The holiday rush has finally ended. If it left you feeling at least as frazzled as joyful, you’re not alone. The new year is a great time to resolve to recharge. For many parents, time spent with friends – and a break from the kids – is the perfect ticket. And while you can always head out for dinner or drinks, December overindulgence and Dry January may make those tried-and-true options less attractive.
Instead, we’ve rounded up some unique group outings to relax, have fun or get creative. Dads can feel free to borrow inspiration, and some of these ideas would make a great date for couples, too.
Soak It All In
Looking to add a dash of adventure to your spa day? Check out one of the Bay Area’s latest innovations – Hot Tub Boats. That’s right, it’s both a hot tub and a boat that allows you to cruise around the Oakland Estuary, soaking in the sights while soaking in perfectly heated water.
The brainchild of a Seattle shipwright, Hot Tub Boats has been operating in that city for more than a decade and opened its second outpost in Alameda last fall with a fleet of four joystick-operated wooden boats. It’s a great way to get out on the water, even on a chilly day, and a truly unique outing.
Each boat holds up to six people who can cruise for two hours between Oakland’s Jack London Square and Alameda’s Park Street Bridge, including circumnavigating Coast Guard Island. Canned water is provided, and guests can bring their own non-alcoholic drinks and snacks or order from a small menu.
There’s also a Bluetooth speaker perfect for piping in your yacht rock playlist. The joystick-operated boat is easy to maneuver, though you do need to keep a look out for sailboats and other watercraft. It’s a fun way to relax and have a small escape from reality, no boating license or experience necessary. (Children are welcome but those under 12 must wear a life jacket.) $440 for a two-hour sail; add-ons, including scented Epsom salts and select snacks, extra.
1070 Marina Village Parkway, #102B, Alameda
If a stationary hot tub is more your speed, Palo Alto’s Watercourse Way has been providing a tranquil zen retreat since 1980 with private hot tub rooms, some of which also include a steam room, dry sauna or cold plunge. Massages, facials and other spa treatments are also available. Most hot tub rooms can hold three to five people, through two connecting rooms are available for groups of up to 10. Per-person rates start at $55 for one hour Mon.-Thu. and $60 Fri.-Sun.
165 Channing Ave., Palo Alto
Be Playful
Why should kids have all the fun? Grab a group of friends and try your hand at some fun competition. Lollyland Mini-Golf puts a high-tech spin on the classic, with an escape room twist. The year-old course is just one of the offerings at Palace Games, which has been running award-winning, immersive escape rooms out of the Palace of Fine Arts since 2015. The brightly colored, candy-themed Lollyland uses “smart putters” that vibrate, play music and track players’ progress, high-tech ball sensing, video screens, avatars and a storyline that climaxes at the final hole. A virtual companion guides you through the unique and imaginative obstacles including puzzles and games. Games are for two to six players and take an average of 50-75 minutes. $30 per player.
3362 Palace Drive, San Francisco
For fun of a more old-school variety, you can’t miss at the Pacific Pinball Museum in Alameda, where more than 100 pinball machines from the 1940s to present are set to free play. There’s a historical display of rare early games, hand-painted murals and vintage jukeboxes. The entry fee is good for unlimited play, with in-and-out privileges so you can take a break at one of the nearby restaurants or bars. $22 adults, two for $22 on Tuesdays.
1510 Webster St., Alameda
Taste the Good Life
Make like a tourist at home and bring your group on a food tour with Edible Excursions. For two decades, this woman-owned and operated business has been leading walking tours that explore the culinary scenes of San Francisco, Oakland and Berkeley. The tours are a great way to taste new and iconic foods while learning about local lore and history, architectural landmarks, chefs and growers.
In San Francisco, there are tours of the Mission, Japantown, North Beach and the Ferry Building and farmers market, with the option of a ferry ride to Alcatraz. In the East Bay, you can check out the West Berkeley Wine Block or visit iconic spots in North Berkeley including the flagship Peet’s Coffee location, Saul’s deli and The Cheeseboard Collective. In Oakland, there are strolls through the multicultural eateries of the Temescal as well as Uptown. $89 and up.
Or try your hand at preparing new foods yourself. Palo Alto’s Sur La Table has a wide range of cooking classes from handcrafted pasta and paella to Thai delicacies and a Tokyo tasting menu, plus a variety of baking classes. The hands-on classes are generally two hours and have 12-16 students. There is also a location in Santa Rosa. $99.
855 El Camino Real, #57, Palo Alto
surlatable.com/cooking-classes
Get Creative
If you’re looking for an elevated, out-of-the ordinary artsy activity, you can try your hand at glass blowing at Slow Burn Glass in Richmond, no experience necessary. The artisans there will lead you through basic glass blowing skills to help you create a one-of-kind work of art that you can pick up (or have shipped) later.
Classes are for three to six participants to maximize one-on-one time with instructors. You can make blown-glass floppy bowls and flower vases or wine and beer glasses at any time of year or sign up for seasonal offerings such as hearts and flowers in February for Valentine’s Day. $120 and up; Bay Area Parent readers get 50% off with coupon code BAP2025.
833 S. 19th St., unit A, Richmond
Another creative option is attending a Flora Party at Filoli, the historic estate and expansive gardens in Woodside. Participants learn to create a floral masterpiece, from centerpieces to wreaths, while enjoying wine and light snacks. Tickets include admission to explore the property before or after the event. Classes are held every other month, with daffodil-themed parties scheduled for Feb. 5 and 6. $150.
86 Cañada Road, Woodside
Splurge on Wellness
If you really want to escape from it all, consider a Wellness Weekend at the Dream Inn.
This Santa Cruz hotel is always a great getaway for families, with its oceanside pool with firepits perched above an expansive beach, all within walking distance of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. But twice a year, it turns its attention to more adult pursuits, with two-night retreats focused on wellness.
The weekend includes workshops and activities with focuses such as yoga, sound experiences and herbal remedies. A welcome reception and dinner are included, as well as breakfast both mornings. There’s also a guided e-bike tour of the area.
The next retreat is scheduled for Feb. 28-March 2, with another to follow in September. From $569 per night for an ocean-view king room.
175 W. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz