14 Family-Friendly Events for the Month of January
As we enter into the new year, there is an unspoken rule that January becomes a period of stillness as we transition back into work and school. Speaking of the latter, it won’t be long until the kids are ready for more experiences (or maybe not—we know they’re busy with their holiday gifts!). Regardless of the outcome, we have plenty of family-friendly events for the month of January in Champaign County.
** Each title is highlighted with a direct link to the event for your convenience!
The Literary Space Program
Where: The Literary (122 N. Neil Street)
When: January 6th, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m
Space enthusiasts rejoice! Join the Literary as they kick off their first-ever “space program”, with lectures from UIUC graduate students covering topics on the 3D Hubble simulation, supernovae, black holes, and more. Space cadet Remington will host the inaugural session on January 6th. There will also be space-themed episodes of the Magic School Bus!
Spurlock Sundays: Fun and Family Games
Where: Spurlock Museum (600 S. Gregory Street)
When: January 8th, 1:00 p.m to 3:00 p.m.
Join Museum staff in making tissue paper stained glass panels to add color and brightness around the house. Free to the public!
FREE S’MORES SOCIAL AND STROLL - WINTER 2023
Where: Crystal Lake Park (206 W. Park Street)
When: January 8th, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Join fellow park lovers on a winter stroll through Crystal Lake Park! Walk at your own pace with friends and loved ones, then come together on the Lakeside Deck for s'mores over a fire and hot chocolate!
While free, you need to reserve your s'mores! Call (217) 367-1544. Donations accepted to cover the costs of the treats!
DIY Kids | Tech Toys
Where: Douglass Branch Library (504 E Grove St.)
When: January 11th, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Experiment with tech toys such as littleBits, Snap Circuits, Cubelets, and more at our weekly do-it-yourself activity for kids.
The World Famous Harlem Globetrotters
Where: State Farm Center (1800 S First Street)
When: January 11th at 7:00 p.m.
The Harlem Globetrotters 2023 World Tour presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs is coming with games like never before! Your favorite Globetrotter stars are bringing out their amazing basketball skill, outrageous athleticism and a non-stop LOL good time. Join the Globetrotters as they go head-to-head against the Washington Generals who will stop at nothing to try and defeat the world’s winningest team! For Tickets, click here.
Family Fun Night | Greyt Readers
Where: Champaign Public Library (200 West Green Street)
When: January 12th, 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Family Fun Night is a weekly evening for games, crafts, STEAM activities, and more especially for families with school-aged kids on Thursdays at 6:30 pm.
Crafter’s Workshop: Winter Edition for Kids
Where: Museum of the Grand Prairie (600 N. Lombard, Mahomet)
When: January 14th, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Stay warm at the museum as you learn and create historical winter crafts together! This activity is available for kids ages 6 to 9, $5 per child.
Space is limited and registration is required by January 6 at ccfpd.org to reserve your spots for this drop-off workshop. To register, click here.
Martin Luther King Day Celebration for Kids
Where: Alto Vineyards (4210 N. Duncan Rd., Champaign, 61822)
When: January 16, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Join the Champaign Park District as they explore the rich cultural heritage of the African American community in Champaign County on this Martin Luther King Day. Kids will learn about the life of Dr. King, celebrate his legacy, and explore how we can keep his mission alive today. Activities will include several crafts celebrating MLK’s life and legacy. Ages 5-12. $5 per child, registration required.
Sensory-Friendly Storytime | Spring 2023 Series
Where: Champaign Public Library (200 West Green Street)
When: January 17th, 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Join the Champaign Public Library for an inclusive and interactive storytime filled with stories, songs, sensory play, and socialization! Sensory-Friendly Storytime is especially welcoming for children who may need extra sensory support or for families who are looking for a more adaptive storytime experience. Storytime is followed by time for sensory play.
Happens monthly on the third Tuesday of the month! No registration required and is free to the public.
DIY Kids | Slime Time
Where: Douglass Branch Library
When: January 18th, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Make your own slime at our weekly do-it-yourself activity for school-age kids!
Family Fun Night | Lunar New Year Lanterns
Where: Champaign Public Library (200 West Green Street)
When: January 19th, 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Join the Champaign Public Library as they prepare to celebrate the Lunar New Year with paper lanterns! This is Year of the Rabbit, so they’ll decorate the lanterns with rabbit faces!
Family Fun Night | Snow Much Fun
Where: Champaign Public Library (200 West Green Street)
When: January 26, 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Create a beaded snowflake, make a paper tube Snow Friend, and play wintry games at Champaign Public Library’s Snow Much Fun night!
Owl Prowl
Where: Homer Lake Forest Preserve (2573 S. Homer Lake Rd.)
When: January 26th, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Why prowl for owls now? Many species are most active in the winter months, because they are breeding or nesting. That means we have a better chance of hearing or seeing a live owl in the wild! This program begins indoors with a presentation, and participants will have the chance to dissect owl pellets and take them home. Then, we will hit the trails to call and search for owls!
Recommended for ages 4 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $5 per person. Space is limited and registration is required by January 25th. To register, click here.
Potpourri Cabin Creation for Kids
Where: Museum of the Grand Prairie (600 N. Lombard, Mahomet)
When: January 28th, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This activity will use natural materials available right in your backyard for a cozy, winter cabin! Pine Cones, acorns, dried leaves and flowers will be provided to decorate your Potpourri Cabin. $6 per child. Children do not need to be accompanied by an adult. Ages 6-15. Space is limited; registration required by January 23. To register, click here.
Check out our Calendar of Events for More Activities!
Thinking about taking your children to any of these activities? Let us know or tag us in your photos through Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram!