If you are out and about or staying home, we’re offering suggestions for things to do in South Florida New Year’s Day. Some are free. Virus protection practices apply.

Fern Forest Photo/Broward Parks
Outdoors
- Florida State Parks that are usually open on Fridays are open January 1, a few in Florida feature first-day hike events, regular entry fees apply
- Broward parks are open for nature walks, picnicking, and some offer watercraft rentals, entry into parks is free until further notice
- parks include these & others
- Fern Forest, features several nature paths, including its elevated boardwalk into cypress/maple swamp, 201 Lyons Road South, Coconut Creek 33063, 954-357-5198, read our feature Nature Trails & Free Entry at Fern Forest in North Broward
- TY Park in Hollywood, read our feature TY Park in Hollywood is lovely venue for outdoor exercise & relaxation
- Secret Woods, includes a boardwalk overlooking the New River, and assorted other nature walks, 2701 W. State Road 84, Dania Beach 33312, 954-357-8884
- Quiet Waters Park, includes a butterfly garden & nature path, 401 S. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach 33442, 954-357-5100
- TY Park in Hollywood, includes tennis, picnic tables & a 2-mile paved path — primarily around a lake — for walking, running, biking & skateboarding, 3300 N. Park Road, Hollywood 33021, 954-357-8811,
- municipal parks — see website of municipality you’re interested in
- Hollywood Beach Broadwalk — lovely 2.5-mile length between waves rolling ashore and shops, hotels & restaurants
- Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk — delightful stretch along the New River from about Southwest Fifth Street east toward Federal Highway, incorporating Esplanade Park
- AllGolf @ CB Smith Park in Pembroke Pines includes 2 18-hole mini golf course & a driving range, fees for miniature golf are $9 Mondays to Fridays, $10 Saturdays and Sundays for 18 holes, $2 extra for 36 holes, free for ages 4 & younger, 950 N. Flamingo Road, Pembroke Pines 33028, 954-441-1333, website
- batting cages $2 for 20 pitches
- open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. January 1
- Bike routes in Broward, lots are free
Attractions
- Xtreme Action Park indoor arcade, skating & other recreation fun in Fort Lauderdale, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Flamingo Gardens in Davie, wildlife sanctuary and botanical gardens $15.95 to $21.95
- Swap Shop, with flea market, drive-in theater & ferrari museum, 3291 W. Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale 33311, 954-791-7927, information online
- $5 off discount for Butterfly World in Coconut Creek, read our feature
- Downtown Hollywood Murals — free outdoor exhibit
- Museum of Discovery & Science, 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale 33312, 954-467-6637, $19 – $24, free for members
- Discount opportunities for drive-through Holiday Fantasy of Lights in Coconut Creek
- AllGolf @ CB Smith Park in Pembroke Pines includes 2 18-hole mini golf course & a driving range, fees for miniature golf are $9 Mondays to Fridays, $10 Saturdays and Sundays for 18 holes, $2 extra for 36 holes, free for ages 4 & younger, 950 N. Flamingo Road, Pembroke Pines 33028, 954-441-1333, website
- batting cages $2 for 20 pitches, free use of bats with ID
- open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. January 1
Shopping
- Swap Shop, with flea market, drive-in theater & ferrari museum, 3291 W. Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale 33311, 954-791-7927, information online
- Festival Marketplace in Pompano, 2900 W. Sample Road, Pompano Beach, 33073, 954-979-4555, read our feature
- malls and other retail venues are open, some with limited hours
Fun & entertainment from home
- Online access to Broward library resources, including audio books, TV shows, films, songs & e-books
- Online entertainment, virtual tours & fun activities
Others
- bowling lanes, phone for reservations & information,including
- SparZ, 5325 South University Drive, Davie 33328, 954-434-9663
- AMF Pembroke Pines Lanes, 1940 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines 33024, 954-432-5500, 3 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.. January 1
- Sawgrass Lanes, 8501 N. University Drive, Tamarac 33321, 954-722-2700, 3 p.m. to 11:30 January 1
- Bowlero Davie, 8200 W. State Road 84, Davie 33324, 954-473-8822, 3 p.m. – 11:30 January 1
- Bowlero Dania, 1801 Way Pointe Plaza, Dania 33004, 954-374-1935, 3 p.m. – 11:30 p.m January 1
- Manor Lanes Bowling, 1517 NE 26th Street, Wilton Manors 333015, 954-566-7457
- movie theaters
- casinos
Please return to this feature. We’re adding other ideas for fun & recreation.
Enjoy Other Posts
- Groupon discounts for recreational fun
- Free things to do & deals this weekend
- Yummy Restaurant deals