When you think about New Year’s festivities, you may not be able to imagine a fun, wholesome event that is suitable for children. Your mind probably goes to an expensive, extravagant, alcohol-fueled party where people throw their inhibitions into the wind. Well, go ahead and add “worry less about what to do with the kids on New Year’s Eve” onto your resolution list, because we have got you covered. Here is a list of 9 fun-filled, family-friendly celebrations in and around Atlanta that will help the whole family ring in 2019.
New Year’s Bubble Bash – The Children’s Museum of Atlanta
When: Monday December 31, 2018 | 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $10 for members
$20 for non-members
Free for babies under 1 year
*Advanced ticket purchase required
Where: Children's Museum of Atlanta. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive, Atlanta
404-659-5437. www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org
Noon Year's Eve - Fernbank Museum of Natural History.
When: Monday December 31, 2018 | 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $8 for members
$22 for non-members
Where: Fernbank Museum of Natural History. 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta
404-929-6300. www.fernbankmuseum.org
The Fernbank will host a Noon Year’s Eve party for children that includes a balloon drop countdown, Resolution Station, music, party favors, and many kid-friendly activities to celebration the new year. The Georgia Bubbleman will be there to join in on the excitement.
Noon Year's Eve Celebration - LEGOLand Discovery Center
When: Monday December 31, 2018
Balloons drop at noon
Cost: Included with admission
Where: 3500 Peachtree Road NE G-1, Atlanta
404-848-9252. www.atlanta.legolanddiscoverycenter.com
The LEGOLand Discovery Center is throwing a Noon Year's Eve bash for the kiddos to celebrate the new year early in the day. Children and their families will enjoy a balloon drop of more than 600 balloons. Participants will help put together a 2019 LEGO build that will stay on display for the entire year. Guests will leave with a complimentary New Year’s trinket to commemorate the event.
Noon Year’s Eve at Avalon
When: Monday December 31, 2018
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Cost: $15 for children and adults
Free for children under 2 years
Where: The Hotel at Avalon, 9000 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta
770-765-1000. www.experienceavalon.com
The inaugural Noon Year’s Eve at Avalon is perfect for partygoers of all ages. Kickoff your New Year’s celebration early and enjoy live music, crafts, face painting, and a balloon drop at noon.
Kids Early New Year's Eve Celebration - Stone Mountain Park
When: Monday December 31, 2018
8:30 p.m.
Cost: Included with Christmas All-Attractions Pass
Where: Stone Mountain Park. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain
800-401-2407. www.stonemountainpark.com
Stone Mountain Park offers a unique New Year's bash that includes fireworks, music, dancing, snowfall, various costumed characters, and a visit from the Snow Angel. Stone Mountain Christmas starts at 2pm, so get there early to enjoy the full experience.
7th Annual McDonough Geranium Drop
When: Monday December 31, 2018
9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Where: Downtown McDonough Square. 5 Griffin St., McDonough
770-898-3196. www.exploregeorgia.org
Celebrate New Year’s in the Historic McDonough Square. This event will have family-friendly activities, live music, dancing, food, and features a giant geranium drop to usher in 2019.
The Celebration of the Century - Medieval Times
When: Monday December 31,2 2018
9:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Cost: $72.95 Adults
$36.95 Children
Where: Medieval Times, 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville
888- 935-6878 www.medievaltimes.com
Go back in time to celebrate the future. Eat with your hands while enjoying a feast during a two hour tournament. There will be music, dancing, party favors, a countdown to 2019, midnight snacks, and a champagne toast (non-alcoholic for minors).
Gold Nugget Drop 2019 - Villa Rica
When: Monday December 31, 2018
10 p.m. to midnight
Cost: Free
Where: The MILL Amphitheater. 106 Temple Street, Villa Rica
678-840-1160. downtownvillarica.com/event/gold-nugget-drop/.
A KISS tribute band called STRUTTER will be rocking into the new year in Villa Rica. Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, food, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Local Churches
For a more divine celebration fitting for the whole family, be sure to check your church or other local churches for New Year’s events. Many churches offer safe, family-friendly events to ring in the new year.