350+ Free Activities and Events in January 2025: Ideas for Every Day of the Month (Bookmark This One!)

By:
Katie Mayle
Updated:
Winter

Let’s face it: 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 free 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. Their free ice festival at the end of the month is a lot of fun!

Downtown Downers Grove Ice Festival

Join us for a fun winter weekend at the Annual Ice Fest in Downtown Downers Grove, January 31-February 2, 2025! Start your weekend with live ice carving under the lights on Friday from 5:30-7:30 PM at Main and Curtiss Streets. The live carvings continue Saturday and Sunday, 11 AM-3 PM, at the Main Street Train Station. Explore nearly 60 stunning ice sculptures along the downtown sidewalks, including a kissing booth, shamrock, car, castle, giraffe, ice games and more! Don’t miss the chance to marvel at these frozen masterpieces. While enjoying the festival, visit your favorite boutiques, cafés, and restaurants for unique finds and delicious bites.

Click here to get more details or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Free Kid-friendly Activities and Events in January 2025

Events may change, and some require prior registration. Please check directly with the hosting organization before you make plans!

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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 $7, or $6 for ages 55+.

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 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 week 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 5, 2025.

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. Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago, Elmhurst’s Wilder Park Conservatory, and Oak Park Conservatory are all free.

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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About the Author

Katie Mayle
Katie, a Joliet native and mother of three children, moved to her husband's hometown of Naperville after the birth of their second child. Her kids keep her family very active, and she is grateful for the countless indoor and outdoor opportunities available to families in the western suburbs. She looks forward to sharing family-friendly fun with the parents of young children.

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