Donations to Fanwood's Famous Christmas House support charity. Photo courtesy of the family
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It costs nothing to take in the display at Fanwood's Famous Christmas House. Photo courtesy of Fanwood's Famous Christmas House
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The Turtle Back Zoo holiday lights show in West Orange is one of our top picks for family fun this Christmas. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
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The spectacular Winter WonderLights drive-thru boasts more than 1.5 million lights animated to favorite holiday tunes,
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Grab a spot in the Car Menorah Parade or catch the end of the cavalcade for candle lighting and refreshments. Photo courtesy of Chabad Center Cherry Hill
18 Best Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids December 2025, from Mommy Poppins Editors
More than 50,000 illuminated tulips will line the fields of Holland Ridge Farms' Winter Wonderland show. Photo courtesy of the farm
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Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
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Spend a day running around at Johnson's Corner Farm this November. Photo courtesy of the farm
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Get drawn into the art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
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Romp with the triceratops and other dinos at Field Station: Dinosaurs in Leonia. Photo by Janet Bloom
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Admission to the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton is completely free. Photo by Lisa Warden
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The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Rainforest Cafe
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Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
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Make a splash at a Jersey Shore waterpark, like Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers. Photo by Kip Dawkins
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Attractions at Morganville's Play Big Zone include arcades games and a 2,000-square-foot obstacle course.
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The Battkeship New Jersey is an amazing hands on experience for families. Photo by Lisa Warden
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At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.
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Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
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New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
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The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
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Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
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Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.
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The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
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Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
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At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.
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Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
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Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
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Hike 1.6 miles to reach the dramatic beauty of South Mountain Reservation's Hemlock Falls. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
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Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra
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The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
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Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.
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A live orchestra provides the soundtrack for this Christmas classic on the big screen. Photo courtesy of the New Jersey Symphony
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Fun, Free Activities for Kids in January 2025: 16 Free Things To Do in Atlanta with Kids

The Atlanta History Center is offering a free event to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, the Saturday before MLK Day. Photo courtesy of Kenan Research Center at the Atlanta History Center
The Atlanta History Center is offering a free event to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, the Saturday before MLK Day. Photo courtesy of Kenan Research Center at the Atlanta History Center
12/29/24 - By Elsa Simcik

Coming off the holiday season, Atlanta parents truly appreciate free things to do in January. After all, creating holiday magic isn't cheap and our bank accounts could use a month to catch up. Luckily, we've found free events and activities in Atlanta throughout the month of January—from MLK Day parades to Atlanta Motor Speedway's Open House and free storytimes in between. 

Besides our list of fun, free events in January 2025, we also have an entire guide dedicated to saving money and having fun: Free Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids. This Atlanta catalog has the best scoop on Free Museum Days in Atlanta, Free Things to Do on Cold and Rainy Days, and much more! Happy savings for the New Year!

You know what else is fun and free? Signing up for our newsletter!

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Free Things to Do with Kids in Atlanta January 2025

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Fan Fest

Downtown
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl is back, and with it comes tons of family-friendly events beyond the football game.  READ MORE

Rudolph's Rink at Brookhaven Park

Brookhaven
January 3-5, 2025
Rudolph’s Rink is open Fridays - Sundays from December 7 - January 5 at Brookhaven Park. Ice skating is FREE but guests must reserve timeslots online in advance.  READ MORE

Free First Saturday at Dunwoody Nature Center

Dunwoody
Saturday, January 4, 2025
Join Dunwoody Nature Center staff on a family walk around the property. Every month is a different theme.  READ MORE

Kids Workshops at Home Depot

Various locations
Saturdays in January
On the first Saturday of each month, Atlanta-area Home Depot locations offer free in-person kids' workshops.  READ MORE

Sunday FUNdays at Michael C. Carlos Museum

Druid Hills
Sunday, January 5, 2025
On the first Sunday of the month during the academic year, the Michael C. Carlos museum offers free admission and drop-in studio activities for families from 12 - 4 p.m. READ MORE

King Holiday Observance at The King Center

Old Fourth Ward
January 7 - 20, 2025
The weeklong event includes a global community youth summit, a youth book-reading, and beloved community awards. On MLK Day, Monday January 20, the King Center hosts a community service project.  READ MORE

UPS Second Sunday at the High

Midtown
Sunday, January 12, 2025
On the second Sunday of each month, families head to the High Museum of Art for FREE admission for all visitors and special family-friendly programming. Kids art-making activities, performances, and the High’s permanent collection and special exhibitions.   READ MORE

MLK Day at the Atlanta History Center

Buckhead
Saturday, January 18, 2025
The Atlanta History Center is offering a free event to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, the Saturday before MLK Day. Families will appreciate the kids' activities. Visitors will have access to the museum as well.  READ MORE

Build a Toy Snowplow Workshop at Lowe's

Various locations
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Mini-DIYers head to Lowe’s to attend a workshop hosted by a Lowes employee. Kids learn how to make a toy snowplow.  READ MORE

MLK National Day of Service

Various locations
Monday, January 20, 2025
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day each year, Americans are encouraged to step up to make communities more equitable, and to take action to create the beloved community of Dr. King’s dream. Examples include cleaning up a public space, mentoring a young person, or helping those who are food insecure. READ MORE

MLK Day Parade and Program Celebration in Lawrenceville

Lawrenceville
Monday, January 20, 2025
The United Ebony Society invites everyone to attend their annual MLK Day parade, followed by an indoor celebration at Central Gwinnett High School. 2025's theme is "Don't Give up the Dream." The parade begins at The Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center and ends at CG High School.  READ MORE

Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Various locations
Monday, January 20, 2025
On select days throughout the year, all national parks in the United States are open to the public with no admission fee.  READ MORE

MLK: Life & Legacy in Sandy Springs

Sandy Springs
Monday, January 20, 2025
This family-friendly event is designed to celebrate, educate, and share the teachings of Martin Luther King, Jr. The event will feature an educational film screening and children's activity stations.  READ MORE

MLK Day Kids Club at Halcyon

Alpharetta
Monday, January 20, 2025
On MLK Day everyone is invited to a very special Kids Club to participte in activities set up on the green and give back to the community. Tutu School and Piggy Jo’s will be out on the Village Green with crafts for the kids to do. READ MORE

Storytime at Little Shop of Stories

Decatur
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Every Tuesday and Thursday Little Shop of Stories hosts storytime for about 30-40 minutes for little ones and their caregivers.  READ MORE

Atlanta Motor Speedway Open House

Hampton
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Atlanta Motor Speedway is inviting fans to come see the historic speedway for themselves and enjoy fan-centric activities during its Speedway Open House. READ MORE

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About the Author

Elsa Simcik
Elsa Simcik has been freelance writing for 20-something years, covering a hodgepodge of fields--health & fitness, human interest stories, and even dating. After becoming a mom she segued into writing for local magazines and websites, focusing on parenting, fun things to do with kids, and travel. The travel part is fun, but not as glamorous as it sounds, because it's traveling with kids. Still, she'll take it.
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