Kids

10 free things to do in Boston in January

From curling to concerts to iconic Boston museums.

The New England Conservatory Philharmonia in April. Andrew Hurlbut

By Cheryl Fenton

4 minutes to read

With the season of giving behind us, chances are your bank account would like to take a break. Thankfully, embracing the beginning of 2025 doesn’t have to cost a fortune. When approaching the new year, the name of the game is chilling with friends and family — all without shelling out a dime. Here are 10 things to do in Boston for free this January.

1. Be the early bird for birding

Explore the prime birding destination of Belle Isle Marsh as you search for ducks, hawks, bald eagles, winter finches, and many more birds during a winter walk with the Mass Audubon. Dress warmly and meet up in the main parking lot by the bird feeders on Jan. 5 to stroll the grounds from 8 to 10 a.m. for new feathered friends. (Belle Isle Marsh Reservation, 1399 Bennington St., East Boston)

2. Give curling a whirl

Starting Jan. 6 and running through the end of February, you can hit the ice for an outdoor game of curling at Snowport. Reserve your lane at this bustling Seaport destination from 3 to 7:30 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Fridays through Sundays. Each 30-minute time slot will provide you with one curling lane for a group of up to eight people. (Harbor Way, Seaport Blvd., Boston)

3. Go ice skating with fellow students on an iconic pond

Every Tuesday during the winter ice skating season, the Boston Common Frog Pond hosts College Nights from 6 to 9 p.m. While most college students enjoy half-priced admission, there are special nights that offer free admission to students who attend certain schools. January’s colleges are: Boston University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, MassBay Community College, and Babson College on Jan. 7; Northeastern, Framingham State University, Endicott College, MassArt, and Pine Manor on Jan. 14; MIT, Regis College, Bunker Hill Community College, and Ben Franklin Institute of Technology on Jan. 21; and Harvard University, Berklee College of Music, Boston Conservatory, and North Shore Community College on Jan. 21. Proof of a college ID is required. (Boston Common Frog Pond, Boston)

4. Grab a controller for video game battles

Whether you’re a “Mario Kart” maestro, a “Street Fighter” savant, or an Atari fanatic, Castle Island Brewing Co. welcomes all video game wizards to enjoy a blast from the past on Jan. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. The 21+ Game Night has a lineup of classic video games that’ll take you back to the good old days. There will be locally crafted beers, cocktails, and bites for purchase. (10 Old Colony Ave., Boston)

5. Have the kids take you to a museum

Starting in 2025 and until December 2026, the first and second Sundays of each month gives students living in Boston and enrolled in grades pre-K through 12 the opportunity for free admission to the following nine Boston museums and institutions: the Boston Children’s Museum, Franklin Park Zoo, Institute of Contemporary Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, and the Museum of African American History. Each child can bring up to two guests for free. (various locations, Boston)

Go birding during a free winter walk with the Mass Audubon.

6. Enjoy a winter wonderland

There’s still plenty of time to experience a true winter wonderland located on more than two acres of land nestled in Hood Park. Winterfest is packed with outdoor fun — ice castles, Santa’s workshop and photo opportunities, ice skating, a life-size Cinderella ice castle and gingerbread house, an artist village, and a festival of lights. Fuel your stroll with warm food and drink for purchase. The spectacle’s last operating dates include Jan. 11, 18, 25, and 27 from noon to 10 p.m., and Jan. 12 and 19 from noon to 9 p.m. (100 Hood Park, Boston)

7. Learn about an iconic tchotchkes shop

The Boston Public Library continues its Author Talk series with an evening dedicated to the rise (and seemingly overnight fall) of the beloved Christmas Tree Shops. On Jan.16 from 6 to 7:45 p.m., Anthony Mitchell Sammarco, noted historian and author of more than 70 books on the history and development of Boston, will discuss his most recent book The History of the Christmas Tree Shops. (4246 Washington St., Roslindale)

8. Pay tribute to MLK, Jr.

In celebration of his eponymous day, the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert presented by Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra’s (BYSO) Intensive Community Program is held on Jan. 20 at 1 p.m. This concert will feature classical and spiritual pieces performed by talented young musicians alongside distinguished leaders who will evoke the power and the promise of the civil rights hero through remarks, readings, and spoken word. (1 Faneuil Hall Sq., Boston)

9. Enjoy a winter performance by the New England Conservatory

On Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m., the New England Conservatory Philharmonia, led by conductor David Loebel, performs “56 Blows” by Alvin Singleton, Mozart’s Symphony No. 38, “Prague”, and “Mathis der Maler” by Hindemith. While the performance is free, digital tickets are still required. (Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St., Boston)

10. Get cozy for a chilly (and funny) crime movie

Roslindale Film Society welcomes film aficionados and newcomers to a free screening of the dark comedy-thriller Fargo on Jan. 30. Watch Minnesota car salesman Jerry Lundegaard’s inept crime fall apart due to his and his henchmen’s constant mess ups and the persistent police work of mom-to-be Marge Gunderson. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., with the film beginning at 7 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. (The Square Root, 2 Corinth St., Boston)

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