The Best Things to do on New Year’s Eve With Kids

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 Year’s Eve with Bluey!

Pink Moon in Bethesda, MD
December 31, 11 am (lasts 90 minutes)
Get crafty with Kid Create Bethesda, enjoy open play, and visit with Bluey! Price varies. 

Noon Time New Year

Port Discovery
December 31, 10 am-3 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, 3-7:30 pm
Cost: $25 per family.

Midnight At 7: Fireworks + A Walk Through Symphony of Lights

Merriweather Symphony of Lights
December 31, 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm
Cost: Kids under 3 are free, $15 for ages 4+

First Night Alexandria: Kids Celebrate!

GW Masonic Temple, Old Town Alexandria
December 31, 4:30 pm-7 pm, fireworks at 7:30 pm
Cost: Kids under 2 are free, $10 for ages 3+

Shipgarten in McLean, VA

7581 Colshire Drive, Mclean, VA 22102
December 30, 12-6 pm with 3 pm ball drop
Cost: $15 at the door, $10 in advance
Get food, games, meet characters, visit a petting zoo, 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 pm)
Cost: $15
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! 

New Years Eve with Kids Recap:

1. Noon Year’s Eve with Bluey!
2. Noon Time New Year
3. Noon Yards Eve
4. Midnight Noon
5. metrobar DC
6. Midnight At 7: Fireworks + A Walk Through Symphony of Lights
7. First Night Alexandria: Kids Celebrate!
8. Shipgarten in McLean, VA
9. Rocknoceros at Jammin’ Java
10. Party in the living room
11. Explore somewhere new
12. Reach out to family and friends