Whew, we made it through the holidays! This first weekend of January (Jan 3rd-4th) is actually shaping up nicely for local parents—we've got some genuine last-chance activities before the seasonal magic disappears, plus a super cool museum day for Boston residents. Don't miss the last call for Santa's Brickmas Adventure or take advantage of the Boston Family Days at the Gardner Museum on Sunday.
Quick Picks
Boston Family Days
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Free admission for Boston students and up to two guests at participating museums on the first Sunday of the month!
Drop-In Art Making: Watercolors Inspired by Winslow Homer
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
A perfect indoor art session letting kids explore watercolors after seeing a special exhibition.
Santa's Brickmas Adventure
LEGO Discovery Center Boston
Last chance for LEGO holiday fun, building challenges, and meeting the elves before it closes on Saturday.
Santa's Brickmas Adventure
This is it, the final day for the LEGO holiday event! If your little builders love LEGO and you need a high-energy indoor fix, this is your last shot at the festive building challenges and character meet-and-greets.
Why we picked it: It’s the absolute last day for this festive, hands-on LEGO event, making it a prime Saturday activity.
Frog Pond Ice Skating
Embrace the January chill by hitting the ice at Frog Pond—it's classic Boston winter. They have those sweet blue seal aids for the little ones to push around or ride on, so no one feels left out.
Why we picked it: It’s peak winter season for the quintessential Boston Common ice skating experience.
Fenway Park Guided Ballpark Tour
Escape the cold by heading to Fenway for a tour to see the Green Monster and learn the history—tourists won't know about this easy indoor-ish activity in January. It's way more interesting than just looking at the grass in the off-season.
Why we picked it: It's a great way to do a major Boston landmark without dealing with summer crowds or heat.
Explore Cambridge (MIT/Harvard)
Take the T over to Cambridge for a brisk walk through Harvard Yard or check out the quirky architecture at MIT. Even if you don't go inside anywhere, the historic vibe is great for older kids who appreciate architecture or just people-watching.
Why we picked it: It’s a mix of educational sight-seeing and urban exploration that feels less 'touristy' than the Freedom Trail.
Walk the Freedom Trail (Self-Guided)
It’s cold, but the crowds are non-existent, making it way easier to stop and read the markers or get a picture at the Granary Burying Ground. Bundle up, grab coffee, and make an adventure out of hitting those 16 historic sites.
Why we picked it: An iconic Boston activity made infinitely more pleasant by the lack of summer foot traffic.
Try Sledding/Tubing near Boston
January is prime sledding time if we get some fresh snow; check out a local spot like the hills at the Boston Common or a dedicated hill outside the city. It's pure, messy, high-energy fun that burns off winter cabin fever fast.
Why we picked it: A true New England seasonal must-do that can be done completely free if you own a plastic sled.
Boston Family Days
Boston Public School and Pre-K kids (and up to two guests) get free entry here today thanks to the Boston Family Days partnership. You'll need to secure the City-issued pass beforehand, but then you get to explore that stunning courtyard and art collection for free!
Why we picked it: It's a genuinely free cultural outing for Boston resident families, perfect for a Sunday afternoon.
Children's Sunday Studio Art, Ages 5–7
If your 5-7 year old needs a hands-on art fix, the MFA runs these structured Sunday sessions where they look at art and then make their own. It involves drawing, painting, and 3D stuff—way better than just walking the galleries.
Why we picked it: A dedicated, drop-off art class that lets kids get messy and inspired by world-class art.
Drop-In Art Making: Watercolors Inspired by Winslow Homer
Since it's a Family Day, pop into the MFA and check out the Homer exhibit, then hit the drop-in art station to try out watercolors yourself. It’s a low-pressure way to engage with serious art without committing to a long tour.
Why we picked it: This specific drop-in project ties into current exhibits, making the standard museum visit more engaging.
Franklin Park Coalition's Winter Festival
If there's snow, this festival is great for sledding and snowman building; if it's just cold, there are usually crafts and hot chocolate. It's a real community gem away from the downtown crush.
Why we picked it: A genuine local community event that embraces the New England winter, snow or shine.
Boston Celtics Game
Nothing beats the energy of a home game at The Garden to shake off the post-holiday slump. Check the schedule to see if the Celts are playing this weekend and grab some tickets—it's a guaranteed high-octane experience.
Why we picked it: Catching a live NBA game is a fantastic, exciting way to spend a cold weekend evening.
Boston Bruins Hockey Game
If your crew is more into slap shots than slam dunks, check the Bruins schedule to see if they're hosting a game this weekend. The atmosphere at TD Garden for hockey is unmatched.
Why we picked it: A high-energy Boston sports staple that beats staying inside watching TV.
MFA Drop-In Art Making: Clay Vessels
Another chance for free art-making fun via the Family Days program; this one focuses on Maya earthenware, so the kids can get their hands dirty building clay vessels. It’s a nice tactile activity for a chilly afternoon.
Why we picked it: Offers a different, more sculptural activity compared to the watercolor session on the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Boston this weekend?
The best genuinely free option is taking advantage of Boston Family Days at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum on Sunday, January 4th, for Boston school-aged kids and two guests with a City pass. Also, simply walking the Freedom Trail or trying out a local sledding hill are completely free ways to get out of the house this weekend.
Where can we go if the weather is too cold/rainy on Sunday?
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is hosting Drop-In Art Making sessions all day Sunday (Jan 4th), including a session on Watercolors Inspired by Winslow Homer. This is a perfect indoor activity, especially if you qualify for the free Boston Family Days admission.
What's a good, unique Saturday activity for my younger kids (under 7)?
You've got one last chance for Santa's Brickmas Adventure at the LEGO Discovery Center Boston on Saturday, January 3rd. Alternatively, the MFA is hosting Children's Sunday Studio Art for ages 5-7 on Sunday, where they get hands-on with painting and collage.