New Year is a day exclusively for family time, and if you are opting for a kid-friendly New Year’s Eve activity, it is even possible to have the energy for an early start. Here are some great outing choices for a New Year’s Day activity, some of which can only be enjoyed on January 1st.
Annual Penguin Swim
For more than fifty years, people from all walks of life have been gathering at Venice Beach on New Year’s Day to jump right into the chilly surf like penguins. Watching them is not as fun as joining in on the action yourself, but it is still enjoyable. This can be followed by a round of sand sledging on the berms.
Legoland, Knott’s or Universal
Even though there is never a quiet and peaceful day to visit Disneyland, New Year’s is a comparatively less crowded holiday spot for most of the other theme parks. While other families sleep off their New Year’s Eve adventures, you can start your adventure early on amusement park rides without the usual commotion and winter break mayhem.
Free Day at the Autry National Center
If the kids are really into cowboys and westerns, then the Autry, also called the Cowboy Museum, opens on holiday. It is a quiet place to spend New Year’s, and it’s completely free.
Marx Brothers Double Bill
Comedy is something that families enjoy in general, and the Aero has a tradition of welcoming the new year with a double comedy feature. The jokes never seem to get old, and they are a treat to experience with the family.
Zoo Lights
The zoo is a great place to go with the family at any time, and the New Year is no exception. The LA Zoo is open throughout the day for the animals and the lights in the evening.
The Rose Parade
At some point in their life, every family must join the masses and get a glimpse of the Rose Parade in person, and it might as well be this year! However, if this is not possible, you could enjoy the ‘only in SoCal’ experience seeing the floats up close and personal during the Post Parade Showcase of Floats.
Outdoor Ice Rinks
Most of the outdoor rinks of the area are open on New Year’s, so it is a splendid way for the family to spend some quality time together and have fun.
Family Hiking
There is absolutely nothing better than starting off the new year with a hike or a bike ride. Rent an RV, drive out to the nearest hill and hike to the top to see the sunrise together.
Waterfall Hiking
What’s even better than hiking hills and mountains? Hiking waterfalls, of course! New Year’s would be a great time to catch them in full flow.
