With the holiday season winding down, it’s tempting to spend New Year’s Day horizontal on the couch. After a whirlwind month of holiday chaos (not to mention a fun New Year’s Eve party), you might want to just chill (and that’s totally ok!). But if you’re looking to start off the New Year and a new decade spending time with your family – we’ve rounded up some fun things for you to do.
You can find more seasonal fun, including ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve, in our Holiday Guide, or in our 25 Free Things to Do in Des Moines with Kids on Winter Break.
All of us at dsm4kids wish you and your families a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year!
Here’s 9 ways to celebrate New Year’s Day with your kids:
Go for a Hike
While the rest of the state sleeps in, kick off the new year with a fun and healthy First Day Hike. Organized by the Iowa DNR, 49 hikes will be held in parks across the state. All events are FREE, but some require pre-registration. And, of course, these outdoor events are weather dependent.
Celebrate with Brunch
Brunch is a fun and relaxing way to celebrate New Year’s Day and many restaurants, from fast food joints to family-owned eateries, are open. We recommend calling ahead and making reservations whenever possible. Here’s a few places to check out: Americana, St. Kilda Café & Bakery, and Granite City.
Write Down a Few Family Resolutions
Use a free printable, like this one from Life With Me, to jot down some family goals for the upcoming year. Take it a step further and hang it in a frame where everyone can see it every day.
Go Ice Skating
Head downtown to Brenton Skating Plaza and glide into the new year ice skating with the fam. Their New Year’s Day skate is from 4:00 to 9:00 pm. Adults $10.00; Child (5 to 12 years old)/Military/Senior 62+ $6.50 and Skate Rental $5.00.
Volunteer
Start the year off on the right foot and give back to your community by volunteering. You’ll feel good by doing good, whether you decide to help out organizations that assist children and families, donate food or serve meals or anything else that interests you.
Cheer on the Iowa Wolves
Enjoy the action on the court as the Iowa Wolves take on the Northern Arizona Suns on January 1, 2020. The Well will heat up on New Year’s Day from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Be sure to check out their promotions including: All In for $10 Meal Deal and Chick-fil-A Meal Deal, both include game tickets, food and drinks.
Hit the Slopes
While lots of people hit the gym on New Year’s Day, why not hit the slopes instead? Slide into 2020 with your kiddos by ringing in the New Year skiing, snowboarding or tubing down a hill at a local Iowa resort. All the resorts make their own snow. Be sure to check resort websites or call ahead for weather reports and slope closures.
Explore an Indoor Play Spot
New Year’s Day is the perfect opportunity to visit a new play spot, especially one that’s indoors. Children’s Museums and Indoor Play Spaces are a great way for kids to burn off some energy. Many local attractions like the Science Center of Iowa are open, but there are also a few that are not. Be sure to call ahead or visit websites to make sure your favorite local indoor play spot will be open on New Year’s Day.
Run, Walk or Jog Lifetime’s Commitment Day 5K
Lifetime Fitness in Urbandale hosts annual Commitment Day festivities and encourages everyone to start the year with one positive action for their health. Commitment Day 2020 events are open to the entire community, not just Lifetime members. As part of their weeklong events, they host a Commitment Day 5K. The run will be held on January 1, 2020 at Lifetime at 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. The cost to participate is $20 for adults and $5 for kids. Register here.
How will you spend New Year’s Day? Share with us in a Comment below!
