New Year’s Eve Family Events in CT (2017 Update!)
Finding a way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in CT with the whole family can be a little tricky. Kids aren’t always welcome at adult gatherings and expecting little ones to stay up to watch the ball drop is pretty much out of the question. Thankfully, there are some great family-friendly ways to ring in the new year in Connecticut. Many of these activities take place early in the daytime or end well before midnight.
In addition to this list, there are several public libraries who will have free family-friendly activities throughout New Year’s Eve day. Check with your local branch for details.
Happy New Year! Wishing you a happy and healthy 2018!
Friday, December 29, 2017
Countdown to New Year’s Celebration – Discovery Museum
“Ball drop” parachute challenge, magic demonstration, egg drop demonstration
4450 Park Avenue – Bridgeport, CT
203-372-3521
10 am – 4 pm
Sunday, December 31, 2017
First Night Hartford
29th annual – An alcohol free, family-friendly celebration of the new year through visual and performing arts
Downtown Hartford
2 pm – midnight
$12 – Adults, $3 – Ages 3-15, Free – 2 & under
Noon Year’s Eve Party – Pump It Up
Celebrate with a DJ, games and food
145 Main Street – Norwalk, CT
203-838-5867
11:20 am, 12:30 pm, 2:50 pm
$17.95 per child
New Year’s Eve Celebration & Torchlight Parade – Powder Ridge
A New Year’s Eve celebration full of skiing, riding and a torch run
99 Powder Hill Road – Middlefield, CT
866-860-0208
5 pm Torchlight Parade
Parade free with purchase of lift ticket
Countdown to Noon – Stepping Stones Museum
Celebrate the new year with a countdown to noon
303 West Avenue – Norwalk, CT
203-899-0606
11 am – 12:30 pm
Included with admission
New Year’s Eve Party – Whippersnapper’s Play Gym
Crafts, snacks, countdown to noon with ball drop
360 Sandbank Road – Cheshire, CT
203-272-4FUN
10 am – 12 pm
$12 – child for non-members
Noon Year’s Eve – Maritime Aquarium
DJ, Comedy, Juggling, Bubble Show & Countdown to Noon
10 North Water Street – Norwalk, CT
203-852-0700
11 am – 3 pm
Free with Aquarium Admission
Celebrations Around the World – Imagine Nation Children’s Museum
Celebrate cultures from around the world. Participate in a parade and special ball drop.
1 Pleasant Street – Bristol, CT
860-314-1400
10 am – 2 pm – Ball Drop at noon
$12 per person; $6 for members – no library or ACM discounts accepted
First Night Westport/Weston
24th annual first night celebration includes music, dancing, face painting, bounce houses and fireworks!
Main Street – Downtown Westport
3 pm – 10 pm; Pyrotechnic Display at 8 pm
$15 per person, Ages 2 and under – Free
Countdown to Noon – Children’s Museum of Southeast CT
Build, create, and imagine your way into the new year
East Lyme Community Center – 41 Society Rd, Niantic, CT
860-691-1111
10 am – 2 pm; Balloon drop at noon
$6 – member, $8 – nonmember/advance; $8 – member, $10 – nonmember/day of event
Countdown to Noon – KidsPlay
Countdown to noon balloon drop
61 Main Street – Torrington, CT
860-618-7700
10 am – 2 pm; Balloon drop at noon
$8 – Admission, Children under 1 – free
Winterfest with Rudolph & Friends – Mystic Aquarium
Take pictures with Rudolph & friends and enjoy a 4D film
55 Coogan Blvd – Mystic, CT
860-572-5955
11:30 am – 3 pm
Free with price of admission
New Year’s Eve Beach Party at JCC
Bring in the New Year with a splash! Enjoy swimming, crafts, snacks, and fun!
360 Amity Road – Woodbridge, CT
203-387-2424 x306
1 pm – 4 pm
$5 – child, $15 family max
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