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.
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.
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