Best Places On The East Coast To Celebrate The New Year With Kids

From bustling cities to quaint towns, there is something for everyone at these best places on the East Coast to celebrate the new year with kids! The East Coast is renowned for its vibrant cities, historical landmarks, and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal destination for celebrating this special occasion with your little ones. Between the iconic ball drop in Times Square, watching fireworks over the stunning Niagara Falls, or the beaches of Miami, there’s something for every age group to enjoy. If your children are budding history enthusiasts, they’ll also find themselves immersed in captivating stories as they tour Boston’s Freedom Trail or visit Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. On this list, we’ve compiled the best places on the East Coast to celebrate the New Year with kids, including where to stay and kid-friendly activities. Keep reading to celebrate the new year in style with your family! 

Best Places In The Northeast To Celebrate The New Year With Kids

Families who want to spend New Year’s Eve in the northeast surrounded by snow and traditional Christmas activities will love these destinations. Keep reading to find out more! 

New York City, NY

When it comes to welcoming the New Year with kids in a festive and memorable way, few places rival the excitement of New York City on the East Coast! This vibrant metropolis offers an array of exciting activities and events designed specifically for families.

As the clock strikes midnight in Times Square, the iconic ball drop event takes center stage. If you’d prefer something less crowded, watch fireworks go off over Central Park. One of the best places to see them is by Bethesda Fountain or near the entrance on 72nd Street. However, before this grand moment arrives, children can participate in various festivities specifically designed for them around the city. Various CAMP locations across the city usually host a Noon Year’s Eve celebration with cookies, arts and crafts, and a dance party to ring in the new year for those with early bedtimes. Families can also go ice skating in Bryant Park, explore the shops at the Union Square Holiday Village, or catch a show like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring talented Rockettes or Broadway productions such as Aladdin.

Where To Stay In New York City With Kids

Need family-friendly hotels in New York City? If you stay in Lower Manhattan, you’ll love the Millennium Downtown in the Financial District or the trendy Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Midtown Manhattan, try the Loews Regency New York or Omni Berkshire Place, which also has a Kids’ Club. Check out our list of the best hotels in NYC for families to learn more! 

Be sure to compare rates on the Families Love Travel booking site for your stay in New York City! Sign-up is Complimentary!

Boston, MA

Families looking for a fun New Year’s Eve destination can look no further than Boston! Known for its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, this East Coast city offers plenty of exciting activities suitable for families. 

Bundle up, head out, and see why Boston is one of the best places on the East Coast to celebrate the new year with kids! First Night in Boston offers families a full day of New Year’s activities. Performances, from puppet shows to ballet to rock bands and more, are free. There are two times for fireworks – one at 7 PM over Boston Common and one at midnight over Copley Square – to ensure families with kids of all ages get to enjoy a good pyrotechnic display. If you need more things to do in Boston with kids, you can explore the iconic Freedom Trail, including landmarks like Paul Revere’s House and the USS Constitution Museum. Or, check out the Boston Children’s Museum to stimulate your children’s imaginations in an interactive environment. 

Where to Stay in Boston With Kids

If you’re looking for the best hotels in Boston for families, we have a few suggestions. In the Back Bay, you could book a room at the Fairmont Hotel Copley Plaza, The Four Seasons Hotel Boston, or the Westin Copley Place. In downtown Boston, stay at the Omni Parker House Hotel or the Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel. Families who want to stay by the water will love the Boston Marriott Long Wharf. For more information on Boston hotels, check out our list of the Best Hotels In Boston For Families!

To plan your next Christmas getaway, check out these Best Places For A White Christmas In The United States For Families! 

Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia is without a doubt one of the best places near NYC to ring in the New Year with kids, especially when traveling with kids! This historic city showcases a variety of family-friendly experiences that are sure to make for an unforgettable celebration.

One of Philadelphia’s most kid-friendly museums, the Please Touch Museum, hosts a Countdown2Noon on New Year’s Day. It includes performances, activities, and a noon ball drop! Starting at 5 p.m., families can also enjoy activities, crafts, and music in Franklin Square. There’s also a square drop from Squareburger at 6 p.m. Plus, an annual fireworks display illuminates Philadelphia along the Delaware River at 6 PM and midnight, so kids don’t have to miss their bedtimes! Find the best spots at the Race Street Pier and the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. Kids can also ice skate at Blue Cross RiverRink, which has good views of the fireworks too. Every year on New Year’s Eve, The Betsy Ross House celebrates Betsy’s Birthday Bash with a fun day of stories, crafts, and tons of cake.

