Let’s be honest: December is not a budget-friendly month! Holiday celebrations, gifts, and family get-togethers can certainly add up quickly. That’s why we’ve gathered hundreds of ideas for free things to do with kids in January, from local events happening every day of the month to no-cost activities running all season long.
That’s right: you and your kids can explore museums, watch movies, or play outdoors, all without spending a penny this winter. So give your bank account the refresh it needs with these events and activities for free January fun. Bookmark this list for daily ideas!
This article is sponsored by Downtown Downers Grove. We’ve always loved their Ice Festival and are looking forward to it again this year!
Ice Festival in Downers Grove
Bundle up and head to Downtown Downers Grove for the annual Ice Festival! Enjoy more than 60 stunning ice sculptures displayed throughout the downtown. Watch live carving demonstrations on Friday, January 30th, from 5:30–7:30 pm at the corner of Main Street and Curtiss, and on Saturday, January 31st, and Sunday, February 1st, from 11 am–3 pm at the Main Street Train Station.
This year’s ice art features include an octopus, kangaroo, shamrock, figure skater, diamond ring, and the return of the fan-favorite Kissing Booth, plus a few fun ice games to discover along the way.
More details will be available at downtowndg.org closer to the event.
Free Family-Friendly Activities and Events in January 2026
Events may change, and some require prior registration. Please check directly with the hosting organization before you make plans!
January 1
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Illinois Resident Donation Day (The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago)
- Winter Break Family Programming (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago) – Free to Chicago residents and children under 7
- Skating in the Park (Parkway Bank Park, Rosemont) – skate rental an additional fee
January 2
- Nature Discovery Day (Knoch Knolls Nature Center, Naperville)
- Sensory Gym (Helen Plum Library, Lombard)
- Drop-in Art (Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire)
- Sensory Hour (Elmwood Park Public Library, Elmwood Park)
- Winter Bingo (La Grange Park Public Library, La Grange Park) – registration required
- Winter Break Family Programming (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago) – Free to Chicago residents and children under 7
- Read and Create (Hinsdale Public Library, Hinsdale)
- Cuentos en Español (Elmwood Park Public Library, Elmwood Park) – registration required
- DIY Board Game (Geneva Public Library, Geneva)
- Drop-in Craft (Elmhurst Public Library, Elmhurst)
- Homeschool Hangout (Wheaton Public Library, Wheaton)
- Interactive Movie: The Bad Guys (Aurora Public Library – West Branch, Aurora)
- Family Winter Bingo (Helen Plum Library, Lombard)
- Giant Battleship – Family Edition (Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove) – registration required
- Pocket Circus performs Planet Circus (St. Charles Public Library, St. Charles)
- K-Pop Up Party (Oswego Public Library-Montgomery Branch, Montgomery)
- Coding Club (Prospect Heights Public Library, Prospect Heights) – registration required
- First Friday: Fascinating Physics with Discovery Center Museum (Geneva Public Library, Geneva)
- Classic Family Movie: Mary Poppins (Camelot Park Community Center, Arlington Heights) – registration required
January 3
- Home Depot Workshop (check your local store)
- Saturday Stay and Play (Geneva Public Library, Geneva)
- Nature Discovery Day (Knoch Knolls Nature Center, Naperville)
- Animals Around the World (Hoffman Estates Branch – Schaumburg Township District Library, Hoffman Estates)
- Interactive Movie: Sonic the Hedgehog (Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire) – registration required
- Play Doh Stations (Oswego Public Library-Montgomery Branch, Montgomery)
- Budding Botanists (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago) – Free to Chicago residents and children under 7
- Baby Play Date (Elmhurst Public Library, Elmhurst)
- Dual Language Storytime (95th Street Library, Naperville)
- Fascinating Physics (Mount Prospect Public Library, Mount Prospect) – registration required
- Bonne Année: A New Year Celebration! (Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville) – registration required
- Puzzle Race (Poplar Creek Public Library, Streamwood) – registration required
- Hot Cocoa Bar (Palatine Public Library, Palatine)
- What’s On The Menu? (River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook)
January 4
- Sensory-Friendly Hour (Park Ridge Public Library, Park Ridge)
- Budding Botanists (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago) – Free to Chicago residents and children under 7
- One Book, One Community Kickoff (Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg)
- Celebración del Día de los Reyes Magos (Santori Library, Aurora)
- Sunday Crafternoons (Brookfield Public Library, Brookfield)
