10 ways to ring in the New Year with kids in Philly
Brittany Lynn (left) and Crystal Electra, members of the Miss Fancy Brigade and the Mummers LGBT Liaison Committee announcing plans for this year's New Year's parade. (Emma Lee/for NewsWorks)
Whether you’re searching for ways to please big kids, little kids, or kids at heart, New Year’s in Philly has something for everyone. Here are our top 10 ideas for celebrating the coming of 2014:
1. This New Year’s Eve, take the tykes to snuggle with Elmo and Cookie Monster for the last day of “A Very Furry Christmas” at Sesame Place and stay for the 6:20 p.m. fireworks (set to Sesame Street music) and Neighborhood Street Party Parade. Be sure to bundle up!
2. A second idea for the younger set that you can finish up by naptime: Take the littles to the Please Touch Museum for their New Year’s Eve “Countdown to Noon.” Enjoy the awesomeness of the world’s best kids’ museum while moving in time to musicians and hanging with King Countdown.
3. Another tot-friendly spot to do a noon countdown is the Brandywine Zoo. From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, kids can enjoy games, crafts, sparkling cider and furry friends.
4. Kids of any age will enjoy the fabulous fireworks over the Delaware River. If your party animals are on the younger side, we recommend the 6 p.m. show with family-friendly music. If you have night owls, you can ring in the new year with a bang during the midnight show with a mix of popular music hits from Lorde to Pitbull.
5. One great spot for viewing the fireworks that also offers tons of family-friendly fun, food, and amusements while you wait is New Year’s Eve at Franklin Square. There will be mini-golf, carousel rides, music, crafts and a dance party…all followed up with a “Square Drop” at 6 p.m. and perfect view of the river fireworks display.
6. While you’re downtown, check out the last days of the Macy’s and Comcast Center light displays, ending on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, respectively.
7. Wanna see the fireworks from a new perspective? Head across the bridge to the Adventure Aquarium’s New Year’s Eve Splash. The party starts at 5 p.m., with family-friendly music and activities, up-close animal encounters, character appearances and a special New Year’s Eve “Countdown” Dance Party. Ticketed event, $30/adult, $25/children, kids under two are free!
8. Of course, New Year’s Day wouldn’t be New Year’s Day in Philadelphia without the annual Mummers Parade. Every Philly kid should grow up with the Mummers!
9. Kids need to warm up from the parade? Duck inside the Kimmel Center for free activities all day. You’ll find a Resolution Wall, a hot chocolate lounge, face painting, balloon artists, music and marches, and of course…Broadway!
10. And last but far from least, if you’re looking for something a little more outdoorsy, visit the Morris Arboretum Holiday Garden Railway before it ends on Jan. 5.
Lots to choose from, but whatever you decide to do for New Year’s, we hope your 2014 begins with joy!
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