6 Fun and Active Family Outings for the New Year

Happy New Year from our family to yours! Make a resolution for the new year to get the family out and active together. Check out one of our fun ideas for active outdoor family outings in Marin and the Bay Area for the beginning of 2025.
Take a family mountain bike ride
Take a mountain bike ride with the kiddos on a fun family-friendly trail. Some of our favorite spots include China Camp State Park near San Rafael and Rush Creek Open Space Preserve in Novato. Find more in our guide to family friendly bike trails in Marin.
Hike to a waterfall
One of the things I love most about winter in Marin is being able to hike to a beautiful waterfall, and when it rains families have many to choose from (like Novato's Buck Gulch Waterfall, pictured). Find our favorite waterfall hikes here.
Explore the Marin Headlands
The Marin Headlands is a favorite place for families to explore. Play at Rodeo Beach, hike to South Rodeo Beach (shown in opening photo), venture to the dramatically sited Point Bonita Lighthouse, and see historic sites.
Watch for whales in Point Reyes
The New Year coincides with the migration of California Gray Whales from Alaska to the Sea of Cortez off Mexico. Watch these majestic marine giants as they swim by Point Reyes on their way south. It's always a fun trip and it's so exciting when you actually spot whales!
Walk in the footsteps of Jack London
Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen, north of Sonoma, offers visitors a chance to walk in the footsteps of the famed Bay Area author. Opportunities for great hikes and walks abound, and don't miss the Pig Palace and the ruins of London's mansion Wolf House.
Hike Tennessee Valley
The Tennessee Valley Trail near Mill Valley is a perfect hike for families, and can even be tackled with a sturdy off-road stroller. With few hills, the 3.4-mile round trip hike out to the beach at Tennessee Cove and back is easy for hikers (and mountain bikers, too) of all ages.