Things to Do On New Year’s Eve Around Tacoma and the South Puget Sound with Kids
No babysitter for New Year’s Eve? Or, just want to do something that the whole family can enjoy? Here’s a list of kid friendly options for New Year’s Eve around the South Puget Sound. A few of these events aren’t specific to the holiday but would still be fun! Evening events are listed first, then daytime options, and then we have a short list of ideas for New Year’s Day!
You may also want to see our regular Weekend Events Guide for ideas for Friday and Saturday.
Family Friendly Night Time Events on New Year’s Eve
Sadly, due to funding issues there is no First Night in Tacoma.
However, there is an all ages, public celebration in downtown Tacoma.
ReLive New Years Eve Celebration
It’s promoted as an all ages event and will include bands, food trucks, and a countdown. I’m not sure how kid friendly it will feel; let us know what you think if you go!
Thank U, Next: A New Year’s Eve Party at The Grand Cinema
It’s an all ages, open house style celebration at The Grand Cinema. Gaming in two theaters, karaoke, short films, a Photo Booth, and other fun. Sparkling wine or cider toast and ball drop at midnight.
General Admission: $15
Members of The Grand Cinema: $5
12 & under: $5
Midnight toast (sparkling wine or cider) included with admission.
Also see the Chalet Bowl listing under, “Daytime,” below.
New Years Eve at Tiffany’s Skate Inn in Puyallup
$15.00 admission to the Evening event includes
Skating from 7:30pm-1:30am, Regular or Rollerblade Skate rental included (VIP tickets only), balloon drop, prize giveaway, Hats and horns and 18″ LED Glow Wand at midnight countdown, and MORE!
*Adult chaperones not skating are not required to pay admission. All minors will be required to pay admission of $15. There is also a daytime option, and a separate 21+ event this year.
Area Lights Displays Open New Year’s Eve
Drive through Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Lake until 9:00 pm. or walk through Zoolights at Pt.Defiance Zoo until 9:00 pm. or Ivar’s Clam Lights in Renton, open nightly from 5 pm – 9 pm through January 1st.
Ice Skating Open New Year’s Eve
Indigo Frozen Fountain – Ice Skating at Point Ruston, November 14th – February 2nd. Open 11AM-1AM New Year’s Eve
There’s a skating rink in Auburn this year! It looks to be open until 7PM New Year’s Eve.
Only On Ice in Olympia is open until 6PM
Family Friendly Daytime Events on New Year’s Eve
South King County
Bullwinkle’s Family Fun Center Family Fun New Year’s Eve
Pay $25/person for unlimited use of select indoor attractions from 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, including bumper cars, laser tag, frog hopper, kidopolis, and bowling.
Tacoma/Pierce County/Gig Harbor
Daytime Library Celebrations
Jeff Evans – New Year’s Eve Countdown to Noon at the University Place Library
Jeff Evans’ celebrates New Year’s Eve with Holiday Magic All ages.
Countdown to Noon! at the Eatonville Library 11am-12:30
5, 4, 3, 2,….Noon! Come celebrate New Year’s early with the kids!
Countdown to Noon at the Gig Harbor Library Monday, December 31: 11:00am – 12:00pm
5, 4, 3, 2,….Noon! Celebrate New Year’s Eve with songs, games, and crafts. This one requires reservations.
New Years Eve at Tiffany’s Skate Inn in Puyallup
Junior New Year’s Eve Party (Afternoon) is 10.00 and includes
Skating from 1:00-5:00PM, balloon drop, prize giveaway, Hats and horns and 18″ LED Glow Wand, 4:00PM countdown, and more. Skate rentals extra
*Adult chaperones not skating are not required to pay admission. All minors will be required to pay admission of $10.
New Year’s Eve at Chalet Bowl
Glow bowling sessions all day at our favorite Proctor area bowling spot! Prepayment required. 13.00-20.00/person depending on time slot. Times are filling fast.
Museum of Glass Countdown Coneheads
The museum will be open, with visiting artist, Dan Friday. Make, “Countdown Coneheads,” from 12-5PM. I believe this is included with admission.
Olympia
Noon Year’s Eve Party at the Hands-On Children’s Museum in Olympia Regular admission applies, pre-registration not required.
- Make a Harry Potter wand
- Create a “Goodnight Moon” bubble print
- Explore engineering & pneumatics with the Three Little Pigs
- Experience chemistry demos & Oobleck with Dr. Seuss
- Face painting, silk screen printing, special foods & fun!
New Year’s Day
Polar Bear Plunge In Tacoma FREE. If you’re daring, take a plunge in the Puget Sound on New Year’s Day at the Pt Defiance Marina boat launch. There will be heaters and free hot drinks following the plunge.
There is also a Polar Bear Plunge in Lacey at Long Lake and one at Gene Coulon Park on Lake Washington
Get outdoors and enjoy an easy guided hike at a nearby state park. Admission is free today-no Discover WA pass required. This year there are events at Dash Point and Saltwater State Park. Want to get out DIY style? We have a great list of easy, lowland hikes here. Or how about trying the gnome trail.
Note that regular fees apply to all areas besides state parks.
If none of those ideas float your boat, check out our post on the 14 Best Ideas for Winter Break Fun in the South Sound!
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