2026 New‑Year Family Outings in the Bay Area — A Complete Guide

The start of a new year brings a new rhythm, fresh intentions — and for many Bay Area families, it’s the perfect time to make lasting memories together. With January’s cool, clear air and lighter crowds, plus many venues offering limited-time seasonal activities, it’s a surprisingly easy and delightful time for a family outing.

To help you kick off 2026 with warmth, curiosity, and ease — and find activities suitable for all ages — we’ve put together a guide to the best family-friendly options, from outdoor trails and cultural events to museums, theme parks, and hands-on workshops.

1. Start the Year with Nature: Family Outings

Winter in the Bay Area is crisp, clear, and refreshingly cool—making it the perfect season for families to get outside and enjoy nature together. You don’t need complicated routes or long hikes. Sometimes, a bit of sunshine, a gentle breeze, and a safe, stroller-friendly trail are all it takes to welcome the new year in a healthy, relaxed way.

One of the most beloved spots for families is Crissy Field. This wide coastal trail offers soft sand, panoramic views, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge as a backdrop. It’s a perfect setting for walking with kids, flying kites, or riding balance bikes. Parents can grab a hot drink from a nearby coffee cart and enjoy the ocean breeze while the kids run freely—making day one of the year feel light and joyful.

For those looking to immerse more deeply in nature, Muir Woods National Monument is a favorite. Towering redwoods create a majestic and peaceful forest, and the flat trails are accessible for strollers and grandparents alike. Children are often amazed by the sheer height of the trees, while adults appreciate the rare quiet of the woods. Many families treat Muir Woods as their “annual recharge spot” for the new year.

In the South Bay, Shoreline Lake is another go-to destination for families. The lakeside trail is perfect for a relaxed stroll, and kids can observe birds, play on the lawn, or try their hand at pedal boating. For parents, it’s a gentle way to blend fun and calm—an ideal little adventure to begin the year with intention and joy.

2. Winter Magic at Kids’ Museums: A Full Day of Fun and Learning

The Bay Area’s children’s museums are packed with hands-on exhibits—and many roll out special seasonal themes in January, making them perfect for long indoor family outings during the winter chill.

The California Academy of Sciences remains one of the top choices. Kids can explore the massive aquarium, watch penguin feedings, step into a tropical rainforest dome, or dive into special winter-themed science zones. Meanwhile, parents can roam through the botanical garden or the natural history exhibits, soaking in fascinating new knowledge. For many families, it’s more than just a museum trip—it becomes a “New Year’s Day of Learning” tradition.

In the South Bay, the Children’s Discovery Museum often hosts winter story festivals, hands-on craft zones, and science experiment stations throughout January. Kids can make their own snowflake decorations, tackle creative engineering challenges, or simply run wild in the museum’s spacious outdoor area. For busy parents, it’s the ideal place to let kids burn energy while expanding their minds.

Over in the East Bay, Lawrence Hall of Science is a haven for young explorers drawn to nature and physics. From animal encounters to breathtaking views on the outdoor observation deck, this museum fuels curiosity. Many families love coming here to gaze over the Bay Area and kick off the new year with a fresh and elevated perspective.

3. Winter-Only Theme Park Experiences: All-Day Fun for Every Age Group

While Bay Area theme parks may be less crowded in January compared to the summer season, they still offer plenty of festive and family-friendly activities—making them a high-value choice for a full day out.

California’s Great America (if still operating in 2026) usually keeps its winter holiday decorations up through early January. The park remains lit with seasonal lights, rides are open, and family-friendly zones operate as usual. Young kids can hop aboard the mini train or carousel, while older kids enjoy roller coasters and arcade-style games. Many families deliberately visit in January to take advantage of the dramatically shorter lines and a more relaxed experience.

In the South Bay, Gilroy Gardens is known for its exceptional kid-friendliness. A high percentage of rides are geared toward younger children, and the park’s whimsical plant-themed landscaping sparks imagination. During the winter, it’s especially calm and uncrowded, creating a safe and soothing environment for families to explore nature-themed rides together.

For a culturally blended adventure, families can visit the Oakland Zoo’s winter lights exhibit. While the New Year’s Eve displays peak in December, many light installations remain through January. Children can spend the day meeting animals and, as dusk falls, wander through glowing trails—a fully packed day of fun and discovery for all ages.

4. Cultural Experiences and Cross-Cultural Celebrations: A Child’s First Step to Understanding the World

The Bay Area is one of the most culturally diverse regions in the U.S., and this richness is especially evident during the New Year.

San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum often hosts Asian New Year–themed activities throughout January. From traditional paper-cutting workshops and good luck calligraphy to storytelling sessions, children are introduced to cultural heritage in interactive ways. Parents, meanwhile, get to engage with art that bridges cultural understanding across generations.

Japantown also holds small-scale New Year celebrations during this time. From seasonal treats at wagashi (Japanese sweets) shops to traditional New Year decor in local bookstores, the entire neighborhood offers families a gentle way to explore Japanese culture. Some families even let their children try on traditional clothing and snap photos—a keepsake that makes for a memorable New Year memento.

For those interested in Latin American culture, the Mission District is a vibrant destination. Its murals, cafés, and bakeries continue to embrace the festive spirit well into January. Families can stroll the streets while enjoying traditional treats like milk pudding or hot chocolate. Kids are often captivated by the colorful art, making it a perfect way to spark curiosity about the world’s diverse cultures.

5. Winter Crafts and Family Creative Workshops: Building Shared Memories Together

Many families choose to start the New Year with a creative hands-on experience, using “making something together” as a symbolic gesture for a fresh start.

In both San Francisco and the South Bay, there are numerous family-friendly studios offering pottery, candle-making, wooden toy building, and seasonal wreath design classes. One of the most popular options is the “Family Clay Day” at local pottery studios. Kids get to shape their own creations, while parents help with painting—every family walks away with a one-of-a-kind keepsake.

Some art centers also offer classes in photography, canvas painting, and weaving. For families, the most valuable takeaway isn’t the finished product—it’s the process of creating something together. These cozy, meaningful activities are the perfect way to begin a new year with intention and joy.

6. Winter Cuisine and Family Dining: Starting the Year with a Table Full of Warmth

For many families, one of the most important New Year’s rituals is sharing a meal together. Throughout January, Bay Area restaurants continue to offer seasonal menus designed for group dining.

In San Francisco, Italian restaurants serve winter truffle pasta, braised beef, and festive desserts. Chinese restaurants highlight symbolic New Year’s dishes such as longevity noodles, stone-pot chicken, and steamed fish. In the South Bay, Korean and Vietnamese spots offer generous hot pot and barbecue sets perfect for sharing.

For a more relaxed celebration, many families opt for brunch at a seaside restaurant in Half Moon Bay. Watching the waves while enjoying a comforting meal offers a calming start to the year. After the meal, kids can run along the beach while adults enjoy the views—a simple tradition that becomes a favorite family ritual.

Start the New Year Your Own Way

The 2026 New Year season in the Bay Area offers a wide variety of experiences for all ages. Whether you’re a family of three, a multigenerational group, or adults with little ones, you’ll find a rhythm that fits your family just right.

You can begin the year in a redwood forest, learn something new in a museum, laugh together in a theme park, create keepsakes in a craft class, or explore the world through cultural neighborhoods—most importantly, you’ll be welcoming the new year through moments of togetherness.

May every family find their own warmth, light, and joy during the first week of 2026.