With so many kids across the country off for the days between Christmas and New Year’s, it’s the perfect time to pack up the fam and hit the road. But the big question always remains: Where should you ring in 2026 with your kiddos in tow?
Whether you’re craving warm weather, snowy mountains, low-key charm, or a bucket-list international getaway, the best New Year’s destinations for kids offer fun celebrations without the chaos. Below, we’ve rounded up surprising spots across the U.S. and beyond—plus exactly where to go, where to stay, and what New Year’s Eve kid activities to expect for a winter break trips for families.
You May Also Like:
- Christmas in NYC With Kids: The Ultimate Guide 2025
- 14 of the Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Families
What makes a great New Year’s destination for kids?
Family-Friendly lodging & amenities
Think: large rooms, kids’ clubs, easy dining options, heated pools, connecting rooms, bunk beds, and activities built around children.
Age-appropriate celebrations
The best destinations offer:
- early fireworks
- daytime countdowns
- kids’ entertainment or clubs
- holiday parades
- hands-on activities
This way, kids feel part of the fun without staying up until midnight (unless you want them to, of course, and in that case—more power to ya.)
Walkability & safety
Walkable downtowns, stroller-friendly paths, and safe evening events make family travel much easier during a busy holiday week. You’ll want to head to places without stuffy vibes, that are family-friendly, and if you’re feeling social, places you can reasonably expect other families to be at the same time are always safe bets. It probably goes without saying, but consider avoiding anywhere that’s known for its nightlife or adult-centric spaces.
Seasonal activities that spark joy
From snow tubing and ice skating to warm beaches and wildlife watching, New Year’s is a rare time when pretty much any climate is on the table, as long as there is fun to be had by all.
Best U.S. New Year’s destinations for kids and families
Clearwater Beach, Florida
Why go: Warm weather (high 60s/low 70s), calm beaches, and a festive-but-relaxed New Year’s celebration.
Where to stay: JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
If you’re looking for a New Year’s Eve celebration that’s luxurious and super kid-friendly, JW Marriott Clearwater Beach has you covered. Their Beachfront New Year’s Event on December 31 (9 p.m.–midnight) is truly one of a kind—and right on the Gulf of Mexico.
Families can expect:
- a dedicated children’s corner
- casual beach seating
- live entertainment
- fireworks launched from Sand Key Park
- a midnight bubbles toast for grownups
- open-bar food & beverage options for adults, teens, and kids
Kid-friendly NYE highlights
- Fireworks over the beach
- Kids’ corner activities
- Resort pool + beachfront relaxation
Phoenix, Arizona
Why go: Warm desert sunshine, holiday festivities, and tons to do for families without the coastal crowds.
Where to stay: JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
Set on 316 acres, this resort becomes a full-blown winter playground during its Jingle at JW celebration.
Kid-friendly highlights
- Ice skating under the stars
- Snow tubing
- A holiday light stroll along the lazy river
- Scavenger hunts
- Gingerbread decorating
- Breakfast with Mrs. Claus
- Glow-in-the-dark activities
St. Augustine, Florida
Why go: A cozy, historic New Year’s alternative to Orlando. The St. Augustine Nights of Lights display turns the Old Town into a glowing wonderland through January 11, 2026.
Where to stay: Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine
You can’t beat the beachfront location of the Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine. The reasonable rates (starting at less than $200 a night) include pool and beach access, resort activities, towels, and even a bike rental or daily yoga class. It’s about 10 minutes away from downtown and has a pool bar for the adults, too.
Kid-friendly NYE highlights
- Beach fireworks
- Trolley light tours
- Historic sites lit up beautifully
- Warm, walkable streets
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Why go: An art and culture-filled escape featuring desert snow, bonfires, and magical luminarias.
Where to stay: La Fonda on the Plaza
This iconic hotel on Santa Fe’s historic plaza comes alive with holiday decor, cozy fireplaces, live music, and kid-friendly dining. You’re steps away from bonfires, museums, and seasonal markets.
Kid-friendly NYE highlights
- Festive bonfires
- Holiday art markets
- Hot chocolate + food stalls
- Snow-dusted adobe scenery
Lake Placid, New York
Why go: A classic winter wonderland and former Olympic village filled with outdoor adventure.
Where to stay: Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa
This beloved lakeside resort features family suites, indoor pools, s’mores by the fire pit, and stunning views. Kids love the winter sports center and the easy walk into town.
Kid-friendly NYE highlights
- Outdoor ice skating
- Snow tubing & sledding
- Bonfires around town
- Cozy cafés & scenic walks
San Antonio, Texas
Why go: Festive lights, mild temps, kid-friendly museums, and a walkable, stroller-friendly River Walk.
