The year is almost over and with all the ups and downs of 2016, Dec 31 marks a day to look back and remember and also to look forward to what 2017 will bring. Every year there are New Year’s Eve events, but sometimes finding ones that are fun for all ages can be a little tricky. All moms and dads searching for a place to celebrate with the kids needn’t look further, as we have compiled a list of several family friendly goings-on in the Cincinnati area so everyone can enjoy ringing in the new year.
Photo courtesy of the Newport Aquarium
Newport Aquarium Kids’ New Year’s Eve Countdown- Newport
Time: 3:30pm-5:30pm
Cost: Price is included with admission
The whole family can enjoy dancing, music, giveaways, and more inside the Shark Ray Bay Theater. Be sure to hang out until 5 when Scuba Santa will make an appearance and lead everyone in an early countdown to 2017!
Oakley Family New Year- Oakley
Time: 7:45pm-8:30pm
Cost: Free
Enjoy Oakley’s wide selection of restaurants, enjoy a firework show at the corner of Markbreit and Madison, and partake in goodies from the Cincinnati Recreation Commission while supplies last. The whole family can enjoy all that Oakley has to offer while counting down to 2017.
Cyclones New Year’s Eve Game- Downtown
Photo courtesy of the Cincinnati Cyclones
Time: Doors open at 5:00pm and the firework show should be over around 9:00pm
Cost: The New Year’s Eve 4-pack of tickets- $76- this includes the 4 tickets and 4 light up toys. Individual tickets- $15 each.
Enjoy an exciting night of hockey between the Cincinnati Cyclones and the Indy Fuels and an indoor firework show as your family counts down to 2017. This is the perfect way to escape the cold, celebrate the New Year, and enjoy a fun night out with the family.
New Year’s Eve Celebration at Perfect North- Lawrenceburg
Time: 9:30am-1:00am
Cost: prices vary by admission ticket.
Ski, snowboard, and snow tube your way into 2017 at Perfect North Slopes. The slopes will be open until 1am and while you’re not out in the snow, the family can enjoy party favors and a DJ in the lodge. Make sure you catch the ski instructors and ski patrol glide down the dark slopes in a torchlight parade. There will be a fireworks show at midnight.
Noon Year’s Eve Luau at the Clermont County Public Library- New Richmond
Time: 11:30am-12:30pm
Cost: Free
Get your luau on at the Clermont County Library and ring in the New Year with luau treats and games. Kids can make tropical noise makers at noon to prepare for the balloon drop and big countdown to 2017.
Photo courtesy of Great Parks of Hamilton County
Family New Year’s Celebration at Woodland Mound Seasongood Nature Center- Anderson
Time: 4:00pm-7:00pm
Cost: $6 per person. To enter the park, you must have an Motor Vehicle Permit- Hamilton County residents- $10 annual/$3 daily; other visitors- $14 annual/$5 daily.
The Great Parks of Hamilton presents an evening of games, crafts, live animal programs, a magician, and a live band to help ring in the New Year. The ball will drop at 7pm and this is an experience you and the kids will not want to miss. Early registration closes Dec. 26, so be sure to book your spot soon.
BB Riverboat Holiday Season Cruise- Newport
Time: Boarding at 10:30am and sailing from 11:30am-1:30pm
Cost: Adults- $35, Kids- $26
Enjoy a boat ride down the Ohio and ring in 2017 with the whole family. Come aboard and enjoy a DJ, party favors, and a lunch buffet. Some of the characters from BB Riverboat’s Pirate, Princess, and Super Hero cruises will be on board as well to celebrate the New Year.
Happy ZOO Year at the Cincinnati Zoo- Avondale
Time: 5:00pm-10:00pm
Cost: Prices vary
“Party Animals” of all ages are welcome to join the fun and ring in the New Year at the Cincinnati Zoo. Families can enjoy shows of Winter Wonders by Madcap Puppets, meet Father Time, and partake in the countdown to 2017, complete with a firework show.
New Year’s Eve Family Party at the Behringer-Crawford Museum- Covington
Time: 11:00am-1:00pm
Cost: $5 for members, $10 for future members
Ring in the New Year with crafts, games, and lunch. This is fun for the whole family at the Behringer-Crawford Museum, dedicated to preserving the regional history of Northern Kentucky through collections, presentations, and studies of natural, cultural, visual, and performing arts heritage of the region.
