--- title: "Things to do: January 2 - 7" description: Discover family-friendly winter activities in Charlotte from January 2-7, 2026, including free museum days, ice skating, and engaging classes for all ages. --- [Go Back Up](https://www.thecharlottesprout.com/things-to-do-1-2-to-1-7#top) [![The Charlotte Sprout logo – a soft, modern design featuring a green sprouting leaf next to the name](https://www.thecharlottesprout.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ChatGPT%20Image%20Oct%2020%2c%202025%2c%2009_53_40%20PM.png?width=1536&height=1024&name=ChatGPT%20Image%20Oct%2020%2c%202025%2c%2009_53_40%20PM.png "The Charlotte Sprout logo – a soft, modern design featuring a green sprouting leaf next to the name")](https://www.thecharlottesprout.com/?hsLang=en) # *What we're doing* Jan 2 - 7, 2026 This week brings cozy winter fun for families with free museum days, ice skating adventures, gentle newborn classes, hands-on library programs, and seasonal outings that make it easy to get out and enjoy Charlotte together. --- #### **January 2** **Light the Knights Festival** Enjoy a holiday tradition at Truist Field featuring ice skating, snow tubing, holiday lights, festive decor, local makers, and more family fun at this interactive winter festival.  📍Truist Field, Uptown Charlotte 🕒 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM 👶 Best For: All ages 💡 Parent Tip: Book tickets in advance since ice skating and tubing have limited capacity. Cost: $45 for activity pass, $14 for admission only [Get tickets](https://www.milb.com/charlotte-knights/ballpark/christmas) **Outdoor Movie Night at Seoul Food Mill District** Settle in for a festive outdoor movie night featuring Jumangi: Welcome to the Jungle! With free admission and plenty of food options, it’s an easy Friday outing with built in entertainment for kids. 📍Seoul Food Mill District Courtyard, 421 E 26th St, Charlotte 🕒 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM 👶 Best For: All ages 💡 Parent Tip: Seating is first come, first served. Kids will love the playground area but be sure to keep them in sight since it’s shared space and can get busy. Cost: Free [More Details](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/outdoor-movie-night-at-seoul-food-mill-district-tickets-1262972959119)   #### January 3 **DramaRama: Cinderella's Having a Ball!** Using characters and situations from Children's Theatre of Charlotte's production of *Topsy-Turvy Cinderella*, you'll play acting games and create some new endings to this popular story! 📍Imaginon Library, Uptown 🕒 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. 👶 Best For: 4+ 💡 Parent Tip:   Cost: Free [More info](https://cmlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/693856a7b5ff47300056667a) **Museums on Us Free Weekend** Explore some of Charlotte’s favorite museums for free during Bank of America’s Museums on Us weekend, now including the Sullenberger Aviation Museum! A great, budget-friendly way to spend a winter weekend with curious kids. 📍• Sullenberger Aviation Museum, Mint Museum Uptown, Mint Museum Randolph, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, and the Charlotte Museum of History 🕒 Saturday–Sunday, January 3–4 (during each museum’s regular hours) 👶 Best For: All ages 💡 Parent Tip: Bring your Bank of America, Merrill, or Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit card plus a photo ID - admission is free for cardholders, and lines can be shorter earlier in the day. Cost: Free with eligible Bank of America card [Learn More](https://about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/museums-on-us-find-locations-map)   ##### January 4 **Epiphany Celebration (Día de los Reyes Magos)** Celebrate the festive tradition of Three Kings Day with music, dance, storytelling, crafts, photo ops with the Magi, and a taste of traditional Rosca de Reyes at the Mint Museum Randolph. 📍Mint Museum Randolph 🕒 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM 👶 Best For: All ages 💡 Parent Tip: This event ties into the *Art of Devotion* exhibit so plan extra time to explore the galleries afterward. Cost: Free [More details](https://www.mintmuseum.org/event/epiphany-dia-de-los-reyes-magos/) **Ice Skating at The Bowl** The last day of The Bowl’s outdoor ice skating rink under twinkling lights, where skate rentals are included and families can sip cocoa while making memories in Ballantyne. 