Top 10 ways to ring in the New Year with kids in Philadelphia

    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’s our top ten for 2013:

     

     

    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 6pm Fireworks (set to Sesame Street music) and Neighborhood Street Party Parade. Rides are open! 

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    2, Another idea for the younger set, only warmer and you can finish up by naptime: take the littles to the Please Touch Museum for their New Year’s Day “Countdown to Noon!” Enjoy the awesomeness of the world’s best kids’ museum while moving in time to musicians and drum ensembles. 

    3. Kids of any age will enjoy the fabulous fireworks over the Deleware River. If your party animals are on the younger side, we recommend the 6pm show. If you have night owls, you can ring in the new year with a bang during the midnight show.

    4. One great spot for viewing the fireworks that also offers tons of family-friendly fun, food, and amusements while you wait is Franklin Square. New Year’s Eve at Franklin Square means mini-golf, carousel rides, music, crafts and a dance party… all followed up with a “Square Drop” at 6pm and perfect viewing for the river fireworks display. 

    5. If you have some talent in your toes and want to take the gang ice skating, the Blue Cross RIverRink is another ideal spot for firework viewing. This year, the first party starts at 5pm and runs until 7pm. Cost is $35 per skater and $25 per spectator. Skating under the 6pm fireworks on New Year’s Eve? Priceless. 

    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. Of course, New Year’s Day wouldn’t be New Year’s Day in Philadelphia without the annual Mummer’s Parade. Check her for a map of the route and here for the event brochure.  

    8. Kids need to warm up from the parade? Duck inside the Kimmel Center for free activities all day. You’ll find a Remembrance Wall, face painting, music and marches, crafts and of course… broadway!

    9. Another toastier option is to start the New Year off right by treating your little princess, prince, or stepsisters to the noon performance of Cinderella at the Arden. This wondrously crafty production is a treat for both the eyes and the heart. 

    10, And last but far from least, if you’re looking for something a little more outdoorsy and closer to NW Philly, close down the Morris Arboretum’s Garden Railway on New Year’s Eve. Last day for train-lovers and their kin to enjoy all-natural replicas of Philadelphia landmarks. 

     

    Whatever you decide to do for New Year’s, we hope your 2013 begins with joy!

     

    Northwest Philly Parents is a partnership between Newsworks and Germantown Avenue Parents.  

     

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