1. Say Happy New Year! to a furry or exotic critter. All week long through January 1st, Animal Adventures in Bolton will host Winter Fest, with daily interactive events and demonstrations focused on different types of animals and themes. All activities are in the 6,000 square-foot indoor space, so kids can stay warm while they explore the animal world. 

2. Celebrate the arts at an indoor arts fest in Watertown. Drop in to this free, family-friendly open house at the Mosesian Center for the Arts to do crafts, have your fortune told, experience a noontime Ball Drop, take wacky pictures in a photo booth, and more.

3. Skate at what USA Today just named "the best ice rink in America." Also one of our top picks for outdoor rinks around Boston, the Frog Pond is open for skating (and serving up hot chocolate and more) on Monday.

Disney on Ice's "Dream Big" wraps up its Boston run on New Year's Day. Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment

4. Get inspired to meet your 2018 goals at Disney's Dream Big. Disney's most beloved female characters take to the ice for one last day at Agganis Arena for Dream Big!, a show based on the adventures of eight special (and scrappy) princesses. From Elsa to Belle to Tinker Bell, these characters captivate kids with their stories and skill.

5. Take a 4D Polar Express "train ride" and skate on synthetic indoor rink at Jordan's. The furniture giant known for its embrace of all things holiday is open and will host one last day of Christmasy festivities at its Avon headquarters. 

6. Hit the MOS or BCM at opening time. The Museum of Science and the Boston Children's Museum are blissfully open on this federal holiday, beginning at 9am and 12pm, respectively. Take advantage of the fact that many families will have a slow start on the day, and arrive just when the doors are opening to beat the crowds.

CoCo Key is open for a big day of water fun. Photo courtesy of CoCo Key Water Park

7. Slip and slide and pretend you're in the tropics at CoCo Key. New England has a handful of awesome indoor water parks, but CoCo Key, situated on the North Shore, is closest to most of us. It's also open on New Year's Day, and if you have been dreaming about a warm getaway, a trip here at least satisfies the first part. Come at 10am to beat crowds, or, splurge and take advantage of their New Year's Eve Package to wake up to water park fun.

8. Go downtown for a family-friendly day at Copley Square. Following First Night activities on New Year's Eve, Copley Square will host four hours of activities focused on music and family entertainment, including a scavenger hunt and interactive science demonstrations.