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.
Christie Clinic Presents Hot Cocoa Cheers to the New Year, Jan. 3
Join Chambanamoms.com as we celebrate with a hot cocoa toast to the new years. Thanks to our friends at Christie Clinic for sponsoring this family friendly fun opportunity for us to see twinkling lights and enjoy the great outdoors. We’ll be at Lake of the Woods in Mahomet at the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden from 4-5:30 p.m. serving complimentary hot cocoa and FUN.
Free S’mores Social and Stroll, Jan. 9
Join fellow snow lovers on these fun winter strolls through Crystal Lake Park. Bundle up and enjoy a crisp walk at your own pace with friends. After your walk, convene on the patio at the Lake House for s’mores over a fire and hot chocolate. Beat the indoor winter blues with fresh air and lake views.
MLK Advocacy for Justice Celebration — His Dream, Ideals Worth Fighting For, Jan. 16
The Annual County-wide Celebration commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s legacy by bringing together community members from Champaign County to celebrate the mission, teachings, and legacy of Dr. King. This year’s featured keynote speaker is Dr. Derek Barber King, Sr., son of Reverend Dr. Alfred Daniel Williams King, Sr., the only brother of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Event held at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.
School’s Out Open Swim, Jan. 17
School is closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, so head over to the Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center for some watery fun.
CCFPD Snowflake Search Begins, Jan. 20
Get out and explore our local winter wonderland in search of snowflakes! CCFPD has hidden creative snowflakes and winter fun facts throughout the Champaign County Forest Preserves. Bundle up and find them! The search runs Jan. 20-Feb. 28. Get details here.
Illini women’s basketball vs. Nebraska, Jan. 23 – POSTPONED
The Illini take on an upstart Nebraska team in a matinee at the State Farm Center. Get up close for some family friendly hoops action!
Teens Only! Super Smash Brothers Tournament, Jan. 28
The Urbana Park District is sponsoring this action-packed video game for teens at the Brookens Gym. Registration is required. Get more details here.
Champaign County Area Restaurant Week Begins, Jan. 28
The 6th Annual Champaign County Area Restaurant Week is back in-person for 2022, so you can connect with friends and family over an Outside of Ordinary meal in the greater Champaign County area. Get ready to experience a showcase of local restaurants and food trucks, serving up Filipino, Indian, Cambodian, Thai, Laos, Mexican, Caribbean, Italian, Zambian, Vegetarian, Vegan, soul food, farm-to-table, and standard American faire.
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.