Family Friendly Fun in Champaign-Urbana doesn’t stop in January
Settle in for the long, cold winter. The days are getting longer, but January just might be the dreariest month of the year.
Fear not, we have ideas to get you through it. Here are our picks for family fun around Champaign-Urbana.
Thank you to Busey Bank for presenting our Top Things to Do in January. Streamline your financing with a trusted partner to guide you along the way. Busey Bank is right beside you.
Kirby Winter Wellness Walk, all month
If you missed your chance to attend the Kirby Winter Wellness Walk at Allerton Park during the holidays, it’s not too late to experience the magic! They are continuing the after dark fun with the Kirby Winter Wellness Walk through Jan. 31. Reservations are required.
Free Craft Bag Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 12
Put on your mask and stop by the porch of Museum of the Grand Prairie on Tues., Jan. 12th from 1-3 or while supplies last, for your FREE craft bag celebrating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Meet the Critters Virtually with Homer Lake Interpretive Center, Jan. 13 (registration required)
Sign up for this virtual “meet the critters” event to see how the Homer Lake Interpretive Center resident reptiles have been doing. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Does this have DNA?, Jan. 14 (registration required)
The University of Illinois’ Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology will offer a free online class in which children learn about DNA and whether objects in their house contain DNA. Registration required.
Snowman Snack Attack Box, Jan. 14
Designed for grades 1-5, this Champaign Public Library programs helps you build a snowman box just the perfect size to hold a snowy snack. Pick up your kit using the library’s curbside program, watch the instructions on Facebook Live and get to work!
Family Craft Kit: Snowman, Jan. 16
The Urbana Free Library is providing a free craft kit each month until May, and the January kit provides the materials to make a snowman. Schedule a curbside pickup and ask for the Family Craft Kit.
Young Artists Studio: Kids learn to DJ!, Jan. 17 (registration required)
This sounds cool — it’s a virtual program that shows kids how to be a DJ, led by local artist Ja’Naea Modest AKA DJ Silkee. They will explore how to create beats, record, and spin. Each participant will have a chance to test their DJ skills. It’s for children ages 5-11 and requires registration.
Annual Countywide Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, Jan. 17
Free events to commemorate the legacy of Dr. King will be conducted via Zoom. For details, visit the celebration’s website.
Champaign County Area Restaurant Week, Takeout Edition, Jan. 29
The annual Restaurant Week will look different this year — to meet COVID-19 guidelines the nine-day event will take place via takeout. In place of the prix-fixe menus, participants will create menus that will work for you at home.
Sledding, all month (weather pending)
We’ll refrain from providing specific dates and times, but if history is any indication, January — historically the snowiest month of the year in central Illinois — will allow for some ideal sledding conditions. Here is our list of the best spots to take the kids for prime sledding opportunities. Or go ice skating. Or snowshoeing.