20 Free Things to Do with Kids in January

You probably spent a lot of last month. So did we. But don’t worry, these activities are all free! Here’s to still having fun with the family, without having to spend anything.

Take a hike. Kick off 2025 with some fresh air. State parks across Oregon and Washington are offering free parking and free guided hikes. Hikes will highlight multiple trails, topography and natural history. Can’t make it on January 1? Try out one of these kid-friendly hikes.

Libraries ftw. Are you kids bored (even though they just got new things?!). Good thing there are some cool spaces to check out inside libraries. Don’t miss these destination libraries in the Portland-area (like the new Midland Library, pictured above).

Get cultural. Speaking of libraries, learn how to get free passes from your local library here. You can score free (and discounted) passes to popular museums and attractions. 

Snowman search. Head to Bridgeport Village for its month-long Snowman Scavenger Hunt. Pick up a scavenger hunt checklist at the security office and set off on a frosty journey to find 15 hidden snowmen in the windows of stores and restaurants around the center. Once you’ve found them all, head back to the security office to claim a small prize!

Festival of Lights. Chanukah is still going strong this month. Celebrate the last few nights of the Festival of Lights downtown at Pioneer Courthouse Square with the lighting of Portland’s Public Menorah.

Snow fun. Little Nestlings Early Learning Center in West Linn is hosting The Magic of Snowflakes event. The free event features a hands-on coffee filter snowflake craft and a snowflake scavenger hunt.

Recycling fun. Looking for a fun way to dispose of your now crispy holiday tree? Head to Topaz Farm! They’ll gladly take your holiday tree, which will then be converted it into biochar to improve soil health. Say hello to the animals while you’re there!

Check out a museum. Kids 17 and under are always free at the Portland Art Museum, or take advantage of regular free admission to places like the Oregon Historical Society or the Oregon Heritage Rail Center.

Discover Hoyt Arboretum. Pull on your rain boots and check out one of the three available discovery packs for your child and explore 200+ acres of forest at Hoyt Arboretum. Supplies suitable for K-5th grade students.

Make a craft. Don’t feel like venturing out? Try one of these crafts at home.

Time for stories. There are so many options for exposing your kids to good books in Portland, from our local libraries to one of our beloved, independent bookstores. The best part? Most are free! Here are some of our favorite storytimes.

Make like Ramona. Head to Northeast Portland for a self-guided Ramona Quimby walking tour. Walk by her school, Beverly Cleary’s house, and even the spot where Ramona’s boots got stuck in the mud in Ramona the Pest.

Celebrate Tolkien’s Birthday. For free, with your kids. The Kennedy School is hosting a party for J.R.R. Tolkien on Saturday, January 11. Gather your little hobbits and celebrate!

Get cooking. Try one of our kid-friendly recipes.

Celebrate MLK, Jr. Local nonprofit, the World Arts Foundation, is honoring the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a tribute on Saturday, January 18. For Lake Oswego families, don’t miss the MLK Community Celebration on Sunday, January 19. And on Monday, January 20, head to Hyatt Regency for the Keep Alive the Dream tribute (also hosted by the World Arts Foundation).

Ballet intro. Is your kiddo curious about ballet? Register them for a free, beginner ballet class at The Portland Ballet. These trial classes are held on January 11, 18 and 25. It’s a great opportunity for young dancers, ages 6-11, to explore the fundamentals of ballet in a fun, welcoming space.

Go foraging. Hit the Old Salmon River Trail for a mushroom foraging adventure with kids. (Plus get advice on how to stay safe.)

See a waterfall. Bundle up and enjoy the splendor of Bridal Veil Falls!

Help out. Set the tone for your 2025 by volunteering. Here are 20-plus ways to give back as a family. And for those in the Vancouver-area, here are Washington-specific volunteer opportunities.

Get organized. Kick off the new year with a clean play area. Getting rid of stuff? Try giving stuff away through your neighborhood Facebook Buy-Nothing group.

Have a fun, budget-friendly month! For more family-friendly activities and events, check out our robust kids calendar!