Happy New Year, parents! The post-holiday slump is real, but we found some hidden gems to keep the kids off their tablets. Skip the malls and check out that cool Mobile Videography workshop for the older ones, or for a laugh on Sunday, Victor Patrascan’s stand-up is surprisingly family-friendly chaos! We've also rounded up some quiet, creative spots to ease back into the routine.
Quick Picks
Beirut Art Center - Drop-in Family Activity (Assumed)
Beirut Art Center (BAC)
Check their schedule for free, seasonal family/children's activities or garden time if the weather holds.
Mobile Videography workshop - FAPA
Fine Art Photography Academy
Get teens busy creating content instead of consuming it in this hands-on tech workshop.
Indoor Trampoline Park Visit (Suggestion)
TBA Indoor Play Area
A reliable post-holiday energy burner for toddlers and younger kids when the garden is too cold.
Mobile Videography workshop - FAPA
If your teen is glued to TikTok, put that energy to good use! This workshop focuses on creating video content, which is way cooler than just scrolling. Spaces are limited, so check in fast.
Why we picked it: A perfect, productive activity for teens during the first weekend after the holidays, focusing on modern skills.
Emerging Artists Exhibition
BAC exhibits are always thought-provoking; take the kids for a visual palette cleanser after all the holiday excess. It's a quiet, grown-up atmosphere but great for sparking conversations with older children.
Why we picked it: It’s an ongoing, high-quality cultural stop that avoids the commercialism of holiday fairs.
Indoor Trampoline Park Visit (Suggestion)
If the January chill has set in, nothing beats an hour of supervised bouncing to tire out the little ones. Pre-book your slot because everyone has the same idea after the holidays!
Why we picked it: It's a non-seasonal, guaranteed win for burning off toddlers' excess energy indoors.
Book Browsing at Librairie Antoine (Assumed)
Escape the house and let the kids browse the kids' section for a new book to read for the rest of the winter break. Grab a coffee nearby for yourself!
Why we picked it: A quintessential Beirut low-key activity, perfect for a cool January day.
Arnaoon Christmas Village (Last Chance)
If you missed the main holiday rush, this village might still be open for one last festive hurrah before everything packs up! Worth the drive north for the atmosphere.
Why we picked it: Likely one of the last weekends for a village-style festive experience before they close up shop for the season.
Beirut Christmas Spirit (Last Chance)
The Downtown festive decorations are usually still up on the first weekend of January—perfect for evening photos when the lights are still magical. It's free to walk around and soak up the lingering spirit.
Why we picked it: A final, free chance to see the major city holiday lights before they are dismantled.
Coffee Chat with a Bachelor Student (Quirky)
This Eventbrite listing suggests a casual meetup. Great for older, curious teens to chat with a university student in a public, safe space. Buy a coffee to support the venue!
Why we picked it: A low-stakes, non-structured social event perfect for teens easing back into the social scene.
Stand up Comedy in broken English • Victor Patrascan
Hear me out: adult humor that's genuinely clever and in broken English, so it's less intense. Good for older teens who appreciate quirky theatre/comedy. Book your tickets on Ihjoz ASAP.
Why we picked it: It's a very 'Beirut' cultural experience that might actually engage those hard-to-please teens.
Beirut Art Center - Drop-in Family Activity (Assumed)
BAC often runs free drop-in sessions or has child-friendly installations. Give them a call to see what creative low-key fun they have planned for Sunday afternoon.
Why we picked it: A great, genuinely free cultural option for a low-key Sunday recharge.
Museum Exploration - Sursock Museum (Assumed)
Even if the big exhibit changes, the architecture and permanent collection are stunning. It’s a calm, beautiful space to wander through before the weekday rush begins.
Why we picked it: A beautiful, architecturally significant building that offers a calm, indoor cultural break.
Indoor Play Area Visit (Alternative)
If the weather turns, having an indoor spot pre-vetted is a lifesaver for the little ones. Search for a new soft-play center near you that opened recently.
Why we picked it: Always a safe bet when the January weather is unpredictable and the kids need to run.
Simple Family Cooking Session (Suggestion)
Since we don't have a cooking class confirmed, dedicate Sunday morning to making mana'eesh or baking simple cookies together. It’s cheaper, cozier, and you control the mess!
Why we picked it: A zero-cost, high-engagement activity ideal for a chilly Sunday indoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Beirut this weekend?
For genuinely free options this weekend (Jan 3-4), check out the lingering festive atmosphere at the Downtown Beirut Christmas Spirit for a walk-around, or look for a free drop-in session at the Beirut Art Center, which often has family activities.
What can I do with my teenager that isn't boring?
The Victor Patrascan Stand-up Comedy show on Sunday, Jan 4th, is a quirky, slightly edgy, but fun option for older teens. You could also enroll them in the Saturday morning Mobile Videography workshop to learn a new skill.
Since it might rain, what are the best indoor options for under 8s?
For unpredictable January weather, your best bet is often a dedicated indoor play/trampoline park for guaranteed energy burn. Alternatively, visit a large bookshop like Librairie Antoine for some quiet browsing time.