Where to stay: Hotel Contessa
This all-suite, River Walk hotel has spacious rooms ideal for families, an outdoor heated pool, and easy access to boat rides, museums, and holiday events.
Kid-friendly NYE highlights
- River Walk fireworks
- Kid-friendly museums
- Holiday parades
- Stroller-friendly everywhere
Asheville, North Carolina
Why go: Cozy mountain charm meets serious holiday sparkle. Go for the vibes.
Where to stay: The Omni Grove Park Inn
A true holiday showstopper thanks to its massive fireplaces, famous gingerbread house displays, indoor pool, and stunning Blue Ridge views. Families love the easy drives to hikes and winter activities.
Kid-friendly NYE highlights
- Biltmore Estate holiday decor
- Early fireworks
- Winter hikes
- Family-friendly breweries with outdoor space
Monterey, California
Why go: Wildlife, ocean views, and mellow vibes—perfect for families wanting a slower pace.
Where to stay: Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
Located on Cannery Row, this property offers spacious rooms, bikes for exploring, and walkability to the aquarium and coastal paths.
Kid-friendly NYE highlights
- Whale-watching tours
- World-class aquarium
- Tide pooling
- Relaxed coastal celebrations
Hoboken, New Jersey
Why go: Incredible views of NYC without the crowds, easy transportation to the city in minutes, multiple “New Year’s Eve” celebrations, so the kids don’t have to stay up late
Where to stay: W Hoboken
Located just across the Hudson River from NYC (and about a 10-minute PATH or ferry train ride away) you can enjoy luxe amenities (and much more quiet) on the Jersey side while being super close to all NYC has to offer. By day, go see the tree at Rockefeller Center, shop til you drop, and sip frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity 3. At night, head back into NJ and fall asleep to stunning city views. Be sure to walk around Hoboken to take in all the window decor and delicious bakeries and cafes.
Kid-friendly NYE highlights
- “Noon Years Eve” countdowns at the local Hoboken Biergarten
- Charming shops
- Endless parks and playgrounds
Boston, Massachusetts
Why go: For another walkable, city-centric spot without the crowds of NYC, Boston also has one of the biggest kid-friendly NYE celebrations in the country. Plus, families can catch plenty of direct flights or take a road trip for a New Year’s getaway over winter break.
Where to stay: The Langham Boston
Boston is home to the free-to-the-public First Night Boston New Year’s Eve celebration, which caters to families with free performances, celebrations, fireworks, and ice skating. The Langham Boston is a great place to stay, as it offers designated family rooms and suites for when you’re traveling with your crew. It’s decorated to the nines for the holidays and has special programming, too.
Kid-friendly NYE highlights
- Gingerbread making classes
- Special kids pricing on holiday menus
- Children’s Museum for daytime fun
- First Night Boston celebration in Boston Common
- Fireworks over the Common at 7 p.m.
International New Year’s destinations for families
Editor’s Note: When researching or booking international family travel, it’s important to be cognizant of the latest travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State. Click here to view all current travel advisories.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Where to stay: Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Not just for Spring-breakers, Mexico is a great option for this special time of year with the family. At Banyan Tree Mayakoba, luxury meets kid-friendly celebrations thanks to their two highly rated kids’ clubs. Another great option is Hotel Xcaret, with programming that changes weekly and typically gets quite festive around the holidays. The best part?
Kid-friendly NYE highlights
- Kids’ club activities that are age-specific
- Live entertainment
- Snorkeling
- Special programming for kids and teens
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Where to stay: Conservatorium Hotel
This Museum Quarter icon property is perfect for families thanks to its “Families by M.O.” package, discounted connecting rooms, welcome gifts, and passes to the NEMO Science Museum.
Kid-friendly NYE highlights
- New Year’s Eve canal cruises
- Skating, sliding, and curling at Winterparadijs
- Amsterdam Light Festival with stunning light installations throughout the canals
Reykjavík, Iceland
Why go: Think of Reykjavik as the real-life version of Frozen. Experience the Northern Lights, bonfires, fireworks glittering over the snow, and splashing in the hot springs. It’s also surprisingly an easy-enough flight from the Northeast.
Where to stay: Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel
Modern, stylish, and walkable, with spacious family rooms. Close to the harbor, museums, and multiple bonfire sites.
Kid-friendly NYE highlights
- Northern lights viewing
- Community bonfires
- Fireworks everywhere
- Geothermal pools
Lisbon, Portugal
Why go: A sunny, walkable city with castles, cable cars, and kid-friendly countdowns.
Where to stay: Martinhal Lisbon Chiado Family Suites
This property is designed specifically for families, with apartment-style rooms, on-site kids’ clubs, play spaces, and babysitting options so parents can enjoy dinner or fireworks. Lisbon has a top spot on my bucket list to visit with my family, and I’ve heard incredible things.
