15 Free Things to Do for Families in January

January 1, 2026

Experience incredible lighted art in a free event in downtown Napa, January 17–25, 6–9 pm

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.

Wander the twinkling pathways at the Holiday Light Spectacular, Marin Fairgrounds daily through January 4, 4–9 pm.
Take a family hike to a waterfall in Marin.
Bring the little ones for Storytime with Caelyn & Nicole, Book Passage Corte Madera, Saturday, January 3, 10:30 am.
Join Marin Parks naturalists on a guided family walk to Buck Gulch Falls in Novato, Sunday, January 4, 10 am–1 pm.
Visit the seals and sealions, Marine Mammal Center , Marin Headlands. Monday, January 5, 10 am–4 pm. Reserve your free tickets.
The de Young museum and the Legion of Honor offer free general admission on Tuesday, January 6, 9:30 am–5:15 pm.
See the kids' movie The Bad Guys 2 at the Marin Civic Center Library, San Rafael, Wednesday, January 7, 2:30–4 pm.
Go on a winter wildlife watching expedition to see whales, seals, and more.
Get ready to sing and read at Stories and Rhyme Wiggle Time, Novato Library, Tuesday, January 13, 10–10:30 am.
Enjoy songs and dancing at Sing and Stomp at the San Anselmo Library, Friday, January 16, 10:30–11 am.
Gather 'round the campfire for songs and stories at the historic Sonoma Barracks. Saturday, January 17, 5:30 pm
Experience incredible lighted art in a free event in downtown Napa, daily starting January 17, 6–9 pm. (Building projections through January 25 only.)
Take a New Year nature hike at General Vallejo's home in Sonoma, Saturday, January 24, noon.
Visit the sea lions as they return to Pier 39 in San Francisco.
Take a walk along the path or beach at San Francisco Presidio's Crissy Field.