Looking to spend New Year’s Eve with the entire family? Check out our top picks for kid-friendly events happening in the Palm Beaches.
Fireworks and Fun at the Downtown West Palm Beach Waterfront
The party never ends in the Clematis Street district, and New Year’s Eve will be no exception. Head to the waterfront for glow-in-the-dark mini golf and the final Sandi Tree sighting of the season. The 35-foot, 600-ton sand sculpture will perform her last light show at midnight, marking the close of 2017. Plus, you’ll be in a prime spot to watch fireworks boom over the Intracoastal. Parents who’d prefer an open bar and live music can pop into the adjacent Lake Pavilion for a Black & White Masquerade Ball ($150). Tickets for this event must be purchased in advance.
100 N. Clematis St., West Palm Beach; 561.833.8873; downtownwpb.com
Downtown at the Gardens Noon Year’s Eve
Not a fan of staying up to watch the ball drop? Bring the kids to the Carousel Courtyard at Downtown at the Gardens for a midday celebration featuring crafts, face painting, balloon art and more. Noisemakers and hats will be supplied to ensure a truly rollicking sendoff to 2017. The party lasts from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. on December 31 and admission is free.
11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave., Palm Beach Gardens; 561.253.1444; facebook.com/events/372645829861244
Snowfall and Singing at CityPlace
CityPlace always draws a crowd with its festive atmosphere and menagerie of lively dining and entertainment options. On New Year’s Eve, families are welcome to enjoy a light dusting of Florida “snow” at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., with a special flurry at midnight to kick off the new year. Local band Making Faces will supply live tunes, and restaurants will offer special prix-fixe menus and hourly seatings. Restaurant reservations should be made in advance.
700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach; 561.366.1000; cityplace.com/west-palm-beach-events/new-years-eve
Harbourside Place Countdown to 2018
For the Times Square experience (minus a few million people), head to the Harbourside Place Amphitheater at 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. All ages are welcome at this free event, where you can catch the New York City ball dropping live on a 16-foot screen. Shay Marie & Wildfire will be providing the soundtrack to your night as you take in a fireworks display and the arrival of 2018.
200 N. US Highway 1, Jupiter; 561.935.9533; harboursideplace.com/event/countdown-to-2018
Noon Year’s Eve at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium
Looking to close out the year with learning and live science demos? From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., partygoers of all ages can head to the South Florida Science Center for face painting, DIY confetti launchers, a dance party, themed crafts and more. Apple cider on dry ice will be served when the clock strikes noon. Event is included with paid admission to the Science Center (free for members).
4801 Dreher Trail N., West Palm Beach; 561.832.1988; sfsciencecenter.org/event/noon-years-eve-celebration
3800 Ocean at Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa
How can you resist fine foods and stunning ocean views? If your children are old enough to appreciate a mouthwatering menu of New Year’s Eve specials, head to 3800 Ocean for a three-course dinner from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($75 for adults, $24.95 for children under 12) or a four-course dinner from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. ($125 and $24.95). At the later seating, your family can count off the final moments of the year together with live entertainment and a celebratory toast.
3800 N. Ocean Dr., Singer Island, Riviera Beach; 561.340.1795; marriott.com/hotel-restaurants/pbisg-palm-beach-marriott-singer-island-beach-resort-and-spa/3800-ocean/5011550/online-menu.mi
Noon Year’s Eve at the Palm Beach Zoo
Nothing prepares you for the excitement of a new year quite like watching a life-size alligator dangle from the sky. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., party it up at the Palm Beach Zoo, where the festivities will include wild animals, face painting, an alligator “ball drop” and a children’s dance party in the Fountain Plaza. When the clock strikes noon all ages can bid goodbye to 2017 with an apple juice toast. Access to the event is included with regular zoo admission.
1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach; 561.547.9453; palmbeachzoo.org/noon-years-eve-2017?returnTo=main
Seaside Staycation at Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa
Did 2017 get the best of you? Beckon in a fresh start the right way—with a getaway to Jupiter’s only oceanfront hotel. On New Year’s Eve, the Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa will offer a decadent dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. followed by a party in the Sinclairs Ocean Grill lounge from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Children will enjoy taking advantage of the resort’s many kid-friendly offerings, including a game room, special food menus, tennis and basketball courts and, of course, a pristine stretch of Atlantic coastline.
5 N. A1A, Jupiter; 561.746.2511; jupiterbeachresort.com
Facebook Comments