75+ FREE Things to do in Edmonton in January with Kids
Whether you’re looking to beat the winter blues, entertain kids during long weekends, or simply explore the city on a budget, this list has you covered. We’ve rounded up 75 free things to do in Edmonton in January 2026—activities that celebrate winter, community, and the simple joy of getting out and enjoying what the city has to offer. Bundle up, grab a thermos, and let’s dive in.
Ongoing FREE Things to do in Edmonton this Month
FREE Admission to Royal Alberta Museum for Youth (and 50% off for adults)
Until January 15, 2026
Get free admission to Royal Alberta Museum using the Canada Strong Pass until January 15, 2026. It’s a free admission offer you’re going to want to explore for indoor fun during the winter break, or winter fun!Get a FREE Frozen Yogurt at IKEA Kids Scavenger Hunt
Ongoing
Visit IKEA and grab a scavenger hunt from the location near Smalland. You’ll find a sheet to mark off clues, pencils, and the information you need to complete the hunt in-store. When you’ve finished, bring your completed hunt to exchange for a Free frozen yogurt cone.Drop-in cafe & Toy Library
Thursdays through January
Welcome to Play Cafe, the ultimate free hangout spot for families and caregivers with little ones aged 0-6! Swing by for a chat, sip on some coffee, and let your kiddos make new pals while diving into a treasure trove of fun toys. Thursdays from 10 am- 12 pm.Free Busy Bodies Drop-in Playgroup
Mondays through January
Is your child full of energy? Bring them to this active group where they will develop physical literacy through games, music and activities such as dancing, and parachute play. Come join in the fun and meet other families! Weather permitting, part of this group will take place outdoors to help improve overall health and wellbeing and connect with nature in the community. Please arrive dressed for the weather, and bring indoor shoes to wear during the group.Drop in Skating at City Hall
Weekends through January
Come and skate at City Hall! Enjoy free skate rentals Friday through Sunday provided by the Edmonton Arts Council staff. Please note that skate rentals will be available on a first come, first served basis.
75+ Free Things to do in Edmonton in January with Kids
Experience the Magic at Flying Canoe Volant Festival
January 28, 2026
The Flying Canoë Volant Festival is a beloved winter tradition in Edmonton that transforms the Mill Creek Ravine, La Cité Francophone, and the surrounding French Quarter into a vibrant canvas of light, art, music, storytelling, and cultural celebration. Inspired by the legendary tale of the flying canoe and rooted in French-Canadian, First Nations, and Métis traditions, the festival invites visitors of all ages to embrace the magic of a long winter’s night in a truly unique outdoor experience.
Drop-in Visits for Solar/Night Sky Viewing at University of Alberta
January 28, 2026
Visitors may drop in anytime during the hour. No tickets required. Admission is free. Please dress for outdoor weather. The observatory will be closed if the temperature falls to -20 C or lower. There are two drop-in sessions to visit every Thursday, between 12-1 p.m. for solar viewing and 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. for night sky viewing.
For Girls by Girls Drop-in Sports
January 27, 26, 20, 19,
Come out and discover sports, develop skills, and have fun during this free program for girls ages 8-17! This program is facilitated by University of Alberta athletes.
FREE Michaels Kids Club: Yarn Painting
January 25, 2026
Come in to your local store for a free kids crafting event! We are going to be "painting" with yarn, and creating cute shapes and characters. All supplies are free for this event.
Breadtime Stories at Strathcona County Library
January 24, 2026
Kick off Family Literacy Day with a delicious storytime featuring Cristina Quintero, accomplished author of The Only Way to Make Bread. Be sure to stay after the program for the Family Fun Feast!
Take Part in the Hazeldean Lantern Parade
January 24, 2026
The Annual Hazeldean Lantern Parade is set for Saturday, January 24th, promising a magical evening that brings the community together through creativity and celebration. The event begins at 5:00 PM at the Hazeldean Community Hall, where participants are invited to decorate their own lanterns using empty milk jugs, pop bottles, or other clear containers. Free hot chocolate, apple cider, and donuts from Hazeldean Bakery will help keep everyone warm and energized before the parade steps off at 6:00 PM sharp.
Teen Fresh & Fierce Mask Making Workshop
January 21, 2026
Create custom face masks using simple ingredients to refresh and hydrate your skin. Explore the power of self-care, boost your confidence, and leave with a fresh, radiant glow!
Drop-in Visits for Solar/Night Sky Viewing at University of Alberta
January 21, 2026
Visitors may drop in anytime during the hour. No tickets required. Admission is free. Please dress for outdoor weather. The observatory will be closed if the temperature falls to -20 C or lower. There are two drop-in sessions to visit every Thursday, between 12-1 p.m. for solar viewing and 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. for night sky viewing.
Tea, Bannock and Winter Storytelling
January 20, 2026
Join us for an evening of tea, bannock, and winter storytelling with Dwayne Donald. As you sip warm tea and enjoy some bannock, Dwayne will share stories that resonate with the spirit of winter, inviting reflection and connection to the land. Whether you’re seeking to learn more about Indigenous storytelling traditions or simply to gather with others, this free, all-ages event offers something for everyone.
Join the Hunger Games Fandom Club
January 19, 2026
Gather with other teens to talk about different fandoms and participate in themed activities. We’ll have a new fandom every month! This month, it’s The Hunger Games.
Michaels Makebreak: Make Fabric Bracelets
January 18, 2026
Join us for a fun bracelet making event, just buy the base fabric you want and all the other supplies are provided. You can also bring fabric with you to participate in this fun event.
Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival
January 17 and 18, 2026
Step into a winter wonderland at Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival, Edmonton’s first festival of the year! Experience the magic of winter through breathtaking ice sculptures, vibrant cultural traditions, and activities that bring our community together.
