At some phases in life, "New Year's Eve" is code-word for "crazy party". And at other phases, December 31st may be a night for festivities that include the kids. Below are ideas for a memorable family New Year's Eve.
First Nights
Photo by Susan Cole Kelley, courtesy of First Night Boston.
In Boston, St. Louis, Boulder City, and many more cities, "First Night" events celebrate family-friendly New Year's Eve, with parades, fireworks, and, most of all, performances-- by musicians, dancers, acrobats, you name it. First Nights are low-cost, too. Typically, guests buy and wear a First Night button, which gives admission to all the fun.
New Year's Family Camp in Vermont
Photo courtesy of Hulbert Outdoor Center.
"Family Camps" are an excellent and affordable way to have an outdoorsy holiday. The Hulbert Outdoor Center has an annual "New Year's Family Camp": stay in warm cabins, share hearty meals, try snowshoeing and skating, learn how to identify animal tracks, go skiing nearby. And on New Year's Eve: sleigh rides, family games, fireworks, candlelight dinner.
Hershey PA: Family New Year's Eve Party
Three hours from NYC, two from Philadelphia, and aka as "Chocolate Town USA", Hershey PA is a big draw for families, mainly because of the Hersheypark theme park. Hersheypark reopens during the Holiday Season for "Christmas Candylane"; Hershey also puts on a big Family New Year's party at Hershey's Chocolate World, as part of a package at the Hotel Hershey (that also includes a grand dinner and dessert buffet, and a New Year's Day breakfast). Book early, this package sells out!
Panama City Beach New Year's Eve
Photo courtesy of Panama City Beach.
Street festivities and live entertainment at Pier Park; early in the evening, activities for families include bouncy houses, stilt walkers, live music. A countdown leads up to a Beach Ball Drop, and a grand finale of fireworks. Free to the public; check link above for packages at resorts and condos.
More Ideas for Family New Year's Eve
Fireworks photo courtesy of Bethlehem PA.
LEGOLAND California has live music, a countdown, and a LEGO brick drop; Great Wolf Lodges in multiple locations end their December "Snowland" season with a family New Years Eve party called "Snowball"; a resort in PA has an indoor carnival; Disney World rings in the New Year with sparkle; a resort in Texas has an outdoor carnival, BBQ, and fireworks; Bethlehem PA has a "Just Born PEEP® drop"...
