Free Events and Activities for Kids
in Philadelphia in January 2026

Best Free Things To Do in Philly in January

Mummers Parade
January 1, 2026
Center City/South Philadelphia
This annual tradition is a great way to start off the new year, Philly-style. Beginning at Philadelphia's City Hall at approximately 9am, spectators can enjoy the Mummers as they march south along Broad Street to Washington Avenue. Website

Fire & Frost Fun
January 9-10, 16-17, 2026
Peddler's Village, New Hope
Fire. Ice. And the last weekend for holiday lights! From 4-8pm on Friday & Saturday, enjoy live fire artistry and ice carving demonstrations, fire pits, outdoor food and drinks, and a Village-wide display of over 30 ice sculptures (including an Ice Throne perfect for selfies). Website

Barnes Free First Sunday Family Day
January 4, 2026
The Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia
On the first Sunday of each month, the Barnes offers free admission and creative programming to its visitors with a full day of family-friendly activities. Themes change monthly, with new art activities, performers, and guest artists each month. Website

Electrical Spectacle Light Show in Franklin Square
Now through February 28, 2026
Philadelphia
Inspired by Benjamin Franklin's experiments with electricity, the Electrical Spectacle makes Franklin Square sparkle with its musical light show, recurring every 30 minutes. Enjoy 200,000 lights dancing to five festive songs that fill the square. Website

Wintergarden
Now through March 15, 2026
Dilworth Park, Philadelphia
Get outside and enjoy the chill with a visit to Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn, which returns to Dilworth Park. Guests to the garden will find whimsically crafted reindeer topiaries, seasonal plantings, twinkling lights, and outdoor seating. Website

Three Kings Day Celebration: Free at the Kimmel Center
Saturday, January 7, 2026
Philadelphia
“Three Kings’ Day” at the Kimmel Center is a free, family event that celebrates a meaningful holiday in the Hispanic community and allows all city residents to participate in this tradition. Attendees enjoy an afternoon of activities and surprises such as Mexican hot chocolate, the traditional “Rosca de Reyes,” the breaking of piñatas for the youngest family members, and much more! Website

More Fun Things To Do in Philly in January

CultureFest! Lunar New Year
January 31, 2026
The Penn Museum, Philadelphia
The Penn Museum celebrates the Lunar New Year with a day-long festival in partnership with the American Chinese Museum. Welcome the Year of the Horse with the traditional Lion Dance and more music and dance performances. Storytelling and make-and-take activities occur throughout the day. Website

Chilly Philly Mini Golf
Now through January 28, 2026
Franklin Square, Philadelphia
Bundle up for a hole-in-one during a chilly game of Philly Mini Golf presented by IBEW Local 98 at Franklin Square. Visitors will putt the ball amid familiar miniaturized Philadelphia sites. Website

Indoor Mini Golf at Linvilla Orchard
Now through April 6, 2026
Media
Tee off at Linvilla Orchard’s Fore! The Planet, an exhibit created by the Academy of Natural Sciences that unites environmental education with miniature golf. Play 18 holes while you learn about butterflies, the rainforest, food chains, and more. Website

Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink
Now through February 22, 2026
Philadelphia
Skate at Dilworth Park's outdoor rink, where you can enjoy fresh air and city views while gliding across the ice. Tickets are required through February 22, 2026, and skaters of all ages are welcome to join in the fun. Website

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Now through March 1, 2026
Philadelphia
Cozy up in comforting warming cabins, warm up at a fire pit station, enjoy boardwalk rides and games for the young and young-at-heart, delicious food and hot beverages, see the signature holiday tree, and, of course, go ice skating on the NHL-sized rink. Winterfest is a top destination for anyone looking to rekindle family traditions. Website

Free Events and Activities for Kids in Philadelphia in January 2026

Free Events and Activities for Kids
in Philadelphia in January 2026