First weekend of the new year, and we’re ditching the post-holiday slump! Forget the giant theme parks—this weekend is about catching the last gasp of holiday magic and some seriously cool local happenings. You have to check out the marionettes at Bob Baker Theater’s Winter Wonderland before it closes, and if you need a free, fun outing, swing by the Norwalk Las Posadas Celebration for tamales and crafts. Let's make January 2026 feel like an adventure, not a chore.
Quick Picks
Read With a STAR
Various LAPL Branches
Free reading time with a volunteer where your kid can earn a free book!
Creative Writing Group
Central Library
A cool, supportive spot for older kids/teens to work on their screenplays or poetry.
Family Storytime
Central Library
Perfectly short and sweet storytime for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-8) on Saturday.
Norwalk Las Posadas Celebration
This traditional cultural celebration kicks off the new year with free tamales and hot chocolate—score! There's also live entertainment, folkloric dance, and craft stations for the little ones.
Why we picked it: Authentic, free community celebration offering hot cocoa and tamales right after the holiday rush.
L.A. Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow
The zoo turns into a massive, colorful lantern display focusing on wildlife from Africa and Asia—way cooler than just string lights. It runs until the 11th, but getting out this weekend is always easier than later in the month.
Why we picked it: Still running, but a great way to do a 'holiday-adjacent' activity before the lights disappear.
Ice at Santa Monica
If you're feeling ambitious, hit the rink in Santa Monica. It’s outdoors, so bundle up, but gliding around in January feels so much more exciting than a regular gym trip.
Why we picked it: A classic winter activity that runs until mid-January, perfect for burning off post-holiday energy.
Read With a STAR
Head to your local LAPL branch where kids can read one-on-one with a STAR volunteer—it’s super sweet! After reading three times, they get to take home a free book, which is a massive win.
Why we picked it: It's genuinely free, encourages reading, and offers a free book incentive for little ones.
Japanese Storytime
If you’re in the Little Tokyo area, this is a fun, quick cultural hit for the little ones. They share exciting stories and even sing some songs in Japanese.
Why we picked it: Happens only on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays—a unique, free language experience.
Board Games Drop-In
A totally chill, no-registration-needed afternoon for the 5-11 crowd to play Jenga, Checkers, and Sorry. Perfect if the morning plans get rained out or you just need them occupied!
Why we picked it: An easy, zero-commitment, free indoor activity that works for a whole age group.
Family Storytime
If you're downtown, swing by the Central Library for a Saturday afternoon storytime packed with songs and fun, intended for the 3-8 crowd. It’s a nice, gentle way to wind down the afternoon.
Why we picked it: A reliable, free afternoon activity at the beautiful Central Library.
Zumba for Kids!
Burn off that weekend energy with a free 30-minute Zumba class designed just for kids at the Mid-Valley branch. Tell them to wear comfy clothes—it's all about movement and fun.
Why we picked it: A fun, free, structured movement class to break up the weekend routine.
BARK Dogs
If your little one is nervous about reading out loud, this is gold—kids practice their skills by reading to trained therapy dogs. Super calming and low-pressure environment.
Why we picked it: Unique, free literacy support where the audience is furry and non-judgmental.
Cars Are Beautiful: Mr Brainwash
This pop-art exhibit turns cars into colorful, graffiti-inspired sculptures—it's way more engaging than a standard art gallery visit. Teens will appreciate the edgy, fun vibe, and it’s less touristy than the huge Hollywood spots.
Why we picked it: A limited-run, high-energy art exhibit that appeals to a demographic often hard to please.
Creative Writing Group
If your older kid is into writing fiction or screenplays, this supportive group meets every other Saturday to give feedback. It’s a super unique, free resource for budding storytellers.
Why we picked it: A high-value, free club for teens interested in creative writing/screenwriting.
Winter Wonderland
This is your absolute LAST CHANCE to see the classic Bob Baker holiday show with puppets like caroling penguins and Santa's workshop. It’s pure, tactile, vintage LA magic that kids and adults will both freak out over.
Why we picked it: It's the very last day of their beloved holiday show—don't miss this local institution!
Enchanted Forest of Light
The final night for this gorgeous, interactive light walk through Descanso Gardens! It’s a peaceful way to decompress after the chaos, complete with a lit-up model railroad you have to see.
Why we picked it: This immersive, one-mile light walk wraps up for the season on Sunday.
Docent-led L.A. Central Library Art & Architecture Tour
The Central Library is seriously stunning—this hour-long docent tour shares history and highlights all the incredible architecture. It’s a great, low-key educational outing for older kids who appreciate cool buildings.
Why we picked it: A free, self-contained cultural deep-dive into one of LA's architectural gems.
Hollywood Farmers' Market
Skip the boring grocery run and hit the Hollywood Farmers' Market on Sunday for fresh produce and local vibes. Sometimes they have free craft workshops or cooking demos for kids!
Why we picked it: A classic LA weekend ritual with the potential for spontaneous, free kid activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Los Angeles this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 03-04) there are several genuinely free options! Check out the Read With a STAR sessions at various LAPL branches where kids can earn a free book, the Norwalk Las Posadas Celebration for tamales and crafts on Saturday, and the free Family Storytime at the Central Library on Saturday afternoon.
Where can I find last-minute family fun before holiday events end?
You have a couple of major closings this weekend: Sunday, Jan 4th is the last day for Winter Wonderland at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater and the Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens. Also, the L.A. Zoo Lights is in its final week, running until Jan 11th.
Are there any unique, slightly quirky things for my 10-year-old to do?
For something different, look into the Docent-led L.A. Central Library Art & Architecture Tour on Sunday afternoon—it’s a free, one-hour deep dive into a gorgeous building. If you're near Norwalk on Saturday, the Las Posadas Celebration offers cultural food and crafts.