What are you doing New Year’s … afternoon?

Hello everyone! It’s Andrea for BabyGotChat. I hope you're having a great holiday. Funny how the most kid-friendly day of the year is closely followed by the least. How do you celebrate New Year’s with kids who can’t possibly party till midnight? Luckily there are a number of events around town that roll back the clock a few hours so kids can count down and cheer for the new year too.

Winter Wonderland

This event at the base of the Kensico Dam gets better every year. On New Year’s Eve the festival is open from 5pm – 10pm with a pyrotechnic show and ball drop at 8pm. Included in your $15 admission are circus shows, ice skating (including skate rental), kiddie rides, hay rides, a holiday light show, and access to (at an additional cost) food trucks, a bar, shopping kiosks, and pony and camel rides. It’s mostly outdoors but there are tents to go inside and warm up. For more information, click here.

New Year’s Eve Bash at Kidville Riverdale

Kids can take over the gym, studio and theatre from 4:30pm to 6pm. Activities include a bounce house, carnival games, a rock wall, and kid-size bowling. There will be a bubble dance party and a balloon drop from 5:30 to 5:45pm. Snacks included. $15 for children and $5 for adults. For more information, click here.

7th Annual Ring in the New Year at Noon at New Roc City

For kids ages 2-10, from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Kids can count down to a 3000 balloon ball drop at noon. There will be face painting, clowns, rides, raffles, and food. Your $10 donation per family goes to the Westchester Children’s Museum. There is a maximum capacity of 1200 people, so if you’d like to attend you should register here. For more information, click here.

New Year’s Eve Family Fun at the Maritime Aquarium

This aquatic center is open two extra hours, from 3pm to 7pm, on New Year’s Eve. In addition to the regular aquarium attractions, special activities include a magician, a “bubble-ologist”, a comedy and juggling show, a photo booth, face painting ($5), a DJ, free cookies and cake pops, and a mocktail beverage bar. Admission includes an IMAX film showing of either “Secret Ocean,” “National Parks Adventure,” or “A Beautiful Planet.” There is also a showing of the IMAX version of “The Polar Express” for an additional cost. For more information, click here.

New Year’s Eve Party at Fun Craft

This midday party runs from 11:30am to 12:30pm, with a countdown at 11:59. Pre-registration is required and includes continental breakfast, singing, dancing, and games. $20 for one child and parent. For more information, click here.

New Year’s Countdown at Bounce U

This party runs from 1pm to 2:30pm, with 60 minutes of bounce (30 minutes in each room). Children will get hats, horns, and blowers. Admission includes a pizza party with soft drinks. $20 per child, free for parents. For more information, click here.

New Year’s Eve Family Party at Blue Moon Mexican Café

If you’re hoping for a more filling time, Blue Moon is taking reservations starting at 4pm and will have a clown, balloon art, party hats, and noisemakers. For more information, click here.

Noon New Year’s Eve Party and Clinic at House of Sports

House of Sports will have clinics in basketball, soccer, baseball, lacrosse and dance from 10am to 11:30am. From 11:30am to 12pm, there will be music, games, activities, and a countdown at noon. $40 per child, parents are free. Register ahead. For more information, click here.

If you know of any more, drop us a line. Check out our events and library programs page for more stuff to do, but check to make sure there are no holiday closures. 

Happy holidays!

Andrea