The countdown is on to New Year’s Eve; do you know where you’ll be when the ball drops? With parties, games, and food and drink, kids often tucker themselves out long before the stroke of midnight. These resorts will make sure no one misses the welcoming of a new year with celebrations geared towards those who may need to hit the hay a little earlier.
Courtesy of Legoland/AP Photo/Sandy Huffaker
Legoland California, Carlsbad, California
You may spend every other New Year’s watching the ball drop in New York City, but this year you can see the Lego ball live. A recreation built from these big blocks drops 22 feet when the clock hits 6 pm. Families receive party hats and favors, as well as glasses for viewing a colorful fireworks display, while they dance along to live bands and wait to ride the theme park rides. This event is perfect for parents with toddlers and young children who have early bed times.
Courtesy of Port Discovery
Port Discovery, Baltimore
For kids (and moms and dads) who are up early, this kid-focused museum offers a noontime New Year’s celebration. Grab breakfast as you head over to make crafts and noisemakers before dancing up a storm to the morning music concert series. A drum counts down to the strike of midnight, as milk and cookies are passed around for toasting. Spend the afternoon discovering new exhibits before heading home to enjoy a quiet afternoon and early evening.
Courtesy of Hershey New Years
ChocolateTown Square, Hershey, Pennsylvania
Is there a better way to say hello to a new year than with a giant Hershey chocolate kiss falling from the sky? We don’t think so! This celebration is for anyone who can make it to the midnight marker and loves to dance. It starts with a top pop artists playing a concert series all afternoon and evening. Take some time to walk around the area, where families can pop into shops and have a taste of the chocolate the area is known for. Make sure to save some for when midnight hits!
Courtesy of Vail Resorts
Beaver Creek, Beaver Creek, Colorado
For families looking to revel in the winter weather, head to this ski town to light up the night. Grab a few glow sticks and join the community in a public ski down the mountain before jumping into party mode. Kids will love the giveaways, and live DJs will have everyone dancing. A torchlight parade and fireworks display will kick off right before two balloon drops. The first is at 10 pm for the younger kids and the second is at midnight for those who can stay up!
Courtesy of Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach, Panama City, Florida
If the snow doesn’t appeal to you, how does sand sound? The streets around the main area of Pier Point are shut down for families to enjoy food and music before the main event. Take a stroll on the beach or go for a quick swim! Twice during the evening, 10,000 beach balls will drop on the beach to celebrate the New Year. For parents with toddlers and young kids, make sure to be at the beach for 8 pm for the first drop, while older kids can celebrate when it happens again at 10 pm.