January 2026

Greetings!


Kick off the new year with a flurry of recreational fun! From badminton and bingo to swimming and stargazing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy all month long.

Gwinnett Parks & Rec celebrates 40 years!

Gwinnett Parks and Recreation is turning 40, and you’re invited to celebrate all year long!


Since its inception in 1986, Gwinnett Parks and Recreation has expanded to more than 50 amenity-packed parks around the county with diverse recreational programming. As we commemorate four decades of community service, we celebrate the countless hands and hearts that have shaped our journey.


The fun and games kick off on January 1 with the GeoGwinnett: Park and Seek Challenge! Bring the family out for a geocaching adventure that turns our parks into your own outdoor treasure map. Hidden caches await at unique locations, and each trailhead offers clues to guide your search. Along the way, take in the natural wonders and scenic paths that make our award-winning park system worth exploring.


If you’re up for an adrenalin rush, put on your swimsuit and take the Polar Plunge on January 31 at Mountain Park Aquatic Center in Stone Mountain. Brave the icy waters, and enjoy s’mores, games, and activities from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at this free event.


Stay tuned for more as we celebrate 40 Years of Excellence: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future!

Fun for Everyone

Soaring Shuttles | January 7

1:00pm – 4:00pm | Best Friend Park | Free

Serve up some family-friendly fun at this badminton showcase with music, games, and awards!


Astronomy Night: A Starry Eve | January 9

6:15pm – 8:15pm | Rhodes Jordan Park | Free

Bring a blanket for a night of stargazing with stories, games, hot cocoa, and s’mores.


Viking Wood Art | January 11

1:00pm – 4:00pm | Bethesda Park | $16 (ages 15+)

Use woodburning tools to make art, learn about Viking lore, and enjoy light refreshments.

S’more Winter Fun | January 16

6:30pm – 8:30pm | Lenora Park | $6

Head to the pavilion to make s’mores and play outdoor games.


Blizzard Bingo | January 17

Noon – 2:00pm | Lucky Shoals Park | $5

Shake off those winter blues with Bingo and warm up with hot cocoa and tea. 


Astro Adventures | January 17

5:30pm – 7:30pm | Yellow River Park | $16 (ages 6+)

Explore the universe with telescopes, plus s’mores and hot chocolate.


MLK Sunday Supper | January 18

2:00pm – 5:00pm | Gwinnett Community Resource Center at Bethany Church Road | Free

Come celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with food and fellowship, community speakers, and student presentations.

Shorty’s 40th Birthday | January 24

11:00am – 3:00pm | Shorty Howell Park | Free

Celebrate 40 years of Shorty Howell Park with a festive open house and birthday cake!


Museum after Dark: American Experiment 250 | January 30

6:00pm – 9:00pm | Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center | $5 

Travel back in time with science experiments, crafts, and family fun.


Hike & Hotcakes | January 31

10:00am – noon | Bogan Park | $8

Hit the trail for a winter hike followed by a pancake breakfast with favorite toppings.

Kids and Teen Events

Kids Night: Cool Escape | 6:00pm9:00pm Fridays | $12 (ages 712)

January 9 | Gwinnett Community Resource Center at Sawnee Avenue

January 16 | Gwinnett Community Resource Center at Georgia Belle Court

Treat the kids to a fun night out with games, crafts, and dinner.


Bogan Kids Club: Northern Lights | January 9

6:00pm – 9:30pm | Bogan Park Aquatic Center | $8 (ages 6 – 12)

Have a splash with swimming, games, crafts and dinner. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and change of clothes.


Glow Party | January 16

6:00pm – 8:00pm | George Pierce Park | $5 (ages 12 – 15)

Shine bright in neon or white with a fun night of music, dancing, glow games, and sporty fun.


Kids Night Swim: Parents Night Out | January 23

6:30pm – 9:30pm | Bethesda Park Aquatic Center | $15 (ages 6 – 12)

Have a splash with swimming, crafts, dinner, and a movie. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and change of clothes.


Clay Creations: Wheel | January 28

5:30pm – 8:30pm | Pinckneyville Park | $12 (ages 13 – 19)

Learn how to work with clay on a pottery wheel and enjoy light refreshments. 

Just for Grown-ups!

Antarctic Murder Mystery | January 16

1:00pm – 3:00pm | Bethesda Park Senior Center | $6 (ages 50+)

Bundle up and join fellow sleuths for a thrilling whodunit with icy clues to solve the case.

 

Casino Social | January 21

2:00pm – 4:00pm | George Pierce Park | $10 (ages 50+)

Try your luck at classic casino games using play money with music, prizes, and light refreshments.

 

Tiki Karaoke | January 22

6:00pm – 9:00pm | Pinckneyville Park | $5 (ages 21+)

Put on your Hawaiian shirt for adults-only fun with tiki-themed karaoke from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s!


Senior Game Show Day | January 30

1:00pm – 3:00pm | Shorty Howell Park | $5 (ages 50+)

Compete in classic TV-style games and enjoy light refreshments.

Stay in the know

View the full InGwinnett Program Guide


Find more upcoming events and activities


Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Follow us on
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram