This post is being updated for 2017.

1. Spend the day exploring Discovery Green. Visit The ICE at Discovery Green starting at 1 p.m. and ice skate outdoors with inspiring views of the Houston skyline in the background. The park's model boat basin is transformed into a 7,716 square-foot ice skating surface using renewable energy and water recycled from Kinder Lake. From dusk till 11 p.m. you can also check out the temporary outdoor art installations like "Firmament," which is a bright LED light canopy atop the Sarofim Picnic Lawn. And don't miss the permanent installations around the park as well.

2. The Children's Museum of Houston has its Rockin' New Year Wonderweek from 10 a.m.-5 pm. There are games, science activities, arts and crafts, and more. Regular admission applies.

3. Visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science to see its special exhibit, Art and the Animal, on its last day. The exhibit presents images of animals depicted using fine arts techniques. While you are there, also check out the exhibit Trains Over Texas, which runs until Feb. 20 and is the largest indoor “O” scale model railroad in Texas. And don't forget to attend a 3D IMAX screening, such as Wild Africa in 3D at noon or 5 p.m., Secret Ocean at 3 p.m., or Dinosaurs Alive at 4 p.m. 

4. The Museum of Fine Arts Houston has fun activities for families this winter break inspired by the art of renowned French artist Edgar Degas from 1-4 p.m. Check out the exhibit, "Degas: A New Vision," and create your own masterpieces in the pop-up art studio. Winter break activities are free with general Museum admission and MFAH members and children 12 and under are always free.

5. If your children are budding photographers, you may want to explore the beautiful Rienzi Gardens, which has free admission to the gardens on Sunday afternoons for photography from 1-4:30 p.m.

6. If you are still feeling in the holiday spirit, January 1 is the last day to check out the Christmas Village at Bayou Bend  (from 5:30-10 p.m.), where you can explore an immersive Christmas experience at beautiful Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens on 14 acres of gardens and art nestled in River Oaks.

7. The Houston Zoo is open on New Year's Day from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and don't miss the giraffe feedings at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. And if you haven't had a chance to check out Zoo Lights yet, the zoo reopens at 6 p.m. for visitors to take in the beautiful lights, which could make an enjoyable family outing to wrap up the holiday season.

8. Take a little vacation to Galveston for even more lights and a chance to go ice skating (bring your own skates or rentals available for $7) at Moody Gardens' annual Festival of Lights, which is open from 6-10 p.m. Festival of Lights is one of the largest holiday celebrations in the region with more than one million lights within 100 sound-enhanced animated light displays and nightly live entertainment. Also make sure to try out the Arctic Slide ($7 for one slide, $20 for 10 slides and $25 for all day). Festival Admission: $10.95 (includes ice skate admission), children 3 and under do not require a ticket.

9. Spend some time at the Galleria, where you can return ill-fitting Christmas gifts and catch post-holiday sales, watch the kids play on the Little Galleria indoor playground, eat at the food court, and go ice skating as long as you want from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

10. Another mall option is the Memorial City Mall, which has a great play area for kids called Frolic's Castle, and it also has ice skating available from noon-6 p.m. 

11. A fun outdoor activity you can do as a family is to visit Armand Bayou Nature Center in Pasadena from noon-4 p.m. for Sundays in Nature, which is a free admission day where you get to hike trails with naturalist interpreter, view live reptiles, and learn about area history. 

12. Another outdoor option located right in Houston is the Arboretum, which is always a beautiful place to hike and observe nature. The trails are great for strollers and dogs, and there is also a play area for kids. 

13. For more ice skating, the ice rink at The Woodlands Town Center is located at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on the corner of Six Pines, and along with ice skating, there are daily promotions, holiday activities, and light displays. The new 21,000- square-foot multi-purpose facility features a state-of-the-art sound system, tables for parties and a concessions area. Open from noon-7 p.m.

14. Take advantage of the balmy Houston weather and go kayaking or paddle-boarding in The Woodlands from noon-5:30 p.m. There are no reservations on holidays, and rentals available on a first come basis

15. Participate in the kickoff race of the Run Houston! Race Series at Sam Houston Race Park to start off your New Year in a healthy way. This is a family-friendly race with 10k, 5k, and a kids 1k for kids age 12 and younger. Runners will receive a custom t-shirt, a custom medal, free race photos, and a post-race party.

16. Watch the Rice University Owls Women's Basketball team play against Charlotte at 2 p.m. Tickets online are $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 3-17. Make sure to take some time to explore the campus while you are there and visit the James Turrell skyspace, and time your visit for sunset if you can.

17. If you have older children and/or children who can tolerate sitting still for awhile, the Rothko Chapel is continuing its tradition of honoring the start of the New Year with the sounds of crystal bowls. Dana Shamas, a yoga instructor, will lead a cleansing crystal bowl meditation to start 2017 off with fresh intentions. 

Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston