Think New Year’s Eve parties are a thing of the past now that you have kids? Think again! We’re showing you where to celebrate with your little party animals all over the city with 11 family and kid-friendly New Year’s Eve parties. From ringing in 2019 with fireworks at LEGOLAND to counting down the seconds at resort galas, museums or restaurants, read on for some seriously fun New Year’s Eve parties for kids!
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New Year’s Eve Gala at Hotel del Coronado
Adults can ring in the New Year at The World’s Greatest Legend, a once-in-a-lifetime celebration with dazzling star attractions and awe-inspiring performances. You’ll be mesmerized as the oceanfront Ballroom transforms into a lavish big top with black tie-clad aristocrats, a delectable five-course feast, open bar and dancing to the sounds of the Mighty Untouchables. All attendees must be 21+, this event ends at 1 am.
The Kids and teens have a party of their own from 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m. The night includes dinner, ice skating (ages 8+), special shows, games, s’mores roast and a midnight toast with sparkling cider. Teens ages 13-17 can also hang out in their own teen lounge and watch movies as they mingle.
Date: Dec. 31
Time: 7 p.m.- 1 a.m.
Cost: Adults $375-$425; Kids & Teens/$125 and $100 for additional siblings
Hotel del Coronado
1500 Orange Ave.
Coronado, CA 92118
619-522-8490
Online: hoteldel.com/events/new-years-eve-ballroom
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“Speakeasy” 2018 New Year’s Eve Bash at Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa
Dance away the last few hours of 2018 and raise a glass to the New Year at The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa’s family-friendly “Speakeasy” 2018 New Year’s Eve Bash! No back alley or secret knock required – just come dressed to impress in the finest 1920s attire and ready for a fabulous night that the whole family will enjoy, complete with live entertainment, costume contests and prizes for Best Dressed Family and Best Dressed Couple. Kick-off the themed affair at 6:30 p.m. with a superb buffet dinner, sparkling sips and decadent dessert bar. While adults shake it on the dance floor to spins from a live DJ, little revelers can keep the fun going with face painting, ping-pong, foosball, billiards, and an exclusive Gamer Room at the dedicated Kids Party Zone. Guests can also expect the clock to strike midnight twice at this bash – kids ring in the New Year with an exciting balloon drop for the East Coast at 9 p.m., while adults celebrate with a complimentary champagne toast and main drop at midnight here on the West Coast. To purchase tickets, click here.
Date: Dec. 31
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $110-$130/adult; $50-$85/child (ages 4-12); kids 3 and under/free
5480 Grand Pacific Dr.
Carlsbad, CA
760-827-2400
Online: marriott.com/hotels/travel/sanwc-the-westin-carlsbad-resort-and-spa
LEGOLAND California Resort
The countdown to 2019 starts early at the grand finale of Holidays at LEGOLAND California Resort during the Park’s annual Kids’ New Year’s Eve party! The night kicks-off with special musical performances on the Fun Town Stage and Heartlake City Stage. Then, starting at 6 p.m., the party moves to San Francisco in Miniland U.S.A. where young brick lovers can ring in the New Year and watch a re-creation of the famous Times Square ball drop with a giant LEGO® brick falling 22-feet in the air. Families can enjoy a spectacular fireworks display as the LEGO brick drops, lighting up the night sky. All activities are included with regular Park admission.
Date: Dec. 31
Time: 6 p.m.
Price: Park admission
1 Legoland Dr.
Carlsbad, CA
760-918-5346
Online: california.legoland.com
The Grape Drop, Temecula
Party like it’s 1999 (or 2019!) Forget the Big Apple. Watch the Temecula grape drop at Town Square Park twice: once with the East Coast at 9 p.m. and once with the West Coast at midnight. Plus, there’ll be free activities for kids, food vendors, and live music by Danielle Arribe 6-6:45 p.m., Frienz Band 7-8 p.m., City Beat Band 8:30-10 p.m. and Midnight Ride 10:30 p.m,-12:15 a.m. Radio host Mama Mia from 101.3 will emcee.
Date: Dec. 31
Time: 6 p.m.- 1 a.m.