- LEGO® Club (Helen Plum Library, Lombard)
- Make Break (check your local Michaels store)
- Winter Bingo (Prospect Heights Public Library, Prospect Heights) – registration required
- What’s On The Menu? (River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook)
January 5
- Nature Discovery Day (Knoch Knolls Nature Center, Naperville)
- Domino Free Build (St. Charles Public Library, St. Charles)
- Snow Much Fun (Mount Prospect Public Library, Mount Prospect)
- BINGO (Wheaton Public Library, Wheaton)
- Bilingual Storytime (Glen Ellyn Public Library, Glen Ellyn)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- STEAM Tots (Wood Dale Public Library, Wood Dale)
- Free Admission for Illinois Residents (Art Institute of Chicago)
- Snowflake Slime (Woodridge Public Library, Woodridge) – registration required
- Encanto Fun and Games (Wood Dale Public Library, Wood Dale) – registration required
- Homeschool Hangout (Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg)
- Snow Much Fun (Mount Prospect Public Library, Mount Prospect)
- KPop Demon Hunters Sing Along (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook) – registration required
- Make and Create (Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove)
- Pokémon™ Party (La Grange Park Public Library, La Grange Park) – registration required
- LEGO® Building Challenge: Dream Houses (Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg) – registration required
- Family Craft Night (Glen Ellyn Public Library, Glen Ellyn)
- Movie Night (Stephens Athletic Complex, Rosemont)
January 6
- Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Admission Days (Shedd Aquarium, Chicago)
- Pop-in Play (Wheaton Public Library, Wheaton)
- Miss Make Believe’s Bubble Show (Hinsdale Public Library, Hinsdale) – registration required
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- Wildlife Connections (River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook)
- Play and Learn (Mount Prospect Public Library – South Branch, Mount Prospect)
- Meet Our Ambassador Animals (Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington)
- BINGO (Maywood Public Library, Maywood)
- Homeschool Art Club (Wheaton Public Library, Wheaton)
- Museum of Contemporary Art Free Night (Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago)
- Hygge on the Bookmobile (Boughton Ridge Golf Course, Bolingbrook)
- Family Game Night (Wood Dale Public Library, Wood Dale)
- Reader’s Theater Presents (Rolling Meadows Library, Rolling Meadows)
January 7
- Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Admission Days (Shedd Aquarium, Chicago)
- Field Museum Illinois Resident Free Day (Field Museum, Chicago)
- Wee Wandering Wednesdays (Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington)
- DIY Snowflakes (Wheaton Public Library, Wheaton)
- Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art Museum Free Day (Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, Oak Brook)
- Winter In-Between with Brookfield Zoo Chicago (La Grange Park Public Library, La Grange Park) – registration required
- DuSable Museum of African American History Free Days (DuSable Museum of African American History, Chicago)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- Free Admission for Illinois Residents (Art Institute of Chicago)
- Preschool Art: Alma’s Art (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
- LEGO® Club (La Grange Public Library, La Grange)
- LEGO Builders Club (Prospect Heights Public Library, Prospect Heights)
- LEGO Club (St. Charles Public Library, St. Charles)
- Pokemon Meet Up (Riverside Public Library, Riverside)
- Animal Explorations (Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove)
- Adler Planetarium Illinois Resident Free Evenings (Adler Planetarium, Chicago)
- Winter STEM Storytime (Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire) – registration required
- STEAM Lab: Design an Igloo (Wood Dale Public Library, Wood Dale) – registration required
- Mindfulness for Kids (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
- Fun With Friends: Winter Animals (Mount Prospect Public Library, Mount Prospect)
- Snow Much Fun Crafts (Hanover Park Park District Community Center, Hanover Park)
- Snowy Science (Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire) – registration required
January 8
- Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Admission Days (Shedd Aquarium, Chicago)
- Storytime at the Museum (Bolingbrook Historical Museum, Bolingbrook)
- Early Intervention Playgroup (Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg)
- Free Admission for Illinois Residents (Art Institute of Chicago)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- WonderKids: Winter Animals (Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville) – registration required
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Illinois Resident Donation Day (The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago)
