Best Family Friendly Ways to Ring in the New Year!!!

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We’ve done our fair share of ringing in the New Year… my favorite to date was 2012.

Yes, my second daughter was born at 9:46 pm New Years Eve 2012. So, it’s a very special day for our family and we always have reason to celebrate.

However, I also know that New Years Eve can be a hard holiday to celebrate with kids. So, I am going to share some of our favorite ways and places to do so with the whole family.

GAME NIGHT

We love holding game night at our home. Nothing is more fun than gathering with friends and all our kids to ring in the New Year. We let the kids play games, and while they play the adults play too. Some great group games are: Left, Center, Right, Ticket to Ride, One Night Ultimate Werewolf, and Codenames. At 9 pm a lot of times we will ring in the Eastern Time New Year, with the ball drop on Times Square, popping confetti, lighting sparklers the whole she-bang. Then those with young kids can go home if they need and still have the whole experience; while the rest of us party and ring in the new year at midnight.

NOON YEARS EVE AT KIDSPACE

Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena is a great spot for the family anytime of the year really, but they put together a great idea with their “Noon Years Eve”. On December 31st from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm you can celebrate the countdown at the stroke of “noon”. Celebrate and have fun with DJ’s, confetti, party hats, dancing, and more. Be sure to account for L.A. traffic because you are sure to hit that too! But, this way you can celebrate with your kids and still party later on if you want as well.

NEW YEARS EVE L.A. AT GRAND PARK

This one is a party that lasts all night. From 8 pm- 1 am you and the family can enjoy live music, a light show, fireworks and grub at the food trucks on site. They also have projection art on the beautiful City Hall. This is a great location and is sure to be lots of fun!

L.A. ZOO LIGHTS

Families can celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Los Angeles Zoo starting at 6:00 pm. This is a great way to take in the stellar seasonal display of the L.A. Zoo Lights, and also enjoy a dinner buffet, games, join a dance party, watch a live broadcast of New York’s Times Square ball drop at 9:00 pm, and more. Tickets are available online. ($74 for adults, $49 for children ages 2-12).  

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS CELEBRATION: MISSION INN

I mentioned the Mission Inn as a great free place to see Christmas Lights here, so this is your opportunity if you haven’t see those to do so and ring in the New Year with your kids at the Main Library Plaza (right next door) at the same time. From 6-9 pm this free family fun event will include music, games, activities and a countdown with confetti!

EVE AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD

I’ve talked about how much I love Universal Studios a lot on here. We had passes last year and just love that place and the whole environment. On NYE you can spend the day enjoying the rides, shows, Grinchmas, and holiday decor. Then in the evening the park will feature multiple on site DJs, live entertainment, and at midnight a park wide countdown and firework show! EVE is included in your general admission ticket to the park.

KNOTTS BERRY FARM

Last year for my daughter’s b-day/NYE celebration we found ourselves at Knott’s Berry Farm taking in the fun of the park and a great celebration. This experience (also included with daily admission) boasts live music, stage shows and a grand firework finale with extended holiday hours. You can also enjoy the Knott’s Merry Farm decor, shows, and events at this time before it’s gone for the season.

WINTERFEST OC NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATION

SoCal’s ultimate winter festival at the OC Fair and Event Center features tubing, skating, music, snow, lights, fireworks (take a breath) and more. On New Year’s Eve they will have a balloon drop, and countdown with maybe a surprise or two thrown in there. This event starts at 2 pm Dec 31 and goes until 1 am Jan. 1. Make sure to get your tickets!!

DINNER AND FUN

Or if you are looking to hang out, eat and not do much more than that there are a number of fun interactive restaurants that can help you out. Check out your closest Dave and Busters, John’s Incredible Pizza, or Pirate’s Dinner Adventure/Medieval Times (which we did a couple of years ago and my kids still talk about) for good food, entertainment and fun!

AND MORE…..

Check your local library as many of them hold activities, games, etc on NYE. Temecula: NYE Grape Drop. ICE at Santa Monica 3rd street Promenade. Pretend City, NYE celebration. Ice skating or roller skating makes for a great night with kids. Pennypickle Children’s Museum in Temecula. Rose Parade Decorating places (see the floats up close and personal in Pasadena before the parade). Legoland and Disneyland also hold NYE celebrations. Children’s Museum in La Habra. Take a harbor cruise out of Newport, Long Beach or San Diego (we love Harbor Cruises).

Don’t forget to bring your Martinelli’s Cider and get your New Years kiss as you ring in the New Year. I am so excited for all that 2020 has to offer. I have a feeling deep in my bones it’s going to be a good one!!!

I would love to hear how you celebrate your New Year’s Eve with your family!!!