Long gone are the days of me complaining about having no idea what to do for New Year’s Eve. How could I think there was nothing to do when I was childless? The possibilities were endless! I could have done anything! I’ve had some pretty great ones – house parties, dinner and drinks with lots of friends, even Las Vegas. Now we have a third wheel, and our possibilities are a little narrowed down these days.
New Year’s Eve must be the hardest night of the year to get a babysitter. Since I don’t have one, it’s going to be a reservation for for three. With a high chair and crayons. It doesn’t mean we aren’t going to have a good time, but it’s not easy to find something to do that night with kids.
Last year we decided to have an early dinner at kid-friendly Il Fornello, and it was great. There were other groups doing the same thing with kids who had plans like us after diner, or people who were just trying to avoid the rush of couples that would arrive for a romantic dinner later in the night.
Next up we went to Oshawa Celebrates at the Legends Centre. This year it includes jumping castles, zoo animals, free swimming and skating, face painting and crafts! We enjoyed it a lot last year. It was busy, but not so much that we couldn’t enjoy the activities.
It wasn’t easy, but I found a few other kid-friendly events running this year for New Year’s Eve.
Glam Gal Tween Spa Is having a Noon Year’s Eve Party from 12pm-2pm.
For $40.00 children receive a Confetti Manicure, pink champagne, mini hair and make-up applications, and lots of other fun activities are also included.
New Year’s Eve Family Skate in Whitby will include free skating, face painting, balloon artists, ice painting, and jugglers. It sounds a lot like the event in Oshawa, but on a smaller scale.
Great Wolf Lodge is having a dance party, balloon drop, complimentary champagne toast, punch and party favours for every guest. They will event have a fireworks display!
Blue Mountain Resort is having a Family Celebration party for lodging guests which includes a buffet dinner, karaoke, face painting, fireworks and more.
Neb’s Fun world is having a New Year’s Eve Cosmic Bowl, with four different times to choose from (6:00, 7:30, 9:30 or 11:30). All ages are welcome, and some of the early times would be great for the younger kids.
Alight at Night is in Upper Canada Village, and they have a life-size toy train, horse-drawn wagons, a 50-ft high Ferris wheel, and over one million lights through the village.
Unfortunately I couldn’t find a lot out there, but if you know of a fun event where kids can attend, leave the details in the comments section!