- Create Kindness (Glen Ellyn Public Library, Glen Ellyn)
- STEAM in Action (Lemont Public Library, Lemont) – registration required
- Adventurers’ Club (95th Street Library, Naperville)
- Family Lego Night (Wheaton Public Library, Wheaton)
- Family VR and Gaming Night (Maywood Public Library, Maywood) – registration required
- Pokémon Club (Nichols Library, Naperville)
January 9
- Drop In Crafts (Rolling Meadows Library, Rolling Meadows)
- Nature Storytime with The Morton Arboretum (Hinsdale Public Library, Hinsdale) – registration required
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- Free Admission for Illinois Residents (Art Institute of Chicago)
- Bilingual Storytime: Polish, Dwujęzyczne opowieści (Park Ridge Public Library, Park Ridge)
- Cuentos en Español (Elmwood Park Public Library, Elmwood Park) – registration required
- Young Artists Workshops: Abstract Rhythm (Prospect Heights Public Library, Prospect Heights) – registration required
- K-Pop Demon Hunters Sing Along Party (Elmwood Park Public Library, Elmwood Park) – registration required
- Build and Watch: Monsters, Inc. (Mount Prospect Public Library – South Branch, Mount Prospect) – registration required
January 10
- Drop-In Craft: Frosty Fun (Batavia Public Library, Batavia)
- Little Builders Drop-In (Indian Prairie Public Library, Darien)
- Tiny Toes Music (La Grange Public Library, La Grange) – registration required
- Toy Swap (Wheaton Public Library, Wheaton)
- Lowe’s Kids’ Workshops (check your local store)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- Saturday Drop-In Craft (Riverside Public Library, Riverside)
- Family Days (Chicago Architecture Center, Chicago)
- Budding Botanists (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago) – Free to Chicago residents and children under 7
- Rubber Ducky Day (Target, Bolingbrook)
- Family Concert: ScribbleMonster (Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire) – registration required
- WinterFest (Springbrook Nature Center, Itasca)
- Family Day | Myths and Legends (Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago)
- The Penguin Parade Storytime & Craft (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
- Recycled Succulents (Santori Library (Aurora), Aurora)
- Chinese Storytime (95th Street Library, Naperville)
- Winter Bash (The Recreation Complex, Wood Dale)
- LEGO Club (Bolingbrook Historical Museum, Bolingbrook)
- Pet Rocks (Aurora Public Library – West Branch, Aurora)
- Pokemon Fun (Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove)
- What’s On The Menu? (River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook)
January 11
- Drop-In Craft: Frosty Fun (Batavia Public Library, Batavia)
- Sunday Kids Club (check your local Michaels store)
- Budding Botanists (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago) – Free to Chicago residents and children under 7
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- The Rolling Meadows High School Jazz Bands (Rolling Meadows Library, Rolling Meadows)
- Concert: Cello Music by Lilianna Wosko (Prospect Heights Public Library, Prospect Heights) – registration required
- Kids’ Winter Yoga (La Grange Park Public Library, La Grange Park) – registration required
- Let’s Paint Labubus (Santori Library, Aurora)
- Winter Fun Mystery Party (Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg)
- What’s On The Menu? (River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook)
January 12
- Adler Planetarium Illinois Free Admission Days (Adler Planetarium, Chicago)
- MSI Free Admission for Illinois Residents (Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago)
- Arwa Yemeni Coffee Storytime (Arwa Yemeni Coffee, Bolingbrook)
- Sensory-Friendly Storytime (95th Street Library, Naperville)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- Free Admission for Illinois Residents (Art Institute of Chicago)
- Make and Create (Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove)
- Crafty Kids (La Grange Park Public Library, La Grange Park)
- Game Arcade: Switch Games (Wheaton Public Library, Wheaton)
- Tween Winter Olympic Games (95th Street Library, Naperville)
- Drop In Shrinky Dinks (Rolling Meadows Library, Rolling Meadows)
- La Loteria/La Lotería (Palatine Public Library – Rand Road Branch, Palatine) – registration required
- Noche de la Familia (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
January 13
- Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Admission Days (Shedd Aquarium, Chicago)
- MSI Free Admission for Illinois Residents (Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago)
- Small Serendipity (River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook)
- A River Near Me (Santori Library, Aurora)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- Swedish American Museum Free Days (Swedish American Museum, Chicago)
- Wildlife Connections (River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook)
- Bilingual Japanese Storytime and Craft (Palatine Public Library, Palatine) – registration required
