Six Things to Do on New Year's Day in Brooklyn

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 1pm 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 forty dollar suggested donation, which benefits Camp Sunshine, you can register here or at the event. Don't forget to take a picture. An added plus, weather permitting Deno's Wonder Wheel will be open and offering five dollar rides (profits go to Camp Sunshine), and all swimmers get free admission to the New York Aquarium. 

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 11am-8pm, 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 the cuisine from Blue Ribbon. 

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.

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. A few great bunch spots include Fonda in Park Slope, where you can dine on Mexican brunch classics or head to Prime Meats for Biscuits and Gravy and other comfort food in Carroll Gardens for your first brunch of the New Year. 

Take your tots to see The March of the Penguins at the Alamo Drafthouse. The 2005 classic documentary about penguins is being screened as a part of the Alamo Drafthouse's All Kids Camp screenings series. You pick your own price for the tickets and 100% of the ticket sales are donated to PAWS New York. Start your new year taking in a moving film while also making a charitable donation. 

The Prospect Park Zoo is open on New Year's Day and there's a special reason to visit. This past November, a baby red panda was born and you must visit the zoo to check out this cute cub. Start the year strolling through this zoo, which is open daily from 10am-4:30pm.