Hey Dhaka parents! January 3rd and 4th is a quieter weekend, thankfully, but there are a couple of really unique things happening if you look past the usual spots. We spotted the tail end of some cool education expos that might still be running on Saturday, and of course, the Alliance Française de Dhaka always has something cultural. Check out the potential 'Echoes of Hope' exhibition if it aligns with your weekend plans!
Quick Picks
Echoes of Hope- Children for Children
La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka
Check if this children-focused exhibition is still running on Saturday for a free dose of culture.
Eduko International Education Expo 2026
MIDAS
A perfect indoor option on Saturday for older kids interested in future studies or just seeing a big expo setup.
Mojar School Cake Festival (Tentative)
All UTSMS points and permanent centers
While tentative, keep an eye out for this heartwarming event celebrating street kids—it's a beautiful lesson in kindness for all ages.
Mojar School Cake Festival (Tentative)
This is a tentative event by Mojar School to give street children a birthday celebration. If you want to volunteer or see true community spirit, this is a powerful experience—it’s a mass birthday party with cake for kids who often miss out.
Why we picked it: It’s a genuinely local, grassroots event focused on pure joy, and being the start of the month, the Cake Festival is often scheduled early in the year.
Echoes of Hope- Children for Children
This exhibition runs until January 9th, so this is your weekend chance to catch it. It’s usually very thoughtful and a nice, calm indoor activity, perfect for a break from the dust.
Why we picked it: It’s a limited-run, culture-focused event at a reliable venue, offering a higher-brow activity for older kids.
Eduko International Education Expo 2026
If your teen is starting to think about university or just loves seeing big setups, these education expos are great for a Saturday morning. It’s an indoor venue, so rain or shine, you're covered.
Why we picked it: It’s a rare, large-scale, free indoor event format that caters specifically to older kids and teens thinking about the future.
Beyond Magic 3 (Film Screening)
AFD often hosts film screenings that are more interesting than the mainstream cinema options. Check their site for the exact movie and age rating—it's an excellent, air-conditioned Saturday afternoon plan.
Why we picked it: Alliance Française often features unique, non-commercial films which makes for a surprising weekend outing.
Visit to National Museum
I know, I know, 'go to the museum' is generic, but it's a solid indoor plan for a potentially hazy January day. They have so many different sections, you can focus only on the science or art wing to keep the kids engaged.
Why we picked it: It's the default, reliable, all-weather, all-ages indoor activity, and a good break from the usual mall visits.
Attend a University Talk/Workshop (If open to public)
Sometimes universities host weekend workshops or lectures that are open to the public or high schoolers. It's a great way for teens to feel connected to academic life. Check the Dhaka University notice boards or departmental pages.
Why we picked it: It taps into the local academic buzz, which is very relevant for older Dhaka students.
Watch for a Weekend Workshop at AFD (e.g., Pottery/Art)
AFD often runs weekend workshops—think pottery, language taster sessions, or art classes. These are fantastic, focused activities that kids can actually *make* something at.
Why we picked it: It’s a structured, creative activity that offers better engagement than just looking at art.
Australia Education Expo 2026
Another education expo, this one at The Westin—so it's guaranteed to be air-conditioned and professional. Good for a Sunday outing if your older child is driven by academics.
Why we picked it: A more upscale venue for an education expo makes it feel like a special family trip out, even if the kids aren't all equally excited.
Outdoor Time at Gulshan Lake Park
The weather should be cool enough in early January to enjoy a morning stroll or let the little ones run around here. It's a nice, green spot in the middle of the city chaos.
Why we picked it: It's one of the better-known, relatively safer green spaces for an unstructured outdoor play session.
Activity at a Local Toy Store/Book Shop (e.g., Aarong/Words N Pages)
Instead of just shopping, make a game of it: give your teen a budget for a new book or challenge your toddler to pick the wackiest toy they see. Sometimes the best activities are just structured browsing.
Why we picked it: It's a flexible, low-pressure indoor alternative that lets kids browse cool local goods.
Rickshaw Tour in Old Dhaka (Self-Guided)
Take a rickshaw through the narrow lanes of Old Dhaka on a quiet Sunday morning to see the real heartbeat of the city. It’s a sensory overload but the architecture and energy are unmatched—just hold on tight!
Why we picked it: Early Sunday morning in Old Dhaka offers a unique, less traffic-heavy cultural immersion that tourists often miss.
PFEC Global Australia Education Expo January 2026
Similar to the Eduko expo, this one at Westin is another chance for teens to gather brochures and talk to consultants. It’s a very common weekend activity for ambitious Dhaka families.
Why we picked it: It's a reliable Sunday plan for the teen demographic, taking advantage of the premium venue.
General Visit to Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace)
Combine this with an Old Dhaka rickshaw ride on Sunday. The palace itself is visually stunning with all that pink—great for photos, and the museum inside gives a glimpse into Nawab history.
Why we picked it: It’s a beautiful historical site near the Old Dhaka areas, perfect to pair with a Sunday morning adventure.
Check for Special Screenings at Bangladesh Film Archive
This is a real local gem! They sometimes screen old Bangladeshi or international films that you won't find anywhere else. Call ahead or check their notice board for the weekend schedule—it’s a unique alternative to cinema halls.
Why we picked it: It’s a genuinely quirky cultural deep-dive that is rarely on the radar of busy parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Dhaka this weekend (Jan 3-4)?
The best genuinely free options appear to be checking out the 'Echoes of Hope- Children for Children' exhibition at Alliance Française de Dhaka on Saturday, or attending the 'Eduko International Education Expo 2026' or 'Australia Education Expo 2026' on Saturday/Sunday, as these expos are usually free entry. Also, a simple morning at Gulshan Lake Park is always free!
Which event is best if it rains heavily on Saturday?
For a guaranteed indoor plan, look into the 'Beyond Magic 3' film screening at Alliance Française de Dhaka on Saturday, or the 'Eduko International Education Expo 2026' at MIDAS.
What is a good activity for toddlers/under-5s this weekend?
Your best bet for little ones is to follow up on the tentative 'Mojar School Cake Festival' on Saturday for a heartwarming experience, or simply head to Gulshan Lake Park for some unstructured outdoor running around on Sunday morning.