Celebrating New Year's Eve can pose a challenge for families with younger children. Of course you can have a small party at home (and if you get multiple time zones on your TV, do the countdown with Newfoundland!), but what if you want to get out and do something special? Toronto has a few New Year's Eve events just for parents and kids, and there are even more outside the city.
Toronto Zoo's 6th Annual New Year's Eve Family Countdown
Doors open at 5:30pm for this outdoor event that features family entertainment, food, and of course some animal visitors. The evening concludes with a Kids' Countdown at 9pm. This is a ticketed event that costs $10 for teens and adults, $7 for seniors 65+, $6 for kids ages 4-12, and is free for children aged 3 and under. Space is limited, so you should visit the website to buy your tickets in advance.
Citytv New Year's Eve Bash at Nathan Phillips Square
For older families, this annual Toronto tradition is both free to attend and free of alcohol! Things kick off at 9pm with Citytv personalities hosting musical guests until the evening culminates in the countdown to midnight. Nathan Phillips Square is always very crowded, so be sure your family has a plan to find each other if you get separated.
Trail of Lights at Downsview Park
Although there are no special New Year's related events, December 31st is the final night this decorated walking trail will be open. Tickets are $12 on New Year's Eve, and the trail is open from 5pm to 10pm.
More Options in Toronto
If none of the above works for you, there are a few more events unrelated to the holidays that you can still make a special night of:
- At time of writing tickets were still available for the Raptors vs. the Nuggets at the Air Canada Centre beginning at 7pm.
- Many movie theatres will be open (Bolt or The Tale of Despereaux, anyone?). Find a Movie Theatre
New Years Eve Family Events in Southern Ontario
If you're willing to venture a little outside the city, a number of other opportunities for family fun on New Year's Eve become available. Be sure to call ahead or visit the websites below to confirm details.New Year's Eve Hoopla at the Mountsberg Conservation Area- Campbellville (West of Milton)
From 7pm - 10pm Mountsberg will have a whole slew of family fun on the go including wagon rides, a scavenger hunt, puppet shows, hikes, a playbarn, bonfire and visits from birds of prey! The countdown is scheduled for 9pm. Visit the website to learn more or call 905-854-2276 to register for tickets.
Howl n' Hikes Ring in the New Year at Bronte Creek - Oakville
A park naturalist will lead family hikes to teach you about coyotes - and to teach you how to howl like one! The first hike is at 6pm with a countdown around the bonfire at 8:30pm. If the weather is agreeable you can stay later (or come earlier) to skate, and you can get a hot drink or snack from the store. Regular park entrance fees apply.
New Year's Eve Family Countdown at the Angus Glen Golf Club - Markham
Activities for families will include cookie decorating and children's musician Chris McKhool will entertain. The event begins at 6pm and ends at 9pm with a countdown. Tickets are $30 - $35.
New Year's Eve at Blue Mountain - Collingwood
Blue Mountain Ski Resort has both a buffet dinner and separately ticketed party on New Year's Eve, but this event is a little different from the others because there is one party for adults and a separate party for kids. Visit the website for details on the options available.
Civic Celebrations Around the Greater Toronto Area
Most cities have their own family-friendly New Year's Eve event planned at the city center. Generally these events are outdoors (thus only held weather permitting) and many won't actually go until midnight. Visit the sites below to find information on local New Year's Eve fun.
- Ajax - Family New Year's Eve Party
- Aurora - Family First Night
- Barrie - Downtown Countdown
- Brampton - New Year's Eve Party
- Burlington - New Year's Eve Celebration (Dress as Elvis! Seriously!)
- Mississauga - Family Skate Party
- Newmarket - Tim Hortons' First Night
- Orangeville - First Night Celebration
- Oshawa - Free New Year's Eve Celebration
- Pickering - New Year's Eve Family Countdown
- Whitby - Free Skate
