Keeping the kids awake past midnight on New Year’s Eve can sometimes be a recipe for disaster, but luckily, several venues around San Diego offer a range of family friendly events that allow you to toast your tots and still make it back by bedtime. Whether you prefer to go budget-friendly or big-time, here’s a short list of options that will help make it a joyous transition to 2014.
Kids’ New Year’s Eve at LEGOLAND
Kids ring in the New Year as if they’re smack dab in the middle of New York’s Times Square at LEGOLAND’s New Year’s Eve party. The event features a full lineup of live kids music and an early evening countdown that culminates with its traditional LEGO brick dropping and a giant fireworks display.
Where: One LEGOLAND Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
When: December 31, 2013
Time: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (6:00 PM countdown & fireworks)
Cost: Included with admission
> Find out more about Kids’ New Year’s Eve at LEGOLAND
New Year’s Eve 50’s Themed Sock Hop Bash
Put on your poodle skirt and lace up those saddle shoes for this 50’s theme Sock Hop Bash at Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa in coastal North County.
This family focused fete includes a buffet style dinner and dessert bar, a live DJ, and a special Kids Party Zone complete with a “Gamer Room” that includes XBox Kinect, Dance Central, racing games, and Wii. Kids will also enjoy face painting, traditional table games like air hockey and foosball, plus their very own dance floor. The Kids Club Party Room counts down the New Year with a balloon drop at 9:00 PM.
Where: Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa 5480 Grand Pacific Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
When: December 31, 2013
Time: 6:30 PM to 12:30 AM (Kids countdown at 9:00 PM)
Cost: $90 Adult (18+); $45 Child (13-17); $30 Child (4-12) Free for Ages 3 and under. Prices increase after December 30, 2013.
> Find out more about New Year’s Eve 50’s Themed Sock Hop Bash
Kids New Year’s Eve at Hotel del Coronado
While the grownups toast champagne in the Hotel Del’s beautiful Crown Room, kids will be having a ball of their own with dinner, beach games, a bonfire and enjoying the resorts Kidtopia, a fun-filled facility catered specially for kids 4-12.
Where: Hotel del Coronado 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
When: December 31, 2013
Time: 7:00PM to 12:30 AM
Cost: $300-$330 Adults; $100 first child 4-12 $60 each additional
> Find out more about New Year’s Eve at the Hotel del Coronado
Pajama Jam: New Year’s Family Night Out
Taking place the Saturday before New Year’s Eve, the New Children’s Museum hosts a zany Pajama Jam where both kids and grownups sport their jammies and bunny slippers while they boogie down to live kids music from Clint Perry & The Boo Hoo Crew, enjoy a delicious dinner from local restaurants, participate in New Year’s themed art-making activities and of course, a balloon drop.
Where: 200 W Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
When: December 28, 2013
Time: 5:00 to 8:00 PM
Cost: $35 Adults; $25 Children; Free under 2 yrs. (includes parking & hosted bar)
> Find out more about Pajama Jam: New Year’s Family Night Out
John’s New Year’s Eve Party and Horn Parade
For a more low-key approach, head to John’s Incredible Pizza Co. where kids of all ages will enjoy celebrating the New Year with an evening of pizza, games, rides, and a special Horn Parade for those that can make it to midnight!
Where: 3010 Plaza Bonita Rd, National City, CA 91950
When: December 31, 2013
Time: 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM (Horn Parade at Midnight)
Cost: $20-$35 Adults (13+); $15-$30 Child (3-12)
> Find out more about John’s New Year’s Eve Party and Horn Parade
Kids New Year’s Eve Party at City of Coronado Public Library
This hour-long event is free to the public and offers games, crafts and a piñata all leading up to the countdown! If you’re in the Coronado area, be sure to check it out.
Where: Coronado Public Library 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
When: December 31, 2013
Time: 1:00 to 2:00 PM
Cost: Free
> Find out more about the Kid’s New Year’s Eve Party at the Coronado Public Library
What are your family plans for this New Year’s Eve?