From outdoor events to indoor fun, explore the free things to do in Boston with kids! Riverfest at Assembly Row photo courtesy of Federal Realty
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Teatime meets playtime in Beverly. Photo courtesy of the Children's Piazza
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Fun things to do in Boston with teens include seeing priceless works of art at Boston's museums. Photo courtesy of the Museum of Fine Arts
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Find the best snow tubing in Boston and around the region, like Bousquet Mountain Tubing in Pittsfield. Photo by Ogden Gigli for the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
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Jump into fun with the top indoor playgrounds and play spaces in Boston! Photo courtesy of Boston Playground
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Indoors and out and about, there are so many thing to do in Boston with kids before they grow up! Photo courtesy of the Rose Kennedy Greenway website
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Don't sweat the weather, because the best indoor water parks in New England are waiting for year-round fun! Photo courtesy of Jay Peak Resort
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Big league fun awaits at Boston's top attractions for kids. Photo courtesy of Fenway Park
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Pizza and bowling are up everyone's alley in Somerville and Salem. Photo courtesy of Flatbread Pizza Salem/Facebook
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Peek inside a rainforest at Providence's Roger Williams Park Zoo.
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Step into family fun in the Merrimack Valley. Photo courtesy of the Salisbury Beach Partnership.
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The Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts Regiment Memorial. Photo courtesy of the National Parks Service
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Who you lookin' at?! The Tropical Forest at Franklin Park Zoo. Photo by Don Crasco/Franklin Park Zoo
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Science experiments and STEM activities for kids entrance children with their
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New England sleepaway camps get kids out into nature. Photo courtesy of Night Eagle Wilderness Adventure Camp
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No messy, dripping fingers when you eat watermelon on a stick.
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A water park, beach activities, and more await at Coconut Bay's all-inclusive resort in St. Lucia.
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Fun Free Activities for Kids in January 2025: Free Things To Do in Boston with Kids

The Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform at the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in January 2025. Photo: ©Michael J.Lutch for the BYSO
The Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform at the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in January 2025. Photo: ©Michael J.Lutch for the BYSO
12/29/24 - By N Ferreira

Can you believe it's already 2025? Us either! We're all looking for free things to do in Boston this January—to give our wallets a rest after a long December. Suit up in hats, scarves, and long underwear for First Day Hikes Cape Cod or Free Entrance Days in the National Parks. "Music at the Blissful" with Evan Haller returns to the Charlestown Library, and once again, guests are invited to attend the MLK Day Open House at the MFA.

These are just a few of our favorite things to do in Boston this January—We’re adding more events to our Boston Events Calendar every day.

More Things To Do in Boston This January with Kids

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Get out for free family fun with First Day Hikes in Cape Cod in January 2025. Event photo courtesy of the Barnstable Land Trust.
Get out for free family fun with First Day Hikes in Cape Cod in January 2025. Event photo courtesy of the Barnstable Land Trust.

Fun Free Activities To Do in Boston January 2025

First Day Hikes Cape Cod

Various locations across Cape Cod — FREE
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Start the New Year on the right foot (and then the left foot) with an easy hike at a number of locations throughout the Cape. READ MORE

A Puppet Show with Good News Gus

Boston— FREE
Friday, January 3, 2025
Join Harry LaCoste and his crew of puppets for a whole barrel of fun! READ MORE

National Park Service Rangers Visit

Boston— FREE
Saturday, January 4, 2025
Members of the National Park Service Rangers will visit the library to teach about their work in Boston and how local kids can explore along with them! READ MORE

Boston Ballet School's January Open Studio Week

Boston— FREE
Tuesday, January 9, 2025
Families are invited to Open Studio Week at Boston Ballet School. This event offers an opportunity to meet expert faculty, explore the facilities, and learn more about the wide range of programs available. READ MORE

Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Nationwide— FREE
Monday, January 20, 2025
On select days throughout the year, including January 20, all national parks are open to the public with no admission fee.  READ MORE

Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

Boston— FREE
Monday, January 20, 2025
This tribute to Dr. King will feature classical and spiritual pieces performed by young musicians from BYSO’s Intensive Community Program alongside distinguished leaders who will evoke the power and the promise of the civil rights hero through remarks, readings, and spoken word. READ MORE

MLK Day Open House at the MFA

Boston— FREE
Monday, January 20, 2025
The MFA once again opens their doors for the annual MLK Day Open House. This year, the MFA offers free admission—including access to “Georgia O’Keeffe and Henry Moore”—for Massachusetts residents. READ MORE

MLK National Day of Service

Nationwide— FREE
Monday, January 20, 2025
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day each year, Americans are encouraged to step up to make communities more equitable, and to take action to create the beloved community of Dr. King’s dream. Examples include cleaning up a public space, mentoring a young person, or helping those who are food insecure. READ MORE

Lunar New Year Storytime

Boston— FREE
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year with special guest Huong Vu. Huong will read stories and lead crafting activities. READ MORE

"Music at the Blissful" with Evan Haller

Charlestown— FREE
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Join local children's musician Evan Haller of Music at the Blissful as he performs for little ones at the Charlestown Branch of the Boston Public Library . READ MORE

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