Where to Stay in Philadelphia with Kids

Philadelphia has plenty of places to stay with kids! Families love The Sonesta Philadelphia because it has the largest heated outdoor pool in the city. Meanwhile, the Four Seasons Philadelphia has the highest pool – on the 57th floor. In the Old City, stay at the conveniently located Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District. A bit further from downtown, consider the Chestnut Hill Hotel, in a great neighborhood for shopping and dining. Check out our list of where to stay in Philadelphia with kids for more options!

Niagara Falls, Canada

What better way to ring in the New Year with your kids than in Niagara Falls? Whether you want to explore the Canadian or American side, this iconic natural wonder offers an unforgettable experience for families with kids.

When on the Canadian side, don’t miss the chance to see the three waterfalls illuminated at night – with the town’s snowy landscape, it’ll look straight from a postcard! At Queen Victoria Park, children can also marvel at dazzling light displays illuminating Niagara Falls during the Winter Festival of Lights. This free outdoor festival features displays with millions of lights and even a yummy hot chocolate trail! The park is also a fantastic place to watch the yearly New Year’s Eve fireworks over the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Clifton Hill Amusements is open year-round too, so families can ride the Niagara Skywheel for more amazing views. Or, take the elevator up Skylon Tower, which has an arcade, restaurant, and fun shop at the top! 

If you’d prefer to stay in New York, non-holiday attractions, like the Aquarium of Niagara, are fantastic for keeping kids entertained indoors too. 

Where To Stay in Niagara Falls With Kids

Looking for the best places to stay in Niagara Falls with kids? There are plenty of affordable accommodations. First, consider checking Vrbo or Airbnb, which tend to have cheaper options than hotels. If you’re taking a day trip to the Canadian side and want somewhere to stay for the night, you can consider hotels like Sheraton On The Falls, which has an indoor water park. Or, Niagara Falls Marriott On the Falls, which is super close to the falls. Families also love the Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites or the Great Wolf Water Park Niagara Falls. Click here for more options on our list of the best hotels for families in Niagara Falls! 

Montreal, Canada

Cross the Canadian border this New Year’s Eve for an epic family vacation in Montreal! This charming city showcases a range of things to do with kids during the holiday season. 

In Old Montreal, the cobblestone streets and charming architecture give it a European feel, and it’s even more festive during the holidays! Plus, Old Montreal also hosts a festive celebration on New Year’s Eve in collaboration with Merry Montreal. Families can check out performances and more fun activities in Place Jacques Cartier, Square Dorchester, and Square Victoria. Then, watch the night conclude with a fireworks show over the St. Lawrence River! Or, in Olympic Park, families can also ring in the New Year at The Village At Mammoth with a live concert, ice skating, and a firework show. For more ice skating opportunities in Montreal, visit Bonsecours Basin, located below Old Montreal’s Marche Bonsecours. 

Since most attractions in Montreal will be open on New Year’s Eve, you could also see the Notre Dame Basilica or visit a museum, like the Montreal Science Centre. 

Where To Stay In Montreal With Kids

Looking for the best places to stay in Montreal with kids? In downtown Montreal, families love The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal because of its amenities, like an indoor pool. If you’re interested in larger suites that can sleep six, you may prefer L’Appartement Hôtel instead, which also has an indoor pool. Some other fantastic hotels in downtown Montreal include AC Hotel by Marriott Montreal Downtown, Vogue Hotel Montreal Downtown, and Hotel Bonaventure Montreal. In Old Montreal, check out the InterContinental Montreal, an IHG Hotel, Le Westin Montreal, and SpringHill Suites by Marriott Old Montreal. Or, read our list of 16 Best Hotels In Montreal For Families for more options. 

Quebec City, Canada

Families searching for a magical New Year’s Eve in Canada can’t miss Quebec City! From its charming European-inspired architecture to its scenic snowy landscapes, this historic city has so much to offer during the holiday season.

Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will seem straight from a postcard in December, complete with twinkling lights and festive decorations. On Rue de Petit Champlain, shops offer unique gifts and delicious treats like maple taffy on snow. New Year’s Eve will also be hopping along Grande Allée, the center of the city’s nightlife. Though it can get a bit rowdy later in the evening, earlier in the night, families can enjoy live music, food, and a ride on the Ferris wheel! Kids can also go ice skating for free at Place d’Youville. Another highlight during the holidays is seeing the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac dressed up in all its glory! At nearby Terrasse Dufferin, there’s also a toboggan slide that kids can zoom down. Meanwhile, Parc Aquarium de Québec offers interactive exhibits featuring arctic marine life like polar bears and seals. 

Get great rates on hotels in Quebec City through the Families Love Travel booking site here!

Best Places In The Mid-Atlantic To Celebrate The New Year With Kids

The East Coast New Year Kids know how to celebrate in style, and two of the best places to ring in the new year with little ones are Washington DC and Baltimore. Keep reading to find out more and plan your next New Year’s Eve adventure! 

Washington DC

Looking for the best places on the East Coast to celebrate the new year with kids? Look no further than the vibrant city of Washington, DC! With its rich history and endless attractions, this bustling capital offers a memorable experience for families seeking a fun-filled celebration. 

New Year’s Eve is a fantastic time to appreciate DC’s Christmas decorations before the season ends. While the National Christmas Tree lighting in President’s Park is November 30, the site is open December 2, 2023 – January 1, 2024. Then, don’t miss the U.S. Capitol Tree and CityCenterDC’s jaw-dropping 75-foot-tall version!

The Smithsonian National Zoo also hosts an annual Zoolights up until December 30th, featuring dozens of glowing LED animals! Public ice-skating rinks are available across DC too, like the National Gallery of Art, Washington Harbour, The Wharf, and Canal Park at Capitol Riverfront. And, George Washington’s Mount Vernon also hosts various holiday events throughout December. Don’t forget to see DC’s most famous landmarks on the National Mall, like the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Washington DC also boasts lots of kid-friendly museums with free admission that families can visit during the holiday season, from the National Museum of American History to the National Postal Museum. 

Looking for more affordable things to do in Washington DC with kids? Click here! 

Where to Stay in DC with Kids

Washington DC is home to an array of family-friendly accommodations, most of which are very affordable. For a budget-friendly home and apartment rental, check out our Airbnb, Vrbo, and our recommendations for the best neighborhoods to stay in while in DC. Or, for more mid-range hotel suggestions, check out our list of kid-friendly hotels in DC.

Washington DC is also one of the best budget-friendly Christmas destinations to visit with kids! 

Baltimore, MA

Baltimore is an ideal destination on the East Coast to ring in the New Year with your kids! Also known as “Charm City,” it’s packed with museums, restaurants, and historical attractions while still exuding a small-town vibe. 

Take in magical views of the Baltimore Harbor as you ice skate at the Inner Harbor Ice Skating Rink. To stay warm indoors, families can visit the Port Discovery Children’s Museum, which boasts interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences that encourage your children’s curiosity and imagination. Or, spot dolphins, sharks, jellyfish, and other marine life at the National Aquarium. On New Year’s Eve, kick off the celebration at the Inner Harbor, where an annual fireworks show lights up the sky at midnight. Nearby Hagerstown also hosts a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration downtown in collaboration with Krumpe’s Donut. You can expect a kids’ zone, live music, free donuts to the first 5,000 people, and a giant donut drop at 7 p.m. followed by a fireworks display!

Sign in to the Families Love Travel booking site to compare rates in DC and Baltimore now!

Best Places In The Southeast To Celebrate The New Year With Kids

If you’re on the East Coast and looking for a family-friendly destination to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one, there are plenty of options in the Southeast. Whether you want to take in the charm of Charleston or relax on a beach near Miami, here are the best places on the East Coast to celebrate the new year with your kids!

Charleston, SC

Charleston, South Carolina is surely one of the best places on the East Coast to celebrate the new year with kids! Known for its rich history and southern charm, this vibrant city offers a variety of activities that are perfect for families with kids.

Stroll through the historic district, which will still be decorated with dazzling Christmas decorations. Kids can also enjoy a special “Noon Year’s Eve” at the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, which will be open from 9 AM to 1 PM with a juice box toast at noon. Plus, The Charleston Place also rounds out a few of its holiday events on December 31st, like its “Let It Snow” experience, where kids can watch fake snow fall on Market Street Circle at 6 PM. The famous Folly Beach Flip-Flop Drop also takes place on New Year’s Eve. On Center Street, families can enjoy local restaurants and other kid-friendly activities, like a spectacular fireworks show over the beach at 7 p.m. 