- Play and Learn (Mount Prospect Public Library – South Branch, Mount Prospect)
- Homeschool Explorers (Elmhurst Public Library, Elmhurst) – registration required
- Winter’s Tales Readers Theater (La Grange Public Library, La Grange) – registration required
- Lego Club (Schiller Park Public Library, Schiller Park)
- C.I.T.Y. of Support Playgroup (Elmhurst Public Library, Elmhurst)
- Cartoon Workshop with Mark Anderson (Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire) – registration required
- Video Game Club (Nichols Library, Naperville)
- Museum of Contemporary Art Free Evenings (Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago)
- Hygge on the Bookmobile (Boughton Ridge Golf Course, Bolingbrook)
- Sensory Night: Cozy Caves (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
- Polish Storytime (Wood Dale Public Library, Wood Dale)
- Puppet Palooza (Nichols Library, Naperville)
January 14
- Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Admission Days (Shedd Aquarium, Chicago)
- Field Museum Illinois Resident Free Day (Field Museum, Chicago)
- MSI Free Admission for Illinois Residents (Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago)
- Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art Museum Free Day (Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, Oak Brook)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- Free Admission for Illinois Residents (Art Institute of Chicago)
- Story Time at Creek Bend Nature Center (Creek Bend Nature Center, St. Charles)
- DuSable Museum of African American History Free Days (DuSable Museum of African American History, Chicago)
- Homeschool Book Chat (Geneva Public Library, Geneva)
- LEGO Club (St. Charles Public Library, St. Charles)
- Gargantuan Games (Glen Ellyn Public Library, Glen Ellyn)
- Adler Planetarium Illinois Resident Free Evenings (Adler Planetarium, Chicago)
- Magnetic & Electric STEAM Magic (Lemont Public Library, Lemont) – registration required
- Skill Stations (Indian Trails Public Library – Main Branch, Wheeling)
- A Night to READmember (Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg)
- Evening Movie Showing: Elio (Hanover Park Branch – Schaumburg Township District Library, Hanover Park)
- Polish Storytime: Giant Animals (Prospect Heights Public Library, Prospect Heights)
- Family Craft Night: Winter Folk Art Trees Painting (Santori Library (Aurora), Aurora)
January 15
- Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Admission Days (Shedd Aquarium, Chicago)
- Koffee with Kara (Pottawatomie Community Center, St. Charles)
- Chick-fil-A Storytime (Chik-Fil-A (Bolingbrook), Bolingbrook)
- Chat and Play Cafe (Indian Trails Public Library – Main Branch, Wheeling)
- Dual Language Storytime (Nichols Library, Naperville)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- Free Admission for Illinois Residents (Art Institute of Chicago)
- Drop-In Craft: Winter Animals (Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove)
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Illinois Resident Donation Day (The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago)
- Sensory Storytime (Hinsdale Public Library, Hinsdale) – registration required
- STEAM Stations (Poplar Creek Public Library, Streamwood) – registration required
- Hobby Club (Hinsdale Public Library, Hinsdale) – registration required
- K-Pop Demon Party (Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove)
- Video Game Club (95th Street Library, Naperville)
- Pokémon Club (Naper Boulevard Library, Naperville)
- Winter-ful Crafts (Indian Trails Public Library – Main Branch, Wheeling)
- Noche de Loteria (Elmwood Park Public Library, Elmwood Park)
- Family LEGO Build (Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove) – registration required
January 16
- Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Admission Days (Shedd Aquarium, Chicago)
- Plum Playdate (Helen Plum Library, Lombard)
- Sensory Supported Storytime (Wheaton Public Library, Wheaton) – registration required
- Sunshine Squad: Tomorrow’s Leaders (Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire) – registration required
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- Italian Storytime (Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove)
- Free Admission for Illinois Residents (Art Institute of Chicago)
- Homeschool Exploration: Portraits of MLK Jr. (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
- Connect and Play Library Playdate (Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg)
- Cuentos en Español (Elmwood Park Public Library, Elmwood Park) – registration required
- Homeschool Hangout (Lemont Public Library, Lemont)
- Family Crafternoons (Helen Plum Library, Lombard)
- Homeschool Huddle: Operation Spy Quest Escape Room (Santori Library, Aurora)
- Lotería Night (Indian Trails Public Library – Main Branch, Wheeling) – registration required
- Tabletop Games Social Hour (Elmwood Park Public Library, Elmwood Park)
- Winter Movie Night (Wood Dale Park District, Wood Dale)
