New Year's Day is officially here! We always seem to put more emphasis on New Year's Eve and what we are going to do to ring in the new year and watch the ball drop, but I think it's more important to spend the first day of the new year in a way we aren't typically used to, or doing what we love most! For those of you who have no idea how to start this year, we've compiled a list of ideas to kick-start 2016!
- Go on a family hike! Getting up and getting outside is always a good idea. Not everyone needs to set goals to lose 10-20 pounds for their New Year Resolution, but maybe add in one hike a week! See how good you’ll feel in a couple months if you keep this up!
- Go see a movie. The El Capitan is always a treat and seeing a movie here would be a great way to kick off the new year! Plus, there’s a light saber stage show and props on display! Definitely kid (and adult) friendly!
- Everyone should watch the Rose Parade in person. If this isn’t the year you got tickets, at least go to Pasadena to check out the floats up close and personal after the parade! Pasadena is also home to Intelligentsia coffee and The Pie Hole! Go see the floats and have a wander around Colorado Boulevard!
- Check out LACMA today! It’s open for the holidays and kids love the Metropolis II exhibit!
- Descanso Gardens is open for the day and is an incredible little get away! The Enchanted Railroad is also running.
- Although Disneyland is always pretty crowded, on New Year’s Day, other big theme parks are relatively quiet! Pay a visit to Knotts, Universal, or Legoland this New Year’s Day!
- The Venice Beach Penguin Swim is today, followed by a round of sand sledding on the berms. If you don’t want to plunge into the chilly surf, you can watch others do it! It’s equally as fun!
- Outdoor ice rinks are open today! Pershing Square is inviting skaters to don swimsuits and shades for a Polar Bear Skate if you aren’t into the Penguin Swim!
- The Aero has an annual tradition of ringing in the New Year with a Marx Brothers double bill!
- And last but not least, and my personal favorite, head up to Mountain High or Big Bear for some skiing or snowboarding! This is a great workout and a time to bond with family or friends!
Whatever you decide to do, just make sure you start your new
year with the right mindset and intentions! Don’t set unrealistic goals for
yourself, but challenge yourself to make this the best year yet by trying
something new! Happy New Year and I am still in shock that 2015 is officially
behind us and 2016 has begun!
Happy New Year, LA County!
