Top 5 Free Family Events Winter 2025
January can feel a little quiet after the holiday hustle, but there are so many ways to make the most of the winter months without spending a dime! We’re all about creating family memories on a budget. If you’re looking for fun this winter, you’re in luck—there are plenty of free activities coming up.
Here are 5 free family events happening nationally and in Georgia this winter:
1. National Parks Free Entrance Days
Where: Various locations nationwide
When: January 20, 2025
Honor the legacy of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. with family at one of the National Parks in the United States. Throughout the year, entry into National Parks is free, with Martin Luther King Day being the first free entry day of 2025.
Family Tip: Turn this into a meaningful homeschool lesson by reading a book about Dr. King at the park and pack a picnic lunch to enjoy while you discuss the Civil Rights Movement. January 20 is also Inauguration Day so plan to replay the Inauguration or watch it before you head to the park!
2. Super Museum Sunday
Where: Georgia
When: February 9, 2025
To spotlight Georgia’s fascinating past, State Historic Sites are offering free admission on Sunday, February 9, 2025. The event is part of Georgia History Festival’s statewide celebration of “Super Museum Sunday.” There are lots of activities happening on this day too so make sure you check the event calendar!
Many states offer something similar so if you are not in Georgia search “free museum days in [your state]” to find out if and when this is being offered in your state.
Family Tip: Make a day of it by searching for other free local things to do in the area. Pack a lunch and bring journals for kids to write down fun things they learn or have them snap photos of interesting things they see. Looking through their journals and photos will create the perfect lunch or dinner time discussion.
3. Columbus Symphony Orchestra Open Rehearsals
Where: RiverCenter for the Performing Arts- 900 Broadway, Columbus, GA 31901
When: Saturday, January 18 | 12:30pm; Saturday, March 22 | 2:30pm; Friday, April 11 | 12:30pm
From the Orchestra’s Website: Open Rehearsal is for YOU. The afternoon before every concert, we open our hall free of charge to anyone that wants to listen to our final rehearsal. You can stay and listen to the program in its entirety or poke your head in for five minutes and leave anytime you’re ready to go.
Family Tip: Arrive early and take a stroll along the Riverwalk. Grab a sweet treat at the many restaurants nearby or pack a snack and enjoy it at The Woodruff Riverfront Park!
4. DINO DAYS at Lanes Southern Orchards!
Where: Fort Valley, GA
When: February 21 & 22 2025
From the event page: Step into the Prehistoric World with Dino Refuge! Join us at Lanes Southern Orchards for a FREE family-friendly dino adventure! Get ready for: LIVE Dinosaur Performances – Happening every hour on the hour from 9 AM to 5 PM! Raptor Training – Can you handle the speed and smarts of a Velociraptor? Baby Dino Dance Party – Bring your best moves and groove with our adorable baby dinos! MUCH more dino-mite fun!
Family Tip: Encourage your kids to learn about dinosaurs before you go. See if you can spot any of the dino’s they learned about!
5. National Day Freebies
Where: Various locations nationwide
When: See below
National Bagel Day - January 15: Check back for freebies
National Popcorn Day - January 19: Click here to view freebies
National Pie Day - January 23: Check back for freebies
National Chocolate Cake Day - January 27: Check back for freebies
National Frozen Yogurt Day - February 6: Check back for freebies
National Pancake Day - February 28: Check back for freebies
Family Tip: National days are a great way to score freebies especially on food. Sometimes these come with limits so to get the most bang for your buck divide your family’s order up or take advantage of other offers online or on store apps.
I hope you enjoy some of these fun, free winter events! Let us know which ones you’re most excited about, and don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments or tag us on social media!