January 17
- Saturday Stay and Play (Geneva Public Library, Geneva)
- Preschool Open House (Main Street Recreation Center, Glen Ellyn)
- Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Admission Days (Shedd Aquarium, Chicago)
- Drop-in Craft: I Have a Dream (Batavia Public Library, Batavia)
- Nature Discovery Day (Knoch Knolls Nature Center, Naperville)
- Noon Lions Club Free Vision Screening (Santori Library, Aurora)
- Go Nuts for Donuts Storytime (Helen Plum Library, Lombard)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- Passport Acceptance Fair (Glen Ellyn Public Library, Glen Ellyn)
- Calm & Cozy Movie Time – Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (Geneva Public Library, Geneva)
- Kids Care Fun Fair: Spread Kindness! (Mount Prospect Public Library, Mount Prospect)
- Legopalooza Open Lego Play (Riverside Public Library, Riverside)
- Winter Wonderland (Lake View Nature Center, Oakbrook Terrace)
- Black History Hall of Fame (Batavia Public Library, Batavia) – tickets required
- Budding Botanists (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago) – Free to Chicago residents and children under 7
- Super Saturday: The Rope Warrior (Indian Trails Public Library – Main Branch, Wheeling) – pick up tickets in advance
- Movie Afternoon (Schiller Park Public Library, Schiller Park)
- STEAM Saturday (Wood Dale Public Library, Wood Dale)
- Lego Club (Aurora Public Library – West Branch, Aurora)
- Train Saturdays (DuPage County Historical Museum, Wheaton)
- Crash Lab with the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Nichols Library, Naperville)
- What’s On The Menu? (River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook)
January 18
- Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Admission Days (Shedd Aquarium, Chicago)
- Drop-in Craft: I Have a Dream (Batavia Public Library, Batavia)
- Budding Botanists (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago) – Free to Chicago residents and children under 7
- Family Sensory Hour (Elmhurst Public Library, Elmhurst)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- Sunday Crafternoons (Brookfield Public Library, Brookfield)
- Make Break (check your local Michaels store)
- Snack Sacks (Lemont Public Library, Lemont)
- Performance: The Art of Hula (Prospect Heights Public Library, Prospect Heights) – registration required
- Adventure of the Missing Color (La Grange Public Library, La Grange)
- What’s On The Menu? (River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook)
January 19
- MLK Jr. Day of Service (Churchill Park, Glen Ellyn) – registration required
- Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Admission Days (Shedd Aquarium, Chicago)
- Drop-in Craft: I Have a Dream (Batavia Public Library, Batavia)
- Pop-Up Program: “I Have a Dream…” Photo Booth Station (Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg)
- Nature Discovery Day (Knoch Knolls Nature Center, Naperville)
- Day of Service (St. Charles Public Library, St. Charles)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemorative Day (Chicago History Museum, Chicago)
- MLK Day of Service (Geneva Public Library, Geneva)
- School’s Out Drop-in Craft (Des Plaines Public Library, Des Plaines)
- STEAM Tots (Wood Dale Public Library, Wood Dale)
- It’s Poppin’ (Poplar Creek Public Library, Streamwood) – registration required
- MLK Day of Service (Elmhurst Public Library, Elmhurst)
- Hot Cocoa with Elsa (Franklin Park Public Library, Franklin Park) – registration required
- Day Off Concert: BenJammin (Spring Avenue Recreation Center, Glen Ellyn) – registration required
- Feed My Starving Children (Feed My Starving Children, Schaumburg)
- Free Admission for Illinois Residents (Art Institute of Chicago)
- Movie Monday: KPop Demon Hunters (Riverside Public Library, Riverside)
- Homeschool Lego Free Build (Wheaton Public Library, Wheaton)
- Giving Back on MLK Day (Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire) – registration required
- Kids Care Fun Fair: Spread Kindness! (Mount Prospect Public Library, Mount Prospect)
- Fossil Fun with T-Rexplorers (Lemont Public Library, Lemont) – registration required
- Read and Create (Hinsdale Public Library, Hinsdale)
- Science Heroes (Park Ridge Public Library, Park Ridge) – registration required
- Be a King (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
- Make and Create (Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove)
- Lego Free Build (Wheaton Public Library, Wheaton)
- MLK Day of Service (La Grange Public Library, La Grange)
- School’s Out Drop-in Craft (Des Plaines Public Library, Des Plaines)
- Skating in the Park (Parkway Bank Park, Rosemont) – skate rental an additional fee
- Pokémon Club (95th Street Library, Naperville)
- Noche de la Familia (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
- Brick Builders (Nichols Library, Naperville)
January 20
- Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Admission Days (Shedd Aquarium, Chicago)
