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Looking for fun and free things to do with your family in Milwaukee this January? We’ve got you covered! Whether you’re in the mood for a winter festival, an MLK celebration, or free admission to one of your favorite Milwaukee attractions, there’s something for everyone. Check out these fantastic free events happening throughout the month!
Don’t stop here! Plan even more family fun with our Daily Events Calendar featuring activities every day, or dive into our Weekend Guide for top picks happening this weekend.
Cool Fool Kite Festival
📅 January 1 | ⏰ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Watch expert kite flyers, enjoy ice sculpting demonstrations, and warm up with free coffee and hot chocolate. Bring your own kite, or buy one on-site!
Kohl’s Thank You Thursday at Milwaukee Public Museum
📅 January 1 | ⏰ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
ALL visitors (excluding groups) receive FREE access to the permanent exhibits of MPM on the first Thursday of every month during Kohl’s Thank You Thursday. Advance reservations strongly recommended, as walk-up tickets are not guaranteed.
Family Free Day at the Zoo
📅 January 3 | ⏰ 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Enjoy a family day at the Zoo — outdoors or in! On this day, all guests receive free admission (parking and regular attraction fees still apply). See Eastern black rhinos Kianga and Zuri in the new Ladish Co. Foundation Rhino Care Center, and say hello to Happy the hippo.
Pay-As-You-Wish Thursday Nights at Milwaukee Art Museum
📅 January 8, 15, 22, 29 | ⏰ 4:00 – 8:00 PM
Every Thursday night, Museum admission is pay-what-you-wish. (Kids 12 and Under are always free).
DelaFREEZE
📅 January 10 | ⏰ 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Watch ice carvers create stunning sculptures, ice skate, and warm up with hot cocoa or a Bloody Mary at the ice bar. Families can enjoy crafts and scavenger hunts at the Delafield Public Library.
New Berlin Winterfest
📅 January 10 | ⏰ 3:00 – 7:00 PM
This annual tradition features live music, food trucks, a beer garden, sports and activities, a kids’ zone, cookie decorating, and hot cocoa. It will be held at the ARC this year, so there will also be an indoor playground and a pickleball tournament (advanced registration required).
Community Access Day at Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
📅 January 15 | ⏰ 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
All guests (excluding groups of 10 or more) receive free admission to the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum on the third Thursday of every month.
West Bend Winter On Main (aka Winter Warm-up)
📅 January 16-17 | ⏰ 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Stroll through downtown West Bend to view 55+ custom crafted ice sculptures, enjoy a delicious meal, stop at a warming station for hot chocolate and activities, catch a show, watch a concert, view a live ice sculpture demo, enjoy a luminary walk, and more.
Waukesha JanBoree
📅 January 16-25
A variety of family-friendly events will be going on throughout Waukesha, including fireworks and laser light shows, geocaching, ice skating, trivia, outdoor hikes, planetarium shows, a Frosty 5K, ice sculpting, a Penguin Egg Hunt, and so much more. This year’s theme is “Out of This World.”
Winterfest at Boerner Botanical Gardens
📅 January 18 | ⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Cure your Winter blues with guided winter walks, indoor crafts, activities led by Wehr Nature Center, and more! Winter walks last about 45 minutes and begin at 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM.
West Allis Winter Week
January 18-24
This week-long event includes scavenger hunts, trivia nights, a soup crawl, and a Taylor Swift-inspired party.
42nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration
📅 January 19 | ⏰ 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
This event held at the Marcus Performing Arts Center highlights community youth who interpret Dr. King’s words through student contests. Winners will be showcased at the event.
Find LOTS more free events on the Events Calendar by using the “Free” filter.
Up For A Drive?
Hop in the car and make a day trip to one of these free winter events:
- Snow Daze Festival (Kenosha)
📅 January 24 | ⏰ 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Ride the electric streetcar, ice skate, and marvel at ice sculptures in downtown Kenosha and in Veterans Memorial Park. Warm up by the fire pits with s’mores. - Lake Geneva Winterfest
📅 January 28-February 1
Enjoy America’s Snow Sculpting Invitational, a downtown Ice Sculpture Walk, bonfires on the beach, live entertainment, and more!
Want Even More Free Family Fun?
This is just the beginning! MKE For Free is your ultimate guide to 250+ free events and activities happening year-round in Milwaukee. Organized by season, this 100-page downloadable guide is packed with the best budget-friendly experiences for families.
Start planning your next adventure—without spending a dime!
➡ Get Your Copy of MKE For Free Now!