📍The Amp at The Bowl at Ballantyne, 11115 Upper Avenue 🕒 All day 👶 Best For: 3+ 💡 Parent Tip: Show your skating ticket at Postino for free Donut Dots while supplies last. Cost: ~$20 general, ~$12 for ages 5 and under (includes skate rental) [Get Tickets](http://thebowlnc.com) **Museums on Us Free Weekend** Explore some of Charlotte’s favorite museums for free during Bank of America’s Museums on Us weekend, now including the Sullenberger Aviation Museum! A great, budget-friendly way to spend a winter weekend with curious kids. 📍Sullenberger Aviation Museum, Mint Museum Uptown, Mint Museum Randolph, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, and the Charlotte Museum of History 🕒 Museum’s regular hours 👶 Best For: All ages 💡 Parent Tip: Bring your Bank of America, Merrill, or Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit card plus a photo ID - admission is free for cardholders, and lines can be shorter earlier in the day. Cost: Free with eligible Bank of America card [Learn More](https://about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/museums-on-us-find-locations-map)   #### **January 5** **Nature Book and Look** An outdoor storytime and nature exploration program featuring books, crafts, and hands-on learning. 📍McDowell Nature Center, 15222 South York Road 🕒 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. 👶 Best For: Preschoolers 💡 Parent Tip: This is not a drop off program, so plan to participate alongside your child. Cost: Free with registration [Register here](https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/mecklenburgparks/activity/search/detail/168634?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true) **Whitewater Day Camp Session (Ages 4+)** Give your little adventurer a day to explore the great outdoors! This special Thanksgiving-week camp at the U.S. National Whitewater Center includes nature-based games, crafts, and plenty of fresh air. 📍 U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte 🕐 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM 👶 Best For: Ages 4+ 💡 Parent Tip: Drop off your camper for a day of fun, then grab a coffee and stroll the trails while they play and create. Spots are limited! Cost: $79 [Sign up here](http://whitewater.org/whitewater-camps/day-sessions/) **Baby Massage** A calm, nurturing class designed as a gentle first activity for newborns, focusing on massage techniques that can support better sleep, digestion, and comfort for both baby and parent. 📍The Bunny Hive Charlotte, The Classroom, 1207 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203 🕒12:00 PM – 12:30 PM 👶 Best For: Newborns (as young as 2 weeks old) 💡 Parent Tip: Bring a swaddle or baby blanket and socks for yourself - this class is slow-paced and cozy, perfect for easing into outings with a brand-new baby. Cost: $30 drop-in (intro offers available) [Sign Up](https://www.thebunnyhive.com/schedule-walla)   ##### January 6 ** Ed’s Dinosaurs Live!** Meet life-like dinosaur friends and interact with prehistoric pals as Ed Bounds brings this engaging STEAM event to life with pettable dinos, hands-on fun, and even a hatching dino surprise. 📍ImaginOn 🕒 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM 👶 Best For: Ages 3+ 💡 Parent Tip: Younger siblings will love watching and touching the dinos too so bring the whole crew. Cost: Free [More info](https://cmlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/68a47b14ff6748fd5026efd0)   ##### January 7 **Winter at Whitewater** Winter at Whitewater transforms the U.S. National Whitewater Center into a snowy playground with ice skating, winter trails, night activities, and a festive winter market perfect for families ready to embrace the chill and make new seasonal memories 📍U.S. National Whitewater Center 👶 Best For: All ages 💡 Parent Tip: Bring gloves and warm layers and plan to walk the illuminated trails after skating - it’s a great way to keep little legs moving between activities. Don't forget to pet the highland cows that are visiting for the winter! Cost: $13 to park, Activity passes starting at $25 needed for skating and select experiences. [More Details](https://whitewater.org/winter-at-whitewater/)   [![The Charlotte Sprout logo – a soft, modern design featuring a green sprouting leaf next to the name](https://www.thecharlottesprout.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ChatGPT%20Image%20Oct%2020%2c%202025%2c%2009_53_40%20PM.png?width=1536&height=1024&name=ChatGPT%20Image%20Oct%2020%2c%202025%2c%2009_53_40%20PM.png "The Charlotte Sprout logo – a soft, modern design featuring a green sprouting leaf next to the name")](https://www.thecharlottesprout.com/?hsLang=en) --- ♥ Made with Care by HubSpot Experts - ©Lynton. All rights reserved. [Legal Notice](https://www.example.com) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.example.com) | [Site Map](https://www.example.com)