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day (Chicago History Museum, Chicago)
- Wildlife Connections (River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook)
- Play and Learn (Mount Prospect Public Library – South Branch, Mount Prospect)
- BINGO (Maywood Public Library, Maywood)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- Winter Wonderland Experiments (Rolling Meadows Library, Rolling Meadows)
- Fandom Fun – Gummy Good Times (Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove) – registration required
- Books & Cooks Winter Showdown (Glen Ellyn Public Library, Glen Ellyn) – registration required
- Museum of Contemporary Art Free Evening (Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago)
- Hygge on the Bookmobile (Boughton Ridge Golf Course, Bolingbrook)
- Loteria! (Poplar Creek Public Library, Streamwood) – registration required
- Sensory Storytime (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
January 21
- Sensory-Friendly Morning (The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago)
- Field Museum Illinois Resident Free Day (Field Museum, Chicago)
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day (Chicago History Museum, Chicago)
- Wee Wandering Wednesdays (Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington)
- Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art Museum Free Day (Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, Oak Brook)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- Free Admission for Illinois Residents (Art Institute of Chicago)
- DuSable Museum of African American History Free Days (DuSable Museum of African American History, Chicago)
- LEGO Club (St. Charles Public Library, St. Charles)
- Pokemon Pals (Hinsdale Public Library, Hinsdale) – registration required
- Adler Planetarium Illinois Resident Free Evenings (Adler Planetarium, Chicago)
- Pokémon Trading Card Night (Elmwood Park Public Library, Elmwood Park)
- Pajamas and Popcorn Storytime (Glen Ellyn Public Library, Glen Ellyn)
- Won’t You Be Our Neighbor? (La Grange Public Library, La Grange) – registration required
January 22
- Storytime at Wholey Granoly (Wholey Granoly, Bolingbrook)
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day (Chicago History Museum, Chicago)
- A Special Storytime with our Geneva Firefighters (Geneva Public Library, Geneva)
- Sports Storytime (Mount Prospect Public Library, Mount Prospect)
- Free Admission for Illinois Residents (Art Institute of Chicago)
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Illinois Resident Donation Day (The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- Bilingual Storytime: Spanish, Hora de cuentos bilingüe (Park Ridge Public Library, Park Ridge)
- Homeschool Award-Winning Book Club (Santori Library, Aurora)
- Crochet for Kids (Aurora Public Library – West Branch, Aurora) – registration required
- Wings of Fire Party (Elmwood Park Public Library, Elmwood Park)
- LEGO Free Build (Lemont Public Library, Lemont)
- Snow Day Celebration (95th Street Library, Naperville)
January 23
- Developmental Speech Language Playgroup with Assential Therapies (Park Ridge Public Library, Park Ridge)
- Tiny Tea Party (Glen Ellyn Public Library, Glen Ellyn)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- Free Admission for Illinois Residents (Art Institute of Chicago)
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day (Chicago History Museum, Chicago)
- Bilingual Mandarin Storytime (Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire) – registration required
- Cuentos en Español (Elmwood Park Public Library, Elmwood Park) – registration required
- STEAM for Kids: Fluffy Snow Slime (Palatine Public Library, Palatine) – registration required
- Indoor Snowball Fight (Elmwood Park Public Library, Elmwood Park) – registration required
January 24
- Drop In Craft: DIY Origami (Batavia Public Library, Batavia)
- Adaptive Storytime (Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg) – register in advance
- Preschool and Enrichment Fair (Park Ridge Public Library, Park Ridge)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- Princess Storytime with Belle (Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire) – registration required
- Dolly Parton Imagination Library Party (Batavia Public Library, Batavia)
- We See Color Party (Mount Prospect Public Library, Mount Prospect)
- Crafting a la Cache: Handheld Habitats (Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville) – registration required
- Spark’s Snow Day (Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove)
- Budding Botanists (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago) – Free to Chicago residents and children under 7
- Chinese Storytime (95th Street Library, Naperville)
- Meet Our Ambassador Animals (Crabtree Nature Center, Barrington)
- Saturday Crafternoon: Mini Seasonal Canvases (Santori Library, Aurora)
- Bone Appétit (Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest)
- What’s On The Menu? (River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook)
- Lunar New Year Celebration (Buffalo Grove Community Arts Center, Buffalo Grove)
January 25
- MSI Free Admission for Illinois Residents (Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago)
- Budding Botanists (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago) – Free to Chicago residents and children under 7
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- Everyone at Play (Kohl Children’s Museum, Glenview) – registration required
- Trading Card Club (Helen Plum Library, Lombard)
- LEGO Club (Batavia Public Library, Batavia)
- Sunday Kids Club (check your local Michaels store)
- What’s On The Menu? (River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook)
January 26
- Adler Planetarium Illinois Free Admission Days (Adler Planetarium, Chicago)
- MSI Free Admission for Illinois Residents (Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago)
- Zap! Zoo Storytime (La Grange Public Library, La Grange)
- Sing, Sign and Play (95th Street Library, Naperville)
- Free Admission for Illinois Residents (Art Institute of Chicago)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- Make and Create (Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove)
- Fan Club (Wheaton Public Library, Wheaton)
- Ukrainian Storytime/Українська година казок (Palatine Public Library – Rand Road Branch, Palatine) – registration required
- Noche de la Familia (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
January 27
- Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Admission Days (Shedd Aquarium, Chicago)
- MSI Free Admission for Illinois Residents (Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago)
- Snowy Sensory Storytime (Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day (Chicago History Museum, Chicago)
- Small Serendipity (River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook)
- Wildlife Connections (River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook)
- Play and Learn (Mount Prospect Public Library – South Branch, Mount Prospect)
- Nature Storytime with The Morton Arboretum (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
- Winter BINGO (Schiller Park Public Library, Schiller Park) – registration required
- Museum of Contemporary Art Free Evenings (Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago)
- Family LEGO Club (Indian Trails Public Library – Main Branch, Wheeling)
- Preschool Open House (Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg)
- Sensory Storytime (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
January 28
- Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Admission Days (Shedd Aquarium, Chicago)
- Field Museum Illinois Resident Free Day (Field Museum, Chicago)
- MSI Free Admission for Illinois Residents (Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago)
- Partners in Play: It’s a Zoo (Helen Plum Library, Lombard)
- Free Admission for Illinois Residents (Art Institute of Chicago)
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day (Chicago History Museum, Chicago)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- World Language Storytime Series: Arabic (Mount Prospect Public Library, Mount Prospect)
- Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art Museum Free Day (Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, Oak Brook)
- DuSable Museum of African American History Free Days (DuSable Museum of African American History, Chicago)
- Sensory-Friendly Storytime (Naper Boulevard Library, Naperville)
- LEGO Club (St. Charles Public Library, St. Charles)
- Drop-in Lego (Elmhurst Public Library, Elmhurst)
- Tween Winter Olympic Games (Nichols Library, Naperville)
- Light-up LEGO® Bricks (Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg) – registration required
- Adler Planetarium Illinois Resident Free Evenings (Adler Planetarium, Chicago)
- Toy Planet Galaxy (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
January 29
- Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Admission Days (Shedd Aquarium, Chicago)
- Chat and Play Cafe (Indian Trails Public Library – Main Branch, Wheeling)
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day (Chicago History Museum, Chicago)
- Mini Math Magicians (Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire) – registration required
- Pop-in Play: Dress Up (Helen Plum Library, Lombard)
- Free Admission for Illinois Residents (Art Institute of Chicago)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Illinois Resident Donation Day (The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago)
- Nature’s Art Box (Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs) – registration required
- Puppet Palooza (95th Street Library, Naperville)
- Pop-in Play: Let It Snow (Helen Plum Library, Lombard)
- Pop-in Play: Dress Up (Helen Plum Library, Lombard)
- Tween Winter Olympic Games (Naper Boulevard Library, Naperville)
- Pet Rock Pop-Up (Geneva Public Library, Geneva)
- Noche de Lotería (St. Charles Public Library, St. Charles)
