15 Free Things to Do with Bay Area Kids in January

Experience incredible lighted art in a free event in downtown Napa, January 17–25, 6–9 pm. (Building projections through January 25 only)

This January, you don't have to break the bank to have a great time with the kiddos! Here are 15 great ideas for activities and outings in Marin and the Bay Area in January, all of which are free. Keep in mind some of these activities require advance registration or RSVPs, so check before you go.

1. Get hands-on with science and art at the Randall Museum, San Francisco, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am–5 pm.
2. Take a family hike to a waterfall in Marin.
3. Go on a winter wildlife watching expedition to see whales, seals, and more.
4. Kids are free at the San Francisco Zoo for the month of January (adult general admission ticket required).
5. Join Marin Parks naturalists on a guided family walk to Buck Gulch Falls in Novato, Sunday, January 4, 10 am–1 pm.
6. Visit the seals and sealions, Marine Mammal Center, Marin Headlands. Monday, January 5, 10 am–4 pm. Reserve your free tickets.
7. The de Young museum and the Legion of Honor offer free general admission on Tuesday, January 6, 9:30 am–5:15 pm.
8. See the kids' movie The Bad Guys 2 at the Marin Civic Center Library, San Rafael, Wednesday, January 7, 2:30–4 pm.
9. Play at the Tunnel Tops Outpost Playground and take a walk along the path or beach at San Francisco Presidio's Crissy Field.
10. Get ready to sing and read at Stories and Rhyme Wiggle Time, Novato Library, Tuesday, January 13, 10–10:30 am.
11. Enjoy songs and dancing at Sing and Stomp at the San Anselmo Library, Friday, January 16, 10:30–11 am.
12. Gather 'round the campfire for songs and stories at the historic Sonoma Barracks. Saturday, January 17, 5:30 pm
13. Experience incredible lighted art in a free event in downtown Napa, daily starting January 17, 6–9 pm. (Building projections through January 25 only.)
14. Take a New Year nature hike at General Vallejo's home in Sonoma, Saturday, January 24, noon.
15. Visit the sea lions as they return to Pier 39 in San Francisco.

Gather 'round the campfire for songs and stories at the historic Sonoma Barracks. Saturday, January 17, 5:30 pm.