If kids can stay up until midnight, there will also be a huge, sparkly flip-flop that descends from the sky to mark the beginning of the new year! 

Where To Stay In Charleston With Kids

If you want family-friendly accommodations in Charleston, look no further! We recommend The Charleston Place located in historic Charleston. Adjacent to the Charleston marina, The Residence Inn Charleston Riverview is another convenient option to stay centrally located. For a more historic, cozy feel, try the French Quarter Inn. There’s also Wild Dunes Resort – Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn, The Restoration, and The Mills House Charleston. For more hotels in Charleston, check out our article on the best hotels in Charleston for families. Or, get a bigger place by searching Airbnb and Vrbo.

Savannah, GA

Plan your next New Year’s Eve in Savannah! This charming southern city offers a delightful balance between history, culture, and family-friendly activities that make it an ideal place to celebrate with kids.

Savannah’s Historic District is a delight to explore with kids during the holiday season. Along River Street, families can walk and marvel at the decorations illuminating the waterfront. If kids can stay up until midnight, there’s also a fireworks show at midnight on River Street. Families who would rather ring in the New Year beachside can also visit Tybee Island, which showcases its own fireworks display at midnight along the Tybee Pier and Pavillion. Or, see Savannah by boat on a New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise. It features a buffet-style dinner and starts sailing at 5:30 PM, so kids can still make their bedtimes! 

Where To Stay In Savannah With Kids

Families looking for somewhere to stay in Savannah have plenty of options. For the ultimate luxury escape, stay at the Montage Palmetto Bluff just outside of the city. You can also select other favorites like the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District or the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa. Our list of the best hotels in Savannah for families has more options for you to consider. A lot of visitors also choose to rent homes in Savannah on Airbnb or Vrbo.

Myrtle Beach, SC

One of the best places on the East Coast to celebrate the new year with your kids is Myrtle Beach! Located along South Carolina’s beautiful coastline, this vibrant beach town offers a variety of fun-filled activities for kids on New Year’s Eve.

At Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, families can celebrate Noon Year’s Eve with a fun-filled day of activities, including music and games. It culminates with a beach ball drop at noon, and families can also stick around for the fireworks show at 7 PM! Medieval Times & Dinner Tournament also provides kid-friendly entertainment and an elaborate meal on New Year’s Eve, with two showings at 4:30 PM and 7 PM. Older kids who can stay up until midnight can also celebrate a New York-themed New Year’s Eve at the Market Common. Emulating the energy and excitement of Times Square, several restaurants stay open late to accommodate families as people gather to watch the ball drop at midnight, followed by fireworks! 

Please note: At the time of publication, two events were still being determined for 2023: the Noon Year’s Eve at Barefoot Landing and New York-themed New Year’s at Market Common. Please check their websites for updates before confirming your plans.

Look for your stay in Myrtle Beach through the Families Love Travel booking site here!

Miami, FL

Miami may not seem like a typical family destination for New Year’s Eve, but the city and its surrounding areas actually have a lot to offer kids of all ages!

Multiple places in and around Miami host a “Noon Year’s Eve” so little ones can celebrate early. This includes the Miami Children’s Museum, which hosts an annual event with a chocolate milk toast, special activities, and a ball drop. In Coral Springs, places like Monkey Joe’s let kids spend New Year’s Eve jumping while also enjoying prizes, activities, and a bubble wrap stomp at noon. Or, visit Coral Gables, where you can spend the night exploring The NightGarden Miami. Kids will definitely be impressed by the sprawling gardens illuminated by unique sculptures and technicolor flowers! Plus, since the weather will still be warm in December, consider ringing in the New Year at the beach. Delray Beach hosts a family-friendly New Year’s Eve event with a DJ and fireworks at 9 p.m. 

Where To Stay In Miami With Kids

Need somewhere to stay in Miami with kids? Most of the luxury hotels are located in South Beach. Book your next vacation at The Fountainbleu, The W Hotel, or 1 Hotel Miami Beach. For more options, check out our list of the best hotels in Miami for families! 

Happy New Year!

We hope you liked this list of the Best Places On The East Coast To Celebrate The New Year With Kids! From New York City to Miami, there are so many ways to ring in the new year as a family in style. Happy New Year and enjoy your vacation!

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.

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