28 Free and Fun Things To Do in NYC in January 2026 with Kids

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Join Manhattan Country School for its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative March. Photo courtesy of the school

If your bank account needs a rest, fear not: We've found 28 FREE things to do in January to keep New York City families busy all month long.

Though most of the big holiday attractions in NYC are packing up the tinsel this month, January celebrations like the Three Kings Day Parade in East Harlem and BAM's annual tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. are just around the corner. Plus, Battery Park City's KindieRock series kicks off at the end of January, so little ones have a warm spot to shake their sillies out, and skating fans (even beginners!) can help Wollman Rink break a World Record.

Best Family Travel of 2024: Our Favorite Cities, Beaches, Hotels, and More Vacation Ideas

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Embrace the slow rhythm of a camel ride on a safari adventure. Photo by Diana Kim

While we love to share all of the fun things to do in our own cities with kids, we also enjoy getting out of town and exploring other amazing places. And in 2024, Mommy Poppins writers and editors visited some incredible destinations. We traveled across the US, from California all the way to Florida. We also had some adventures abroad, including in Europe and Toronto.

If you have an animal lover in your family, you've got to check out our posts about our writer's trips to the Galapagos islands and on African safari. She shares all the scoop on how to have these bucket-list experiences with your own kids!

Here are our favorite family vacation destinations of 2024, including fun cities, sunny beach vacays, and kid-friendly hotels and resorts. Check out our Family Travel Guide for even more great places to visit with your family. And, join us in 2025 to see where we'll go next!

Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks and Ponds in Westchester

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Hit the ice at Blue Mountain Reservation in Peekskill. Photo courtesy of Westchester County Department of Parks

Westchester is home to a host of outdoor ice skating rinks. And what these ice skating rinks—ranging from outdoor ice skating rinks to ice skating on local ponds—lack in upscale amenities, they make up for in old-school charm. In most cases, you'll need your own pair of skates to glide across these ice skating rinks in Westchester, plus below-freezing temperatures to ensure it's safe to set foot on the county's frozen ponds.

If you just can't wait for the ice to freeze, you can find plenty more seasonal fun in our Winter Fun Guide for Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

Best Winter Birthday Ideas for Kids on Long Island

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Throw a glow-karting or laser tag party for your winter baby at Xplore. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

Having a tough time coming up with winter birthday party ideas for your Long Island kiddo? We've rounded up some great options throughout LI that offer festive fun for kids of all ages.

The party packages we've highlighted accommodate various price points, party themes, food choices, and activity options. Active kids can show off their ninja birthday skills at a family fun center, art-loving kids can celebrate with a paint party extravaganza, or you can sweeten the special day for your little one with a candy-making event. 

Read on for our full list, and check out our Long Island Party Guide for other exciting birthday party ideas. 

New Year's Eve Weekend 2025 in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: Fireworks, Balloon Drops, and Noon Year's Eve

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Celebrate the new year before dark with crafts, confetti, and a dance party. Photo courtesy of the Westchester Children's Museum

Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this New Year's Eve weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Families can have a bricktacular New Year's Eve at Legoland New York, featuring an early countdown and Lego ball drop, plus all the other festivities throughout the day. Or enjoy cupcake decorating, a DJ dance party, and a confetti-filled ball drop and countdown to 2026 at the New Year's Eve Kids' Countdown at the Westchester Children's Museum. 

If you're not too tired after all the fun, explore the outdoors on a guided First-Day Hike through Rockwood Hall in Rockefeller State Park Preserve, or kick off maple sugaring season at Muscoot Farm's FREE Backyard Sugarin'.

New Year's Eve Weekend 2025 in New Jersey: Noon Year's Eve, Fireworks, First Night Parties

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Climb aboard the Battleship New Jersey for the best view of the Delaware River fireworks on New Year's Eve. Photo courtesy of Battleship New Jersey

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey over New Year's Eve weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for the holiday weekend.

It's time to kiss 2025 goodbye and look forward to a fresh new start in 2026. Celebrate New Year's Eve family-style with low-key events like Noon Year's Eve at Jenkinson's in the daytime, featuring entertainment and a balloon drop, and New Year's Eve fireworks in Sea Isle City at night. Plus, kick off the first weekend of the new year with some fresh air at the Happy New Year Hike at Hawk Rise or a Storytime and Craft at Liberty State Park Nature Center. 

Read on for all our top picks for the weekend ahead!

13 Cozy Georgia Winter Trips for Kids

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Travel north for the ultimate winter trip in Georgia. Photo courtesy of Georgia State Parks

When the winter weather outside is frightful, it’s time for a cozy Georgia winter trip...just don't forget to bring the fuzzy blankets and hot chocolate. We've got cool (get it?!) spots ranging from the North Georgia mountains to Lake Oconee. Take advantage of winter holidays like Christmas vacation, MLK weekend, Presidents Day weekend, for a cozy Georgia winter trip. We’ve rounded up Georgia spots encompassing mountains, lakes, state parks, and even a dude ranch!

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