United States New York New York City New York City Guide Things To Do Essentials Restaurants Nightlife Where to Stay Neighborhoods Itineraries Events Getaways All New York City Five Things to Do on New Year's Day in Brooklyn New Years Day 2019: Five Family-Friendly Outings and Activities for Everyone Written by Allison Lowenstein Updated 11/10/19 Share Pin Email What to do in Brooklyn on New Year's Day? If you're in Brooklyn with your brood, here are five family focused activities that you can enjoy on New Year's Day, from a kid-friendly dance party in a trendy new club to watching thousands of reasonably sane people take the plunge into the Atlantic Ocean off Coney Island. There are many fun, cool, interesting things you can do on New Year's Day in Brooklyn. Welcome in 2019 at these spots around Brooklyn, but if you're still holiday planning, be sure to check out the Holiday Markets as well as Fun Holiday focused events. 01 of 05 Watch the Polar Bear Club Take a Dip in the Atlantic Ocean (Coney Island) View Map Address 601 Riegelmann Boardwalk, Brooklyn, NY 11235, USA Get directions Phone +1 718-946-1350 Web Visit website The New Year doesn't officially begin in Brooklyn until the Coney Island Polar Bear Club takes a dip in the frigid Atlantic Ocean. You don't have to be a member to partake in the annual Polar Bear Club's swim. The event takes place at 1 p.m. and folks assemble at the Boardwalk at Stillwell Avenue. The Polar Bear's suggest bringing warm clothes, surf boots and old sneakers. There is a $25 minimum suggested donation, which benefits the Coney Island community including the New York Aquarium. You can register here or at the event. Don't forget to take a picture. As added plus, all swimmers get free admission to the New York Aquarium and depending on the size of the donation an assortment of Polar Bear Club merch. 02 of 05 Go Bowling at Brooklyn Bowl (Williamsburg) Brooklyn Bowl View Map Address 61 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211-1027, USA Get directions Phone +1 718-963-3369 Web Visit website Aim for a strike in the New Year when you take your family bowling at the Brooklyn Bowl in the heart of trendy Williamsburg. On January 1st from 12 p.m.-8 p.m., Brooklyn Bowl hosts their annual Family Bowling event, where kids and their parents can compete in a family friendly bowling game as they chow down on food from the brunch menu. 03 of 05 Walk the Brooklyn Bridge to DUMBO or Brooklyn Heights Onfokus/Getty Images View Map Address Brooklyn Bridge, New York, NY 10038, USA Get directions Web Visit website What a wonderful way to start the New Year! Have a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge. Be forewarned, it can get crowded! Stop and take pictures of the view as you welcome this New Year. Depending on which side you end your trip, enjoy brunch in Dumbo or walk to Chinatown and start the New Year with Dim Sum. 04 of 05 Eat New Year's Day Brunch in Brooklyn (Everywhere) Fonda View Map Address 434 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA Get directions Phone +1 718-369-3144 Web Visit website The morning after the night before! You can stand in line at your favorite brunch place, or make a reservation in advance! Here are some good bets for last minute brunch rezzies for New Year's Day in Brooklyn. One great brunch spot is Fonda in Park Slope, where you can dine on Mexican brunch classics. Continue to 5 of 5 below. 05 of 05 See the Animals at the Zoo E. Freudenheim View Map Address 450 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225, USA Get directions Phone +1 718-399-7339 Web Visit website The Prospect Park Zoo is open on New Year's Day. Start the year strolling through this zoo, which is open on holidays from 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit