Every January 1st, we set our New Year's Resolutions with the aim of improving ourselves in various ways. Here are twelve resolution ideas to do one day one to help you kick off a happy, healthy and safe new year.

Resolution 1: Embrace the Beauty that Surrounds Us

Enjoy a leisurely family walk, organize an outdoor picnic, embark on a scenic Waterfall Hike, or dive into the New Years Day Polar Plunge at Ocean Beach.

Resolution 2: Stop and Smell the Flowers

Hug a tree at Muir Woods, explore the trails at Golden Gate National Park Conservancy, spot some whales along Point Reyes National Seashore or hike around The Presidio, East Bay Regional Parks, Marin County Parks and more open space all over the Bay Area are open 365 days a year and no reservations required.

Resolution 3: Golden Gate Park Treasures

Explore Golden Gate Park: The Japanese Tea Garden welcomes visitors on New Year's Day from 9 AM to 4:45 PM, offering a day of FREE entry! Savor a calming cup of tea, taste popular Japanese snacks at the Tea House, and wander through the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States, nestled within Golden Gate Park. A visit to nearby the San Francisco Botanical Garden (which is also FREE on New Years Day), art exploration at the deYoung Museum and one of my personal favorites with the family, the California Academy of Science, is not to be missed is a perfect way to spend your day.

Resolution 4: Glide into the New Year

Whether you're a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, Ice Skating is a great way to start your fitness regime and many are open for business on New Year's Day. Secure your spot today and kick off 2025 on the ice: Union Square, Ice Skating at Yerba Buena, Dublin Iceland, San Mateo on Ice, The Meritage Resort in Napa, Brentwood on Ice, Walnut Creek on Ice and Downtown Ice in San Jose.

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. Animal shelters and rescues across the Bay Area need loving homes to provide safe and temporary living arrangements for rescues. 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.

Resolution 6: Embrace More Biking

Celebrate the new year in a stylish way by taking an extended bike ride along the seemingly infinite bike paths. It's a fantastic opportunity to discover new sights.

Resolution 7: Become a Tourist in Your Own Backyard

You reside in this amazing city and have been wanting to explore San Francisco, but haven’t gotten around to it. Embark on a self-guided tour of the 49 Mile Drive and rediscover San Francisco, one of the most remarkable 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 observing the beauty of the rising sun over the tranquil waters of the San Pablo Bay on a New Year’s Sunrise Hike in China Camp or explore the magnificent Jenner Headlands.

Resolution 9: Learn Something New

Feed your brain at the California Academy of Science, Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco Zoo, Oakland Zoo, Legion of Honor, SFMOMA & Exploratorium, all are open on New Year's Day!

Resolution 10: Experience China

Did you know that San Francisco has the largest Chinatown outside of Asia as well as the oldest in North America? Almost all of the shops are open 7 days a week. Step into a world with dragon-entwined lamp posts and brimming with a variety of food, herbs, porcelain, furniture, fabrics, and unique 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 Screens and STRIKE Out Together

Many bowling alleys are open on New Year's Day too! 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.