Kids love to celebrate the New Year just as much as adults do, but a fancy, raucous NYE party probably isn’t the best way to go. We’ve rounded up some family-friendly ways to say goodbye to 2015 and hello to 2016!
If you’re looking to get the party started a little early, JCC Metrowest (760 Northfield Avenue, West Orange) will host its Annual New Years Rockin’ Party with Mr. Ray on Wednesday, December 30th, at 11:00 AM. Get ready to dance at this can’t-miss family show! Tickets are $16 for adults, $13 for seniors (65+), students, and members.
At The Shannon Rose Irish Pub (98 Kingsland Road, Clifton), families can ring in the New Year as the clock strikes midnight in Dublin. Celebrate from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM with face painters, sweet treats, balloons, a celebratory toast, and more! Reservations are required as space is limited. For more information or to make reservations, call 973-284-0200.
Join Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam at the Old Mogul Theatre (180 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair) for a Rock-n-Roll Ball. Doors will open at 4:00 PM with a craft station by Artsy & Craftsy and a magician. The concert performance will begin at 5:00 PM. At 6:00 PM, celebrate the New Year with a ball drop and “Auld Lang Syne.” Tickets are $12.50 in advance, $15 at the door. For more information, see our full article here.
First Night Maplewood South Orange is back with its biggest event ever. From 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, enjoy the festivities at Columbia High School (17 Parker Avenue, Maplewood). Acts include Lisa Lou Circus Acts, Illestyle Hip Hop Dance Troupe, and Doc Swan’s magical comedy, a laser light show, and Miss Nina, a move-along concert for young children, as well as many other performers. Tickets are $20 after December 24th, with discounted tickets available at various locations in Maplewood and South Orange. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the website.
First Night Morris will kick off the New Year with over 200 artists and 80 performances at 24 venues around Downtown Morristown. The event begins at 4:45 PM. Fireworks will begin at 9:15 and Midnight. There will be programming for all ages with free shuttle bus services. Tickets are $20 per person. For more information including a full schedule or to purchase tickets, visit the website.
The Funplex (182 Route 10 West, East Hanover) will host its 6th Annual New Year’s Party from 6:30 PM to 12:30 AM. Packages include an adult buffet, a kid buffet, a sweet & salty bar, unlimited indoor attractions plus a $10 arcade card. Tickets are $49 per person online and $54 at the door (pending availability).
Adventure Aquarium (1 Riverside Drive, Camden) will present a New Year’s Eve Splash: Fish, Fun and Fireworks! This event runs from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Visit with favorite animals, walk through the Shark Tunnel, and then watch the fireworks over the Delaware River at 6:00 PM. This event is included with General Admission, which is $25.95 for ages 13+, $18.95 for children ages 2-12, and free for children under 2.
iPlay America (110 Schanck Road, Freehold) invites guests to race, fly, ride, play and celebrate from 7:30 PM to 1:00 AM. The NYE Celebration Pass includes unlimited rides and attractions, a $10 game card, party favors, and prizes and giveaways throughout the night. For an additional fee, a Dining Pass is also available, though there other food options if you’d prefer not to sit down to a full dinner. Tickets start at $39.99 per person.
However you celebrate, may your New Year be filled with happiness and joy.