January Family Events Around Greater Hartford (2026)
Looking for ways to get out of the house this January—without breaking the bank or losing your mind during winter break? From free ice skating and storytimes to hands-on science, dinosaurs, and creative workshops, there’s no shortage of family-friendly fun happening across Greater Hartford this month.
Here’s your go-to roundup of January 2026 events for kids and families, all in one place.
🎄 Magic of Lights
January 1–3, 2026 | 5:00–10:00 pm
📍 Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field, East Hartford
Pile everyone into the car and enjoy a dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience featuring more than a mile of displays. Highlights include the larger-than-life Holiday Barbie™, Bigfoot® Monster Truck, and Prehistoric Christmas dinosaurs. One carload, one price—perfect for a cozy winter night out.
Cost: Ticketed (per car)
⛸️ Winterfest – Free Ice Skating
January 1–6, 2026 | 11:00 am–8:00 pm
📍 Bushnell Park Skating Rink
Enjoy free ice skating every day during winter break at Bushnell Park. Don’t have skates? No problem—rentals are free, too. Saturday lessons are available, making this a great option for beginners and seasoned skaters alike.
Cost: Free
🧁 Kid’s Cookie & Cupcake Decorating
Friday, January 2 | 10:00 am–12:00 pm
📍 Lyman Orchards
A sweet way to spend winter vacation! Kids can decorate freshly baked cookies and cupcakes using frosting, sprinkles, and candy in this hands-on workshop.
Cost: Paid
🤸 Open Gym at My Gym West Hartford
Friday, January 2 | 1:00–2:30 pm
📍 My Gym West Hartford
Let kids burn off energy during winter break with parent-participation open playtime. Best suited for children under 10.
Cost: Free for enrolled members | $20 non-members
🐻 Shh! Don’t Wake the Bear!
January 3–4 | 10:00 am–4:00 pm
📍 Roaring Brook Nature Center
Learn which animals hibernate—and which stay active—all winter long through crafts, interactive learning, and storytimes. Drop in anytime during open hours.
Cost: Free with Nature Center admission
📚 Saturday Storytime at Barnes & Noble
Saturday, January 3 | 11:00–11:30 am
📍 Barnes & Noble Canton
A classic favorite! Join the weekly children’s storytime in the kids’ department. Weather permitting, some sessions may take place outdoors near the playground.
Cost: Free
🧠 Sensory Science Drop-In (Free First Weekend)
Saturday, January 3 | 11:00 am–2:00 pm
📍 Connecticut Museum of Culture and History
Explore how the senses work through hands-on activities like mystery boxes, sound experiments, and sensory art. Part of Free First Weekend, with free admission to museum galleries and the Inspire Center.
Cost: Free
👑 Three Kings Celebration
Sunday, January 4 | 2:00 pm
📍 Parkville Market
Celebrate Three Kings Day with storytime, cardboard decorating, sensory play, and take-home grass for the camels. A joyful, inclusive cultural event for all ages.
Cost: Free
✂️ Free Craft Event: Mitten Bookmarks
Saturday, January 10 | 11:00 am–12:00 pm
📍 JCPenney Westfarms
Kids can create a winter mitten bookmark and receive a free craft kit, ID badge, lanyard, and collector pin as part of JCPenney’s monthly Kids Zone program.
Cost: Free
🦖 Dinosaur World Live
Sunday, January 11 | 3:00–5:00 pm
📍 Warner Theatre Oneglia Auditorium
This award-winning interactive stage show brings life-sized dinosaurs to the stage—including a Tyrannosaurus Rex! Stick around after the show for a special dinosaur meet-and-greet.
Cost: Ticketed
🧘 Story Time Yoga
January 12–February 13 | 1:30–2:00 pm
📍 The Friends Learning Center
A six-week session designed for children ages 3–5, blending early literacy, yoga, mindfulness, and play in a calm, supportive environment.
Cost: $90 for 6 weeks | $20 drop-in
🦎 Reptiles Then and Now
Saturday, January 17 | 4:30–5:30 pm
📍 Jurassic Classroom
Explore real fossils and live animal ambassadors while learning how modern reptiles connect to their prehistoric ancestors. Recommended for ages 10+, but open to all dinosaur lovers.
Cost: $15 members | $25 non-members | Kids under 3 free
💡 Looking Ahead
January doesn’t have to feel long or boring. Whether you’re looking for free activities, winter break fun, or unique educational experiences, there’s something happening almost every weekend.
👉 Bookmark this post, share it with a friend, and check back often—we’ll keep updating it with new local finds all winter long.