Family Winterfest in Rosslyn
January 17, 2025
Enjoy an afternoon with family, friends and neighbours at the Rosslyn Community League while you...Roast Marshmallows, sip on warm beverages and eat sweet treats!
Get an Introduction to Archaeology
Janaury 16, 2026
Have you ever wondered how archaeologists uncover the stories of ancient civilizations? Join Hazeldean for an engaging evening that takes you on a journey through time, exploring how the objects people left behind help us understand who they were and how they lived. This interactive and approachable introduction is perfect for curious minds of all ages—no experience required!
Learn about Dinosaurs at Strathcona County Library
January 16, 2026
Gavin Bradley, paleontologist and lecturer with U of A’s Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, will delight you with a dinosaur discussion! Learn about dinosaur behaviors, the many species that roamed where we live now, and how our planet’s past can help us understand what’s happening in today’s environment. Join us every month to discuss, learn, and make new connections.
Chiseled Ice Sculpting Competition
January 15–17, 2025
Homeschool Hangout in Strathcona County
January 15, 2026
Let’s learn how fossils and shells are formed! We’ll also create a cool seashell collage and make our own fossil imprints. Please register each adult and child attending.
Drop-in Visits for Solar/Night Sky Viewing at University of Alberta
January 14, 2026
Visitors may drop in anytime during the hour. No tickets required. Admission is free. Please dress for outdoor weather. The observatory will be closed if the temperature falls to -20 C or lower. There are two drop-in sessions to visit every Thursday, between 12-1 p.m. for solar viewing and 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. for night sky viewing.
Michaels Kids Club: Make a Rainbow Beaded Keychain
January 11, 2026
Come in for a fun free event for kids! Kids can make a cute and colorful rainbow keychain. Visit your local Michaels store for this drop-in fun event, no advance registration required.
Take a FREE Kids Coding Workshop
January 10, 2026
There are FOUR Free kids coding workshops at Apple on January 10. You can choose from Making your own theme song, coding your own interactive story of kindness, or directing a friendship film, and creating your very own emoji. These hour long classes are free, but advance registration is required.
Join a Teen Manga Club
January 8, 2026
Calling all manga fans! Come hang out with other readers, chat about your favourite Japanese graphic novels, and discover new series.
Join a Junior Book Club
January 7, 2026
Drop-in Visits for Solar/Night Sky Viewing at University of Alberta
January 7, 2026
Visitors may drop in anytime during the hour. No tickets required. Admission is free. Please dress for outdoor weather. The observatory will be closed if the temperature falls to -20 C or lower. There are two drop-in sessions to visit every Thursday, between 12-1 p.m. for solar viewing and 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. for night sky viewing.
Indigo Winter Play Days: Brain Quest Challenge
January 4, 2026
Indigo Kids is launching fun into the new year with their rendition of Winter Play Days! These are fun, themed in-store events where you can register for your spot and get a gift card to shop in-store. Note: registration is $5.75, and includes a $5 gift card - making this activity almost free.
Michaels MakeBreak: Make a Winter Painting
January 4, 2026
Come join us for a fun winter painting, just buy the base canvas and everything else is free. You can find the canvas, in-store. Don’t forget to use a local in-store offer to reduce the cost and make this activity nearly free.
Try Archery During Capital City Archery Open House
January 3, 2026
Capital Region Archery Club Open House, January 3, 2026, 10am-3pm. Come try a bow, learn about club membership, classes and perks. Fun for ages 8 – 99. Watch demos of various archery styles & talk to club members about events and classes.
City of Edmonton Play Rangers: Snow Shoes and Snow Forts
January 3, 2026
Come learn about snowshoes and go snowshoeing down one of the many trails in the park. Stick around to build a fort or even a quincy if the snow is plentiful.
Try a Youth or Teen Self-defense Class
January 3, 2026
Give your child a fun, confidence-building introduction to real-world self-defence—our kids’ trial class lets them meet the instructors, try age-appropriate techniques, and experience our safe, structured training environment before joining the full program. There are two classes available, one class for youth aged 7-12, and one for teens aged 13-16. Registration is required.
FREE Sneaky Sasquatch Kids Coding Workshop
January 3, 2026
Indigo Winter Play Days: Our Generation Doll Hair Styling
January 3, 2026
Indigo Winter Play Days: Bluey’s Recipe for FUN
January 2, 2026
Indigo Kids is launching fun into the new year with their rendition of Winter Play Days! These are fun, themed in-store events where you can register for your spot and get a gift card to shop in-store. Note: registration is $5.75, and includes a $5 gift card - making this activity almost free.
FREE Kids Coding Workshop: Make Your Own Theme Song
January 1, 2026
Create a theme song for a favourite show, book or game using GarageBand on iPad. We’ll cover rhythm basics and kids will experiment with drums, add prerecorded loops and remix their theme song. Bring your iPad or we’ll provide one. Recommended for ages 8–12.
New Year’s Day Fireworks at Glastonbury
January 1, 2026
GCL will kick off the year with its annual community celebration… Festivities begin at 3:00 p.m. with skating… concludes with fireworks at 5:45 p.m.
New Year’s Day Levee at Government House
January 1, 2026
Hay Rides, Skating and Hot Chocolate
January 1, 2026
Kick off the New Year with a fun and festive afternoon in our two neighbourhoods…
Wolf Willow Community Winter Festival
January 1, 2026
Ring in the New Year with your community at our first-ever Winter Fest!
FREE Winter Playdate at Big Bear Park
January 1, 2026
Kick off 2026 with a welcoming outdoor gathering…
