Every January 1st, we declare our New Year's Resolutions resolving to better ourselves in some way. Here are twelve resolutions to start off on the right foot this New Year's Day.

Resolution 1: Explore the outdoors with your family

Take an easy family stroll, have an outdoor picnic, or go on a Waterfall Hike. 

Resolution 2: Visit a National Park

Hug a tree at Muir Woods, explore the trails at Golden Gate National Park Conservancy, spot some whales along Point Reyes National Seashore, and fly a kite at The Presidio are all open 365 days a year and no reservations required.

Resolution 3: Keep calm and meditate

Japanese Tea Garden is open on New Year's Day from 9am-4:45pm and is a FREE entry day! Enjoy a meditative cup of tea, sample popular Japanese refreshments in the Tea House, and stroll around the oldest public Japanese garden in the U.S. located inside Golden Gate Park. Continue the day across the street at the San Francisco Botanical Garden, also FREE on New Years Day! There is also a FREE Golden Gate Park Shuttle Bus to explore the park further.

Resolution 4: Get in shape

Ice Skating is a great way to start your fitness regime and they are open for business on New Year's Day. Click here for a full list of ice skating rinks around the Bay Area.

Resolution 5: Expand your family

You think you want a new pet, but you’re not 100% sure it’s right for you? Try fostering. Many animal shelters and rescues need loving homes to provide safe and temporary living arrangements for pets. It’s the perfect way to test the waters of pet ownership without the commitment, since you are simply hosting a pet while they wait for their forever home. Who knows? That home just might end up being yours. Perhaps you’ll find love on my monthly First of the Mutt.

Resolution 6: More biking

Ring in the new year in style with a long bike ride on the seemingly endless bike paths. A great way to explore.

Resolution 7: Become a tourist in your own backyard

You live here and you've been meaning to explore San Francisco but just haven't. Take a self-guided tour of 49 Mile Drive and (re)acquaint yourself with, San Francisco, one of the most incredible cities in the world.

Resolution 8: Go on a New Year’s Sunrise Hike

Want to celebrate the new year in a profound way? Then ring in the new year under the open sky and observe the beauty of the rising sun over the tranquil waters of the San Pablo bay on a New Year’s Sunrise Hike.

Resolution 9: Learn Something New

Feed your brain at the California Academy of Science & Exploratorium, both open on New Year's Day!

Resolution 10: Experience a new culture

Did you know that San Francisco has the largest Chinatown outside of Asia as well as the oldest in North America? Step into this other world with dragon-entwined lamp posts and shops filled with food, herbs, porcelains, furniture, fabrics, and trinkets from China.

Resolution 11: Do something for others

Has the New Year has given you inspiration to do something that benefits others? Here's a little inspiration for Teens & Tweens.

Resolution 12: SPARE the electronics and STRIKE out together

Bowling alleys are open on New Year's Day too! Country Club Bowl in San Rafael, Yerba Buena Bowling, and Presidio Bowl in San Francisco are open and perfect fun for the whole family. Little kids can have fun with bumper bowling and arcade room.

Enjoy life to the fullest. Wishing you a very Happy 2020!