Incredible U.S. Destinations For Celebrating New Years With Kids
By SHANDLEY MCMURRAY
Few places know how to welcome kids to a party better than Walt Disney World, and it boasts some of the world's best NYE fireworks at Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot.
Orlando, Florida
Universal Orlando Resort welcomes the new year with fireworks, a countdown, and a Holiday Parade. Fireworks start at 8 p.m. at LEGOLAND Florida Resort's Kids New Year's Eve.
The streets are closed to traffic, and live music begins at 5:35 p.m. at Pier Park, with a slew of games, food vendors, shops, and kid-friendly activities.
Panama Beach, Florida
At the Kids' Beach Ball Drop, 10,000 inflated beach balls are floated down to revelers on the sand at South Pier Park Drive at 8 p.m. with a countdown and early fireworks.
The Louisiana Children's Museum's New Year's celebration is a must. The party rages from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with dancing, face painting, games, and crafts.
New Orleans, Louisiana
The noon-time countdown ends in a colorful explosion of confetti and bubbles, perfect for firework-averse kids. Tickets go on sale in late November.
A super fun Noon Year's Eve Bash also occurs at the Children's Museum of St. Tammany. Festivities, including a live concert and museum entry, begin at 10 a.m. and end at noon.
At the Little Elves Workshop at The Hershey Story Museum on Chocolate Avenue, kids can make ornaments from chocolate clay from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hershey, Pennsylvania
There are chocolate tastings and a New Year's Eve Countdown with bubble wrap stomps. Dance at the central Chocolate Square downtown with live bands and a midnight countdown.
December 31 is the last night for Hershey Park Christmas Candylane, with 5 million twinkling lights and 2 miles of wooded trails illuminated by 600 animated displays.
The New Year's Eve Bash at the Battery is a beloved family event. Early Inning festivities begin at 6 p.m. with a concert on the Georgia Power Pavilion State.
Atlanta, Georgia
The New Year's Bubble Bash is "Atlanta's favorite NYE party for families." A haven for kids who like to party, dance, and play, there are early countdowns with bubble-wrap popping.
Older kids and those who don't mind crowds love The Peach Drop. At Underground Atlanta, an 800-lb peach does a countdown with carnival rides, live music, and food vendors.