My little guy and I are always excited for a party or balloon drop, so when New Year’s Eve comes around, we’re ready to go! Honestly, my old-in-bed-by-9 pm butt would prefer a “Noon Years Eve” party any day. Here are the best things to do on New Year’s Eve with kids in the Washington, DC area.
The best kid-friendly ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve:
Noon Time New Year
Port Discovery
December 31, 10 am-5 pm
Members are free, Kids under 1 are free, and $24.95 for kids 1+ and adults
Noon Yards Eve
The Yards Park
December 31, 10 am-1 pm
Cost: Free
Midnight Noon
Maryland Science Center
December 31, 10 am-2 pm
Cost: Members are free, Kids under 3 are free, $21.95 for kids 3-12, $29.95 for adults
metrobar DC
640 Rhode Island Avenue Northeast Washington, DC 20002
December 31, 4-7:30 pm
Cost: $15 per family.
Midnight At 7: Fireworks + A Walk Through Symphony of Lights
Merriweather Symphony of Lights
December 31, 5:30 pm- 8 pm
Cost: Kids under 3 are free, $15 for ages 4+
First Night Alexandria: Kids Celebrate!
GW Masonic Temple, Old Town Alexandria
December 31, 2 pm-5 pm, fireworks at 6 pm
Cost: Kids under 2 are free, $10 for ages 3+
Shipgarten in McLean, VA
7581 Colshire Drive, Mclean, VA 22102
December 31, 12-6 pm with 2 pm ball drop
Cost: Free, but reserve a spot.
Get food, games, party favors, free face painting, and more!
Rocknoceros at Jammin’ Java
227 Maple Ave East, Vienna, VA 22180
December 31, 11 am (doors open at 10 am) and 2 pm (doors open at 1:30 pm)
Cost: $10
Get complimentary apple juice, play games, and have fun!
Party in the living room
Who doesn’t love a middle-of-the-living-room celebration? Doesn’t matter what time you count down and celebrate if they can’t tell time yet! Blow up some balloons, capture them in pillowcases, and shake them free after you reach 3,2,1!
Explore somewhere new
Check out a new playground, go on a toddler hike, or explore the great outdoors as a family. Or go geocaching! These moments in nature as a family capture the best memories.
Reach out to family and friends!
If you are new to DC or have been here a while, it is always good to reach out and say hello to a neighbor, friend, new mom, etc. Bring them some cookies, and invite them over for a meal or for a walk. Those little points of contact here and there lead to a lasting friendship.
Happy New Year from all of us at DC Area Moms! As we embark on another year and reflect on this past year, talk with your kids about what their goals may be. It may surprise you!
Here’s a recap of what to do:
- Noon Time New Year
- Noon Yards Eve
- Midnight Noon
- metrobar DC
- Midnight At 7: Fireworks + A Walk Through Symphony of Lights
- First Night Alexandria: Kids Celebrate!
- Shipgarten in McLean, VA
- Rocknoceros at Jammin’ Java
- Party in the living room
- Explore somewhere new
- Reach out to family and friends
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I was looking for this list! Thank you 😊 just saved me so much time.
Fantastic! We are so glad you found this helpful! Have fun!