The big ball drop in Times Square is an unforgettable New Year's Eve sight, if you can handle the crowds! Photo by Michael Hull

New Year's Eve Weekend in New York City with Kids: Best Ways to Count Down to 2026

The Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo shine brightly into the new year. Photo by Terria Clay/Bronx Zoo

New York City's Top Things To Do Between Christmas and New Year’s with Kids

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026

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

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

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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

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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

Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.

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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

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Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC

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

Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort

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Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop

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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

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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

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Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC

Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.

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.

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The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier

Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids

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

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No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird

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Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.

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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

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Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

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Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide

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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 Los Angeles in January 2026, According to MP Editors

Welcome the Year of the Horse at the Oshogatsu Family Festival. Event photo by Doug Mukai for JANM

12/28/25 - By Toby B

Free things to do in Los Angeles always provide a nice break to your wallet after the spending spree in December, and lucky for us Angelenos, there are plenty of them in January. From walks in nature to the Oshogatsu Family Festival to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day parades and days of service, January's best events are 100% FREE! So, give your credit cards a rest while enjoying our top picks for free activities in Los Angeles with kids.

For more free things to do in Los Angeles with kids, visit these always-free, kid-friendly LA museums, discover free museum days for kids in Los Angeles, and browse our Guide to Free Things to Do in Los Angeles with Kids.

Want even more fun things to do this weekend? Our Los Angeles Events Calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the week— and you can filter by age, location, or even free events!

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