Kid-friendly NYE highlights
- Early evening fireworks
- Castle exploring
- Riverfront festivities
- Tram + cable car rides
Quebec City, Canada
Why go: European charm without crossing the ocean—plus toboggan runs and twinkly Old Town vibes.
Where to stay: If you’re looking to start the new year with a splurge, check out the luxe Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. This fairytale-like castle hotel goes all-out for the holidays with lavish decorations, kids’ activities, indoor pools, and unbeatable views of the fireworks.
For another great accommodation in Quebec City that won’t break the bank, consider the Auberge St. Antoine A Realis & Chateau property, with rooms available for around $400 USD/night. The property even offers babysitting services bookable through the concierge.
Kid-friendly NYE highlights
- Toboggan slides
- Warm cafés + bakeries
- Ice skating
- Charming, walkable streets
- Méga Parc amusement park
- Snowy festivities in Old Town
Kyoto, Japan
Why go: For families wanting a peaceful, culturally rich New Year full of tradition—think temple visits, mochi making, and quiet lantern-lit streets. A family vacation to Japan has high potential to be the trip of a lifetime, just make sure you’re up for the long flights. And if you are, you won’t regret it.
Where to Stay: Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Spacious modern rooms, an incredible breakfast, on-site cultural workshops, and easy access to temples, gardens, and traditional New Year’s markets.
Kid-friendly NYE highlights
- Temple bells
- Mochi making
- Lantern-lined streets
- Quiet, peaceful celebrations
Low-key or local family New Year’s ideas
National parks
Head on out to one of our national treasures, like U.S. National Parks Zion or Big Bend, for an unforgettable outdoorsy experience with fewer tourists. For colder and snowier national parks, like Rocky Mountain, Yosemite, and Yellowstone, keep in mind that some roads may be closed due to weather.
Local staycation
Consider a NYE staycation within driving distance from your home. Whether you plan an epic family slumber party or hit up indoor pools, it’s still a change of scenery and will make for a special way to ring in the new year. As an East Coast girl, I love the idea of heading to Atlantic City for an overnight at the epic indoor water park in the Showboat, or a quick overnight at The W in Hoboken for stunning city views, some midnight room service, and the comfiest beds in the world. You can’t go wrong with a quick Google search of what hotels close to you have indoor pools. Give any kid a pool in winter, and it’s an automatic win.
Small-town celebrations
Head to the heart of America with visits to quaint towns, including Bethlehem, Pennsylvania’s Peeps Chick Drop, Hershey, Pennsylvania’s Kiss Raise, or Tallapoosa, Georgia’s family-friendly Possum Drop (don’t worry, no live animals are used in the possum drop).
Family ski resorts
Look for smaller, less-touristy skiing spots out West or even in the Northeast that offer tubing, early fireworks, and affordable ski lessons. Bonus points if it has apres-ski offerings for all generations and less-serious vibes for the less serious snow bunnies.
Tips for traveling with kids during New Year’s
- Book early: Smaller destinations sell out fast, and prices rise the longer you wait.
- Pack for comfort: Layers, cozy PJs, snacks, headphones, extra socks, strollers for late nights, and warm accessories if you’re headed where it’s cold! And, don’t forget a bathing suit for any indoor or outdoor swimming opportunities. Think more about efficiency and less about impressing people on the gram.
- Plan one big activity per day: Saves everyone from overstimulation, exhaustion, and meltdowns.
- Eat early dinners: Now’s not the time to get ambitious with a late dinner reservation if your kids have never done it before. Stick with what you know works. Take risks another time.
- Mind the sleep: Early countdowns and “Noon Year’s Eve” events are lifesavers.
- Check local traditions: Cultural festivals, parades, and rituals make memories.
New Year’s with kids doesn’t have to be chaotic—in fact, it can be incredibly memorable. Whether you choose a sunny beach, snowy mountains, a cultural capital, or a close-to-home cabin, the right destination helps you start the new year feeling connected, joyful, and refreshed.
Erin Celletti, Contributing Writer
Erin is an NYC-based writer with a BA in Journalism from Quinnipiac University (Go Bobcats!) and two master’s in education. She is a proud mama to a magnificent little girl, and has a passion for storytelling and organized chaos. She is a lifestyle, beauty, wellness, and trends reports writer. Beyond The Everymom, Erin’s editorial work has been featured in publications like Allure, Byrdie, The Everygirl, TeenVogue, BRIDES, SundayEdit, and TODAY, among others. When she isn’t chugging coffee, longing for a nap or trying out the latest skincare, she’s shopping or dreaming about her next Disney trip.
