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20 Free Things to Do with Philly Kids in January

Photo by J. Fusco courtesy of VISIT PHILADELPHIA
Photo by J. Fusco courtesy of VISIT PHILADELPHIA
12/29/19 - By Kristen Sullivan

January is a time of new beginnings, resolutions, and goals. If one of yours is to focus on saving money in the new year, you are in luck! Mommy Poppins has rounded up an extensive list of free activities happening throughout the Delaware Valley. From art and computer workshops to outdoor activities, there is plenty of variety for everyone in your tribe. Families with kids at any age can share quality time together with a visit to The Barnes, free festivals such as Lambert-New Hope Winter Festival and Fire & Ice Festival, free performances at The Kimmel Center, and service opportunities such as clean up day at Bristol Marsh Nature Preserve, in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
 

Continue reading for more ideas to fill your family calendar with free fun! And be sure to check out our best ideas for the month with our January GoList and winter fun in our Winter Activities Guide.

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Free Events in Philly

POSTPONED: PNC Grow Up Great

January 1, 2020
The Kimmel Center’s Commonwealth Plaza hosts an hour-long interactive event for kids in which children learn the basics of jazz and musical theater. ILL Doots hosts this free event. READ MORE

Mummers Parade

January 1, 2020
This annual tradition is a great way to start off the new year, Philly-style. Beginning at Philadelphia's City Hall at approximately 9am, spectators can enjoy the Mummers as they march south along Broad Street to Washington Avenue. READ MORE

Home Depot Kids Workshop

January 4, 2020
Children ages 5-12 can build their own binoculars. Participants sand the wood, then glue and paint to customize it. READ MORE

Three Kings Day

January 4, 2020
The Kimmel Center, Mexican Consulate and the Mexican Cultural Center invite guests to celebrate one of Mexico's most popular holidays, Three Kings Day. Families can enjoy a reenactment of the story of the Three Wise Men. READ MORE

Storytime in The Lodge

January 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2020
Every Saturday at 11am, families can enjoy music and marvelous tales while dancing from the comfort of home during Blue Cross RiverRink's Virtual Storytime in the Lodge. READ MORE

Free Crafts for Kids

January 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2020
Until further notice, Lakeshore will not host Free Crafts for Kids programming. Come make some crafts at Lakeshore. From 11 AM to 3 PM, children can drop by and create something spectacular each week. Themes vary by week and no registration is needed. READ MORE

Schuylkill Saturdays: Family Friendly Guided Hikes

January 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2020
Start your morning with a guided hike led by an environmental educator and learn about the marvels of our 365 acre forest. Please note that this hike will be about an hour long and the trails are not stroller-friendly. Hikes will start from the Visitor Center. READ MORE

Barnes Free First Sunday Family Day

January 5, 2020
On the first Sunday of each month, the Barnes offers free admission and creative programming to its visitors with a full day of family-friendly activities. Themes change monthly, with new art activities, performers, and guest artists each month. READ MORE

Music Monkey Jungle at Reading Terminal Market

January 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2020
Sponsored by Reading Terminal Market, this music time with Music Monkey Jungle is free and open to the public. All ages, shapes, sizes, and abilities are welcome to participate and no registration is needed. READ MORE

Full Moon Hike

January 10, 2020
Guests can take a hike by the light of the silvery moon at Norristown Farm Park and view the beautiful landscape. The hike begins at 6:50 pm. Ranger Dave leads the group. READ MORE

Python Programming

January 11, 2020
Did you know that Disney, Netflix, Google and NASA, just to name a few, are all using Python? Students can learn about Python during this free workshop at the Microsoft Store at KOP Mall. READ MORE

Free Family Workshop at Center for Architecture + Design

January 11, 2020
After listening to a story, families can design a solution for a challenging program highlighted in the book by using concepts in architecture. Every session is different. READ MORE

CANCELED: Community Night

January 13, 2020
Everyone is welcome to join in the fun at the Franklin Institute's Community Night. Kids and parents alike can explore the museum's fun and educational science exhibits for free. The doors open at 5 PM and pre-registration is not necessary. READ MORE

Bucks Camp Expo

January 18, 2020
Find the right summer camp for your child ages 3-18 at the Bucks Camp Expo, the region’s favorite camp fair for 20 years. Conveniently located at Delaware Valley University, this event allows parents to meet camp directors from more than 50 day and overnight camps, traditional and special interest camps (arts, sports, STEM), teen travel and adventure programs, and camps for children with special needs. READ MORE

Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival

January 18-26, 2020
Over nine days, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities featured throughout New Hope during the annual Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival. Many activities are free! READ MORE

Free Admission to Benjamin Franklin Museum

January 20, 2020
Visit the Benjamin Franklin Museum for free! Visitors can view the exhibits that reflect the contributions of this Founding Father for free on certain dates throughout the year. READ MORE

Little Hands Make A Big Difference

January 20, 2020
Put a smile on someone's face by creating calendars and bookmarks to distribute to residents at Wesley Enhanced Living. This event is held by jkidphilly at Wesley Enhanced Living Main Line. READ MORE

MLK Day of Service Trash Cleanup at Bristol Marsh Nature Preserve

January 20, 2020
Make a real difference in your community and be a part of this annual Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service Trash Cleanup at Bristol Marsh! The marsh and surrounding areas need one more good cleanup before winter sets in. READ MORE

Mount Holly Fire and Ice Festival

January 25, 2020
Guests can expect to view beautiful ice sculptures carved right before their eyes. Keep warm with a bowl of hot chili while strolling High Street and enjoying live music. READ MORE

Cross-Country Ski Clinic

January 26, 2020
Whether there is snow on the ground or not, guests can learn about ski technique, equipment, places to ski, and clubs to join at Norristown Farm Park. If conditions permit, on-snow instruction is available. Be sure to bring your own skis. READ MORE

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