Hey Delhi Parents! Forget the usual park trip, January 3rd and 4th is bringing some cool, low-key stuff to keep the kids engaged. We've found a quirky museum opening and a free book exchange happening at India Habitat Centre. Check out the full list for hidden gems!
Quick Picks
The IHC Free Book X'Change
Near the IHC Information Centre
A lovely, no-cost way to refresh your family's reading pile!
Museum of Illusions - New Delhi
Connaught Place
Mind-bending fun with 50+ interactive exhibits perfect for a gloomy afternoon.
Playtime at National Museum
National Museum, New Delhi
Fun, participatory activities designed around museum exhibits for curious young minds.
Museum of Illusions - New Delhi
Seriously fun optical illusions and mind-tricking installations—your older kids and teens will love the photo ops here. It’s indoors, so it's a solid backup plan for any weather.
Why we picked it: It’s an interactive, sensory experience that feels more like an adventure park than a museum.
National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy
Skip the big tourist spots and check out this living museum where you can often catch artisans at work. The Village Complex setting is fantastic for kids to see traditional crafts up close.
Why we picked it: It's an authentic, uncrowded cultural experience that is better than many more famous spots.
Delhi Metro Museum Guided Tour
A super nominal fee to explore the history and engineering of the Delhi Metro. It’s experiential and participatory—a great one for the train-obsessed kiddo.
Why we picked it: It's incredibly cheap and a 'new opening' (recently inaugurated) that many locals might not have visited yet.
The Nature of Togetherness - The Modern Indian Family Talk
Another interesting talk at IHC; this one focuses on family dynamics. Great for parents who want a stimulating evening event that touches on modern family life.
Why we picked it: It's a thoughtful, adult-focused event happening in a family-friendly venue.
Playtime at National Museum
The National Museum runs special 'Playtime' programs designed to make learning hands-on and engaging. It’s a great place to tap into their creative side away from screens.
Why we picked it: It's an established gem that offers special, less-advertised interactive learning sessions perfect for a Sunday.
Vision Board Workshop
A hands-on session led by an Expressive Arts Therapist where teens can creatively map out their goals. Great for fostering self-awareness and goal-setting in a supportive space.
Why we picked it: A unique, expressive arts workshop tailored for older kids/teens focusing on intentional goal setting.
The IHC Free Book X'Change
Head to the India Habitat Centre for their free book exchange event. Bring a book, take a book—it's a fantastic, zero-cost way to keep the kids reading over the winter break.
Why we picked it: It’s genuinely free, supports reading habits, and it's at a lovely, calm venue.
Carnival of Cheer (Potential Run Extension)
This event was officially listed until Jan 11th, but often these big mall events get weekend extensions. Call ahead to check for a final Sunday run—great for younger kids with DIY activations.
Why we picked it: It’s a major mall activation that might have a surprise final weekend slot, offering dedicated play areas for little ones.
Farm Picnic @ The Farm Collective
While the official listing ends Jan 25th, this picnic offers a lovely escape from the city smog into a more natural setting. Definitely call their number to confirm they are running a session this specific Sunday.
Why we picked it: It’s a chance to get the kids outdoors and away from Delhi’s concrete jungle before the deeper winter chill sets in.
Apne Apne Daon (Theatre)
A Sunday evening theatre performance at IHC—a nice alternative to a movie night for older kids who appreciate live drama.
Why we picked it: Live theatre is rare and a great cultural exposure for teens looking for something different.
Winter Camp: Around the world
If you missed the earlier winter camps, Inomi's 'Around the World' theme is wrapping up early next week—check if they are running a special drop-in session this weekend. A mix of education and fun.
Why we picked it: It's a 'last chance' to catch a specialized themed winter activity before it ends.
Bacchon Ki Doctor: Desi Parenting Talk
This is a talk on desi parenting—while not strictly for kids, hearing experts talk about raising kids in Delhi can be surprisingly helpful. Check the IHC calendar for details.
Why we picked it: It's a quirky, hyper-local event for parents that usually happens on a weekend evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Delhi this weekend?
The best genuinely free option for families this weekend (Jan 03-04) is The IHC Free Book X'Change on Sunday, January 4th, near the IHC Information Centre—just bring a book and swap!
Where can we go if the weather is bad (rainy/cold)?
The Museum of Illusions - New Delhi in Connaught Place is perfect for a rainy or too-cold day, open until 8:30 PM on Saturday, Jan 3rd, with over 50 indoor, interactive exhibits.
Any good activities specifically for toddlers (under 5)?
For little ones, check the Carnival of Cheer @ Nexus Select CITYWALK on Sunday, Jan 4th; though officially ending Jan 11th, they often run special DIY activations perfect for the 2-5 age group—call to confirm the final weekend hours.