are a great bonding experience for parent and child. Photo courtesy of the school
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Ready Go Amusement Arcade photo by author Elizabeth R.
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A crafting party at one of these venues or at home is the perfect celebration for a creative kid. Photo courtesy of Color Me Mine
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Our top picks for your Houston bar/bat mitzvah. Photo by Juliano ASTC, courtesy of Pexels.
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These Houston ice cream shops have the best treats for kids. Photo by Kelly Patino, courtesy of Mommy Poppins.
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Go for a nature walk in on of Houston's huge parks. Photo by Anthony Rathbun, courtesy of the Houston Arboretum.
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Discovery Green hosts free events like Arte en el Parque, where kids learn Spanish while making art. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
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Levy Park in Houston has one of our favorite playgrounds. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
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NASA's Space Center is one of Houston's best science museums for kids. Photo by Pierce Ingram, courtesy of Travel Texas
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Firetruck Park in West University. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
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See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
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Children's Museum Houston is free every Thursday evening. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston
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Keep costs down with a party at a local playground. Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
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City Park Skate Park near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Sugarland Texas Govt.
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Pleasure Pier in Galveston is a top attraction near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
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John P. McGovern's state-of-the art playground is perfect for both younger and older children. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green.
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Stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo for some cool photos on your roadtrip to the Texas Panhandle.
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Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
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Make dining out with kids more fun at one of Houston's themed restaurants. Photo courtesy of Rock N Roll Sushi
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Houston's Walking Stick Brewing Company has plenty of outdoor space. Photo courtesy of the Walking Stick Brewing Company
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Urban Air has quite a few trampoline parks near Houston. Photo courtesy of Urban Air Adventure Park
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Batting cage photo courtesy of the Bellaire Bats
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Photo courtesy of Big Air in North Houston
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Houston has many kid-friendly museums, and not all are children's museums. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
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New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.
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The outdoor pool at the Moody Gardens Hotel, photo courtesy of Visit Galveston.
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One of our favorite petting zoos near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
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Make it an unforgettable family getaway from Houston by hiking Enchanted Rock. Photo courtesy Passport to Texas.
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Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn Waterparks
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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

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