Cost: Free
41000 Main St.
Temecula, CA
951-694-6444
Online: visittemeculavalley.com/event/new-years-eve-grape-drop
Living Coast Discovery Center
Join the Living Coast Family to watch the ball drop together under the stars! Bundle up for wild animal encounters, night hikes and so much more. This is sure to be a New Year’s party your family will never forget! This event includes: 2 drink tickets (Champagne, beer, or wine for adults with proper I.D.), Wildlife animal encounters, Dj music and dancing, Trivia and family-friendly games, photobooth to capture the memories, crafts for all ages including the famous recycled-dog toy, hot chocolate bar and cookie decorating and live coverage of the Times Square Celebration at “midnight” (9 p.m. PST/ 12 a.m. EST). Get your tickets here––-this event sells out fast.
Date: Dec. 31
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Price: $25-$30/person; children under 2 free
Living Coast Discovery Center
1000 Gunpowder Point Dr.
Chula Vista, CA
Online: thelivingcoast.org
“Noon” Year’s at Pretend City
Scream ‘Happy New Year’ after a confetti countdown four times throughout the day as the sun travels across different time zones. Celebrate the new year in Bangladesh, Dubai, Athens and London. (No late hours here.) Join the party with hats, noisemakers, streamers, confetti and New Year’s activities and art for little ones to enjoy.
Date: Dec. 31
Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $12.50/person
Pretend City
29 Hubble
Irvine, CA
949-428-3900
Online: pretendcity.org
Pajama Jam at The New Children’s Museum
Pajama Jam at The New Children’s Museum is back for another year! Bring the entire family and get cozy in your jammies. The night includes New Year’s-themed art activities, games, a dance jam, photo booth, catered dinner and our popular countdown balloon drop. Plus, parents get a free drink ticket. Close out the year with a pajama fest you won’t want to miss! Pajama Jam provides an opportunity for families to experience the Museum at night – with catered dinner, drinks, music and special activities/programs. Not only do families enjoy a fun night out together, but the Museum raises much-needed funds to keep our programs going! Tickets start at $15.
Date: Dec. 29
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $25-$35; kids under 2 are free
200 West Island Ave.
San Diego, CA
619-233-8792
Online: thinkplaycreate.org/pajamajam
Corvette Diner NYE Party
Toast the New Year at the 1950’s themed Corvette Diner. Burgers, shakes, a DJ (to twist and shout), arcade games, a balloon artist and games make this party a hit. The party starts early to end with a bang at the Big Apple ball drop at 9 p.m. and the fam can welcome in the New Year together.
Date: Dec. 31
Corvette Diner
2965 Historic Decatur Dr.
San Diego, CA
619-542-1476
Online: corvettediner/post/rockin-new-years-eve-at-corvette-diner
John’s Incredible Pizza New Year’s Party
Ring in 2019 at this fun pizza joint! It’s a New Year’s Eve party with video game filled arcades and (of course) a pizza buffet. There’s plenty to do before this party is over. Be sure to take photos with IncrediBear and watch the ball drop on the big screens.
Note: Buy your packages by Dec. 26 to get the extra 20 Fun World credits.
Date: Dec. 31
Time: 7 p.m.- 1 a.m.
Cost: $19.99-$29.99
3010 Plaza Bonita Rd.
National City, CA
619-472-5555
Online: johnspizza.com
Jungle Bells, San Diego Zoo
Goodbye 2018, hello 2019. Jingle it up New Year’s Eve (early, of course) at the Zoo’s Jungle Bells. With seasonal decorations, animal experiences, costumed characters, lighted displays and live entertainment, it’s a wonderful way to bid adieu to 1028 and ring in the New Year early.
Date: Dec. 31
Time: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Cost: Zoo Admission
2920 Zoo Dr.
San Diego, CA
Online: zoo.sandiegozoo.org
New Year’s Eve Ice Skating by the Sea
Glide into Year 2019 bundled up and ice skating by the sea. Make a day of it by eating dinner at the outdoor patio and gazing at the lights and holiday decorations that adorn the grand Hotel del Coronado. Skate to holiday music while feeling the ocean breeze. Afterwards, little revelers can sip on hot cocoa and you can order that cocktail.
Date: Dec. 31
Time: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Cost: $30/person in advance online
1500 Orange Ave.
Coronado, CA
Online: hoteldel.com/skating
––Nikki Walsh & Beth Shea
Original blog post found: http://redtri.com/socal/socal-kid-friendly-new-years-eve-parties/slide/1