Best Family-Friendly New Year's Celebrations in OC
This New Years Eve, skip the champagne filled parties and spend it together as a family. Kids want to celebrate too and Orange County offers many fun filled New Years options. We've found the best fun family-friendly happenings throughout O.C. for you and your family this year. So, have fun, be safe and have a very happy new year!
Disneyland
1313 Disneyland Dr
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 781-4565
www.disneyland.com
Celebrate the New Year at the happiest place on Earth! On New Years Eve, Disneyland stays open until 1am and offers entertainment, fantastical parades and amazing fireworks displays! Head to "it's a small world" where live bands will offer entertainment throughout the evening then welcome 2014 in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle to view the "Ring in the New Year" fireworks spectacular. The Rivers of America is another spot to be when the clock strikes midnight. Grab a free noisemaker and hat or purchase a New Year's themed ear hat and have a magical moment with Mickey and friends!
Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd
Buena Park, CA 90620
(714) 220-5200
www.knotts.com
Spend NYE at "Knott's New Year's Eve Celebration" with the entire family. Big kids will have a blast on the thrill seeker rides and kids will enjoy the activities of the entire park. The Boardwalk Area for the "Midnight Party On The Midway" is the place to be at 11:40pm. New this year, the Knott's Sky Cabin will rise to the top of the tower to countdown the last moments of 2013. The festive celebration lasts from 10am until 1am so you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the rides, activities and then ring in the new year. Your park admission includes live entertainment, fireworks and possibly a photo opportunity with the famous Beagle, Snoopy.
Legoland
One Legoland Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 918-5346
california.legoland.com
Kids of all ages love Legoland! The theme park is now celebrating "Holiday Snow Days" and "Winter Nights" for their holiday specials. Meet LEGO Santa and other characters throughout the day and enjoy live music, real snow, and the Winter Nights Holiday Lights Show at 5pm. Since most kids wont be up at midnight, celebrate your NYE at 6pm at Legoland. Extend the fun by spending the night at the Legoland Hotel which is adjacent to the theme park's entrance.
Pretend City Children's Museum
29 Hubble
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 428-3900
www.pretendcity.org
Is staying up to midnight not in the cards? Pretend City has their annual "Noon-Year's Party " that's just right for the kids! Young children won't have to fight to stay up since the party is from 10:00am - 12:00pm. Families can create art together, dance to music, then countdown with streamers and noisemakers. The day ends with story time which is the perfect segue to nap time. The event is free with price of admission.
Fullerton First Night
125 E. Wilshire Avenue
Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 738-6545
www.cityoffullerton.com
Downtown Fullerton is celebrating New Year's Eve with the The 22nd annual First Night. The event is family friendly, alcohol-free at various locations in the streets, sidewalks and buildings within Fullerton's historic downtown area. Visual and performing arts is the focus of the event, visitors can enjoy musical acts, art exhibits and ice skating. Kids can enjoy children's rides and activities to keep busy. Eat, drink and be merry! Admission to all the "First Night" activities is free althoguh a fee will be charged for the children's rides and activities.
Discovery Science Center
2500 N Main St
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 542-2823
www.discoverycube.org
The Discovery Science Center celebrates Noon Year's Eve twice! Families will be treated to a balloon drop and a ginger ale toast at noon and at 2pm. Kids are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero as the theme is superhero Hollywood style! Fun photos in front of a real green-screen, free hats & horns and creating sound effects are a few of the activities included with admission.
View Best Family-Friendly New Year's Celebrations in OC in a full screen map
