Hey Miami parents! The holiday whirlwind is over, but January is kicking off with some surprisingly fun stuff. Don't miss the last call for NightGarden's lights, and if you've got little ones, the IKEA 'Journey of Joy' sounds like a sweet Saturday morning deal. We’ve dug up some gems so you don't have to just hit the beach again.
Quick Picks
Home Depot In-Store Kids Workshops
Home Depot
Free hands-on building project for the little DIY-ers!
Egyptian Pharaohs: From Cheops to Ramses II
Metro-Dade Cultural Center Plaza
Immersive, air-conditioned Egyptian history that'll keep older kids engaged.
Journey of Joy: A Kids Event @ IKEA Miami
IKEA Miami
Face painting, story time, and maybe even a free gift bag for the first 100 members!
NightGarden - Miami: A Magical Light Experience
This is your absolute last weekend to catch the magical light installations at Fairchild before they pack up for the year. It’s a whole mile-long walk with a talking tree and pixie quests—perfect for that post-holiday glow-up.
Why we picked it: It's the final weekend for this spectacular light walk, making it a must-do seasonal send-off.
Journey of Joy: A Kids Event @ IKEA Miami
Head to IKEA for a free-ish family event! They’ve got face painting, story time, and a kids' cooking club for the little chefs. Pro tip: The first 100 IKEA Family members get a free gift bag, so get there a little early.
Why we picked it: It’s a surprisingly fun, timed event at a regular store with free activities and potential freebies.
Riverwalk Stone Crab & Seafood Festival
Okay, this one is technically in Fort Lauderdale, but Stone Crabs are worth the quick drive north if you want a local seafood vibe without the South Beach prices. It’s family-friendly and a great taste of South Florida's winter bounty.
Why we picked it: A seasonal foodie event focused on a regional delicacy that's usually a tourist trap downtown but feels local here.
Egyptian Pharaohs: From Cheops to Ramses II
This immersive experience brought to life with 3D reconstructions sounds way cooler than a standard history museum visit. It's a great indoor option if the morning is too chilly or if it rains.
Why we picked it: It's an immersive, new-ish exhibit making its North American debut, perfect for tweens and teens.
Food Trucks Saturdays
Escape the tourist zones and head to Hialeah for legit food trucks and a bounce house for the little ones. It’s a low-key community vibe with the best of South Florida's street food scene.
Why we picked it: A genuine community event with great food trucks, far from the usual hotspots.
Miami Heat vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
If you have sports fans, a Saturday night Heat game is a solid choice for a big event weekend. Kaseya Center is easy enough to get to downtown, and the atmosphere is always electric.
Why we picked it: A major local sporting event for a fun, high-energy Saturday night out.
South Florida garage sales and yard sales
This is the ultimate local hunt! Check community boards or local sites for neighborhood sales happening all over the county on Saturday. You might score some amazing vintage toys or books for cheap.
Why we picked it: It's a super local, budget-friendly way to spend a Saturday morning exploring different parts of the county.
Yoga at The Underline
Get some fresh air under the bridge before it gets too hot! The Underline has free yoga sessions on Saturday mornings—it’s a great way to use that cool new urban park.
Why we picked it: Utilizing one of Miami's newest, coolest public spaces for a free wellness activity.
Home Depot In-Store Kids Workshops
The first Saturday of the month is DIY day at Home Depot! Kids get to build a small project—it's hands-on and totally free. Great way to keep their hands busy while you check out the garden section.
Why we picked it: It’s a genuinely free, first-Saturday-of-the-month tradition that’s great for building skills.
Lincoln Road Farmers Market
Stroll down Lincoln Road and check out South Florida's oldest farmers market. Grab fresh flowers or produce, maybe a pastry, and enjoy the classic Sunday vibe before the crowds hit South Beach later.
Why we picked it: It's a classic Miami Beach institution that feels more local than the main strip.
Kids Graffiti Drawing Class
If your teens are into street art, check out this class—it’s a fun way to let them mess around with spray cans in a controlled, legal environment. It happens every Sunday, so it’s a reliable option.
Why we picked it: It embraces Miami's street art culture in a hands-on, kid-friendly way.
The Bass Free Community Day (Family Day)
If you're near Miami Beach, The Bass is offering a free community day with art-making and exploration for the whole family. This is the kind of cultural deal we love—art without the sticker shock.
Why we picked it: It's a genuinely free day at a reputable museum, perfect for spontaneous art exploration.
Art for Kids
A super early start in Coconut Grove for what sounds like a very gentle, creative session for the littlest ones. If you need to get out early on Sunday morning, this is a good, free option.
Why we picked it: It's one of the few genuinely free, very early morning activities targeting the youngest set.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Miami this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 03-04) there are several great free options: check out the Home Depot In-Store Kids Workshops on Saturday, catch the Lincoln Road Farmers Market on Sunday, or join the Yoga at The Underline Saturday morning. Also, The Bass museum has a Free Community Day on Sunday.
What's a good rainy day activity for kids in Miami this weekend?
If the weather turns, head downtown to the Egyptian Pharaohs: From Cheops to Ramses II immersive exhibit on Saturday. It's indoors and historical/visual enough to keep tweens and teens engaged, or you could check out the Journey of Joy at IKEA on Saturday for structured indoor fun.
Where can I take toddlers this weekend?
For the little ones, the Journey of Joy: A Kids Event @ IKEA Miami on Saturday morning has story time and face painting perfect for toddlers. Also, the Art for Kids session at First Miami Presbyterian Church on Sunday morning might be a good, gentle start to the day.