Phew, finally a weekend without post-New Year's exhaustion! Since it's the first full weekend of 2026, let's shake off those holiday cobwebs. Forget the usual spots; we've found some gems. Don't miss the Wonderkindness Fun Run on Saturday morning for a healthy kickstart, or check out the vibrant local stalls at a pop-up market if the weather's nice. Here’s what's on for the kids this Saturday, January 3rd, and Sunday, January 4th.
Quick Picks
Wonderkindness Fun Run Jakarta 2026
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
A family-friendly 5km run with a healthy lifestyle theme.
Jakarta Library, TIM Cikini
Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM)
A peaceful, modern library perfect for story time or quiet reading when it rains.
Jakarta Aquarium Safari
Neo Soho Mall
The underwater tunnels and feeding shows are always a hit with the little ones.
Jakarta Library, TIM Cikini
Need a break from the holiday noise? This modern, cozy library is the perfect spot for a calm Saturday morning. Bring a stack of books or check if they have any impromptu creative workshops happening!
Why we picked it: It's a genuinely calm, non-commercial cultural spot that's always great, especially if it rains.
Jakarta Aquarium Safari
A fantastic indoor escape to see thousands of marine species. The interactive exhibits and feeding shows will keep the little ones totally mesmerized—a solid go-to for guaranteed fun.
Why we picked it: It’s an air-conditioned, immersive adventure that works no matter what the tropical weather is doing.
Wonderkindness Fun Run Jakarta 2026
Kick off 2026 with some healthy energy! This 5km fun run at TMII has a healthy lifestyle theme and promises extra entertainment beyond the run itself.
Why we picked it: It’s a genuine one-off early January event to set healthy goals for the year ahead.
Pasar Gembrong
If you want *local* and *traditional* toys, this is the place—way cheaper than the mall versions. It’s a vibrant market experience where haggling is expected. Just a heads-up, many vendors might not speak much English.
Why we picked it: It’s an authentic, non-touristy toy market experience that’s still operating and a total local secret weapon for gifts.
Museum Wayang (Puppet Museum)
Visit the cool two-level museum in Kota Tua dedicated to puppets from all over the world—our kids loved looking at the detail on these traditional storytellers. It’s a nice, quick stop while exploring the Old Town area.
Why we picked it: It’s a niche, cultural museum that is often overlooked but provides great context for Indonesian culture.
Jakarta City Tour Bus (Free Route)
Since it’s Sunday, skip the Car Free Day crowds but still see the city sights from this cool double-decker! Just tap your e-money card for the free ride past Monas and HI. A super easy way to show older kids the city landscape.
Why we picked it: It's genuinely free and offers a fantastic, low-effort sightseeing tour perfect for a relaxed Sunday.
Kin Space, SCBD Park
This is the open, green learning playground for kids obsessed with science, art, and nature exploration. It’s great because parents can actually relax a bit while the kids engage in fun, hands-on activities.
Why we picked it: A modern, purpose-built space that encourages physical and mental exploration away from screens.
BigBang Festival 2025 – JIExpo Kemayoran
This is your FINAL day for the massive New Year's festival that spans concerts, bazaars, and food stalls. If your teens missed the New Year's countdown fun, drag them down for the last bit of festival buzz.
Why we picked it: It's the absolute last day before this huge holiday event wraps up for another year.
Pasar Baru Exploration
Take the older kids to explore one of Jakarta's oldest shopping arcades—great for finding unique fabrics, shoes, or even getting an impromptu tailoring job done. It feels like stepping back in time!
Why we picked it: It’s a historic shopping area, offering a cultural contrast to modern malls for curious teens.
Faunaland Ancol
This small zoo inside Ancol is great because you can feed animals like rabbits, and they even have Meerkat and a river cruise! It’s less overwhelming than Ragunan for a quick Sunday outing.
Why we picked it: A semi-hidden attraction within Ancol that offers unique animal interaction opportunities.
Pasar Asemka
If you need cheap school supplies, toys, or fun souvenirs, this chaotic market is worth a dive, but go early as it gets busy! It's a real sensory experience for older kids who like busy environments.
Why we picked it: It’s known for being super cheap for things like toys and school supplies—a practical 'local gem' for parents.
Golf Class Trial at Pondok Indah Golf Course
For sporty teens or those looking to pick up a new skill, PIGC is known for its excellent children's golf classes. It’s a refreshing change from the usual city activities.
Why we picked it: It’s a non-standard recommendation that taps into a quality sporting activity available for kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Jakarta this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 03-04), you can enjoy the Wonderkindness Fun Run Jakarta 2026 at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah on Saturday morning (registration required) and a relaxed ride on the Jakarta City Tour Bus on Sunday, which is free with an e-money card tap. Exploring the historic Pasar Gembrong or Pasar Baru is also free entry to browse.
Where can we escape the heat/rain with the kids?
For guaranteed AC, the Jakarta Aquarium Safari at Neo Soho is perfect for all ages. If you prefer something quieter, the Jakarta Library, TIM Cikini offers a cool, calm environment for reading and workshops on Saturday.
Are there any unique outdoor activities for early January?
Yes, get moving on Saturday morning with the Wonderkindness Fun Run Jakarta 2026 at TMII to embrace a healthy start to the year! Alternatively, check out Faunaland Ancol for some milder outdoor animal encounters on Sunday.