- Noche de Lotería (Poplar Creek Public Library, Streamwood)
January 30
Don’t miss the Ice Festival in Downtown Downers Grove with more than 60 stunning ice sculptures, live carving demonstrations, and fun ice games! January 30 – February 1
- Community Partner Playdate (Wheaton Public Library, Wheaton)
- Playdate at the Library (Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire)
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day (Chicago History Museum, Chicago)
- Wild Child (Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Bolingbrook) – registration required
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- Free Admission for Illinois Residents (Art Institute of Chicago)
- ZAP! Storytime with Brookfield Zoo (Riverside Public Library, Riverside) – registration required
- Bollywood Babies (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
- Cuentos en Español (Elmwood Park Public Library, Elmwood Park) – registration required
- American Girl Doll Adventures (Glen Ellyn Public Library, Glen Ellyn) – registration required
- Family Game Night (Brookfield Public Library, Brookfield)
- Supervillain Party (Helen Plum Library, Lombard)
- Pokémon Club (Mount Prospect Public Library, Mount Prospect)
- Ukrainian Winter Trivia Night (Elmwood Park Public Library, Elmwood Park) – registration required
- Kids BINGO: K-Pop (Woodridge Public Library, Woodridge) – registration required
January 31
Don’t miss the Ice Festival in Downtown Downers Grove with more than 60 stunning ice sculptures, live carving demonstrations, and fun ice games! January 30 – February 1
- Donuts with Dads (Hinsdale Public Library, Hinsdale)
- Legopalooza Open Lego Play (Riverside Public Library, Riverside)
- Fire Safety Storytime With the MPFD (Mount Prospect Public Library, Mount Prospect)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day (Brookfield)
- Puzzle-Palooza (Elmhurst Public Library, Elmhurst)
- Train Saturdays (DuPage County Historical Museum, Wheaton)
- American Girl Doll Adventures (Glen Ellyn Public Library, Glen Ellyn) – registration required
- Board Game Swap (St. Charles Public Library, St. Charles)
- Lego Club (Santori Library, Aurora)
- What’s On The Menu? (River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook)
More Ideas for Free Things to Do with Kids in January
Chicagoland Zoos with Free Admission
Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago)
Always free admission to all visitors.
Phillips Park Zoo (Aurora)
Phillips Park Zoo is also always free to visitors. There is a huge playground area next to the zoo to add to your visit.
Cosley Zoo (Wheaton)
If you live in Wheaton, Cosley is always free with your park district ID! Kids 17 and under are always free, too; non-resident adults pay $12, or $10 for ages 60+.
Local Libraries
Libraries are always a great place for free local fun. Grab a few new titles, come in for storytimes and regular programming, or log into countless streaming services for home entertainment. Our handy list of the best libraries for kids in the west and northwest suburbs gives you a sneak peek into the different kids’ areas to explore, too.
Free Outdoor Fun
While some locations charge admission, there are many places that offer free ice skating. Check out our roundup of indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks.
Another exciting outdoor activity that is free of charge? Sledding! Our list of the sledding hills in the western and northwest suburbs includes round-up of local hills and details about what you can expect.
While most of the Holiday Lights turn off after Christmas or the start of the new year, some continue on through the first days of January. For example, Nights of Lights in Adams Park in Wheaton and Winter Lights at Central Park in Oak Brook will run until January 4, 2026. Itasca’s Winter Wonderland in Usher Park is the latest one we’ve seen, which runs through January 15, 2026.
Free Indoor Fun
The Chicago-area is full of incredible museums, many of which offer free days throughout the year. Find all the details about Museum Free Days happening in January.
Nearly all of the nature centers in our area are free. Pop in to learn more about native animals, or check out some of the free events listed below.
Bring the outdoors indoors. Elmhurst’s Wilder Park Conservatory and Oak Park Conservatory are free. The Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago is free to Chicago residents, as well as all children ages 0-6. More details about admission for visitors 7+ can be found on their website.
Many families find time to give back during the holiday season, but the needs in our communities don’t end after the new year. Use our Volunteering Guide to find a way to make an impact with your family.
While your entire bill won’t be free, these Kids Eat Free deals will certainly minimize your restaurant tab.
You can also find lots of cozy indoor activities for the winter months in our Winter Activities Guide!
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