So, the holidays are over, and you’re feeling a little meh.
The twinkling lights are coming down, the Christmas cookies are gone, and let’s be honest: taking down that tree wasn’t nearly as fun as decorating it.
But January doesn’t have to feel like a letdown—especially if you’re in New York City.
January is full of exciting activities for you and your kids—the best way to keep the fun and magic alive.
So grab your calendars and get ready to fill these January days with fun, adventure, and maybe a little learning (but don’t tell the kids that).
Let’s check out all the exciting things you can do with your kids in NYC this month!
1. Dead as a Dodo at Baruch Performing Arts Center
First up is no ordinary puppet show!
Follow the story of two skeletons, a boy and a Dodo bird, who spend their days digging for bones in the underworld to keep from disappearing.
But when the Dodo suddenly grows feathers, everything changes in a magical and heartwarming way.
Expect fog, flashing lights, and a story full of surprises.
- When: January 8 – February 9, 2025
- Where: Baruch Performing Arts Center, One Bernard Baruch Way, NYC
- Ages: 7 and up
- Cost: Starting at $41
Showtimes:
- Tuesday-Friday: 7 PM
- Saturday: 3 PM & 7 PM
- Sunday: 3 PM (January 12 has extra shows at 2 PM & 5 PM)
2. Little Murmur at the New Victory Theater
This musical is based on old Slavic folktales and tells the story of a young tsarina and a peasant boy who seek help from Baba Yaga, a witch known for her tricky ways.
The show features pop-up book-style scenery, puppets, and original music that bring these magical tales to life.
So, if your kids love fairy tales or magical adventures, they’ll adore this.
- When: January 10 – January 19, 2025
- Where: New Victory Theater, 209 West 42nd Street, NYC
- Ages: 8 and up
- Cost: $28
Showtimes:
- Fridays: 7 PM
- Saturdays: 2 PM & 7 PM
- Sunday, January 12: 12 PM & 5 PM
- Sunday, January 19: 3 PM (Sensory-friendly performance)
3. Thunderbird American Indian Dance Concert
This event will allow you to experience Native American culture up close. It will feature traditional dances, music, and stories from tribes across the U.S.
Highlights include the Deer Dance, Hoop Dance, and Jingle Dress Dance, plus storytelling by Muriel Miguel, founder of Spiderwoman Theater.
Kids under 12 pay just $1 at matinee shows when they’re with an adult!
What a chance for little ones to learn about Native traditions in a fun, interactive way.
- When: January 10 – January 19, 2025
- Where: Theater for the New City, 155 First Avenue, NYC
- Ages: 5 and up
- Cost: $20 (Kids under 12: $1 at matinees with an adult)
Showtimes:
- Fridays: 8 PM
- Saturdays: 3 PM & 8 PM
- Sundays: 3 PM
4. MulchFest 2025
Do you have a Christmas tree you need to get rid of?
If so, bring it to MulchFest, where it’ll be turned into fresh mulch to help NYC parks and gardens thrive.
On “chipping weekend” (January 11-12), you can even take home a bag of mulch for your own yard.
- When: Now – January 12, 2025
- Where: Various NYC parks (check local listings)
- Ages: All ages
- Cost: Free
5. Celebrate Lunar New Year
The Year of the Snake kicks off with exciting events all over NYC.
Here are the top picks for families:
- Moon Over Manhattan at Asia Society: Celebrate with lion dances, martial arts demos, crafts, and traditional songs.
- When: January 25, 2025
- Rabbit Days and Dumplings at Flushing Town Hall: Enjoy children’s songs from East Asia, including Korea, China, and Japan.
- When: January 25, 2025
- Lunar New Year Firecracker Festival in Chinatown: Watch firecrackers and cultural performances at this free event.
- When: January 29, 2025
- Where: Sara D. Roosevelt Park, Chinatown
6. Family Music Showcase at Lincoln Center
Enjoy free mini-concerts from talented artists like Lucy Kalantari & the Jazz Cats and Divinity Roxx.
The lineup features kid-friendly music that’s perfect for all ages.
- When: January 11, 2025, at 2 PM
- Where: David Rubenstein Atrium, 1887 Broadway, NYC
- Ages: All ages
- Cost: Free
7. Anne Frank: The Exhibition
Take older kids and teens to this thought-provoking exhibit that recreates Anne Frank’s hiding place during World War II.
It’s easily one of the best ways to teach history and resilience.
- When: Opens January 27, 2025
- Where: Center for Jewish History, Chelsea
8. Honor Martin Luther King Jr.
Honor Dr. King’s legacy with these meaningful events:
Annual Brooklyn Tribute at BAM
This free event brings together civic leaders and artists to celebrate Dr. King’s life and contributions.
- Date: Monday, January 20, 2025
- Location: BAM, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn
37th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative March
Manhattan Country School eighth-graders take to the streets to raise awareness about today’s pressing civil rights issues.
- Date: Monday, January 20, 2025
- Location: Upper West Side
9. The Snow Queen at Pushkin Hall
Get ready for an amazing adventure with The Snow Queen!
This play, based on Hans Christian Andersen’s famous story, follows a brave girl trying to save her friend Kai from the icy grip of the Snow Queen.
With beautiful scenes and a heartwarming message about love and friendship, it’s a perfect show for families to watch and enjoy together.
- Dates: Now through Sunday, January 12, 2025
- Location: Pushkin Hall, Upper West Side
- Ages: Great for all ages
10. Musical Explorers Family Concert at Carnegie Hall
Let your kids explore music from around the world at this lively, interactive concert!
Talented NYC-based artists introduce kids to sounds from Haiti, the Southeastern U.S., and South Africa.
The performers are amazing and full of energy:
- Emeline Michel: Singing soulful Haitian songs.
- Martha Redbone: Sharing songs and dances from the Southeastern U.S.
- Sbongiseni “Bongi” Duma and Tshidi Manye: Bringing the rhythm and joy of South African Zulu music.
- Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
- Location: Carnegie Hall, Midtown West
- Ages: Perfect for all ages
11. Lunar New Year of the Snake at Kupferberg Center
Celebrate the Lunar New Year in style with the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company!
The costumes are bright, the dances are breathtaking, and the whole experience is an unforgettable celebration of culture.
This colorful and energetic show includes:
- Dazzling dragon dances
- Lively lion acrobatics
- Graceful peacock performances
- Beautiful ribbon twirling and traditional instruments
- Dates: Saturday, January 25 – Sunday, January 26, 2025
- Location: Kupferberg Center, Flushing, Queens
Make January Special with Fun for the Whole Family in NYC
January in NYC is full of fun things to do with kids and families. It’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy all the city has to offer.
With so many different events happening, there’s something for everyone, regardless of age or interests.
It’s a great time to brighten the cold winter days and create special memories with your family.
So, put on your jackets, grab the kiddos, and make the most of what NYC offers this January.
Don’t miss out—get out there and make this January one to remember!
