Kid-Friendly New Years Eve Events in San Diego in 2024
Looking for New Years Eve events in San Diego that are great for the whole family? We’ve got you covered! There’s plenty for the little ones to do around San Diego County this New Years Eve, from a pajama party at the Children’s Museum to an extravagant ice skating and dinner party at the Hotel Del Coronado. Bring the whole family and make NYE a night to remember at these kid friendly New Years Eve events and festivities in San Diego!
NYE Gala at Hotel Del Coronado
Where: Hotel Del Coronado; 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado
Adults can ring in the New Year at The World’s Greatest Legend, a once-in-a-lifetime celebration with dazzling star attractions and awe-inspiring performances at the Hotel Del Coronado. The Del’s oceanfront Ballroom will transform into a lavish big top with black tie-clad aristocrats, a delectable five-course feast, open bar, and dancing.
Meanwhile, the kids and teens get a party of their own from 7:00pm until 12:30am! The night includes dinner, ice skating (ages 8+), special shows, games, s’mores roast, and a midnight toast with sparkling cider. Teens ages 13-17 can also hang out in their own teen lounge and watch movies as they mingle.
NYE at LEGOLAND California
Where: LEGOLAND California; 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad
The countdown to starts early at the grand finale of Holidays at LEGOLAND California Resort during the Park’s annual Kids’ New Year’s Eve celebration party! The night kicks off with special musical performances on the Fun Town Stage and Heartlake City Stage. Then, starting at 6pm, the party moves to San Francisco in Miniland USA, where young lego lovers can ring in the New Year and watch a re-creation of the famous Times Square ball drop, complete with a giant LEGO brick falling 22 feet in the air. Families can enjoy a spectacular fireworks display as the brick drops, lighting up the night sky. All activities are included with regular park admission.
Pajama Jam
Where: New Children’s Museum; 200 West Island Ave., San Diego
Pajama Jam at The New Children’s Museum is back for another year! Bring the entire family and get cozy in your jammies. The night includes New Year’s-themed art activities, games, a dance jam, photo booth, catered dinner, and a fun countdown balloon drop. The parents get a free drink ticket. Pajama Jam provides an opportunity for families to experience the Museum at night with catered dinner, drinks, music and special activities/programs, and also helps raise some much-needed funds to keep the Museum running. The evening kicks off at 5:30p and goes until 8:30. Tickets start at $25.
Rockin’ New Years Eve
Where: Corvette Diner; 2965 Historic Decatur Rd., San Diego
Toast the New Year at the classic 1950s-themed Corvette Diner in Point Loma, San Diego! Enjoy burgers, classic milkshakes, and fries as you listen to live music and a local DJ, play arcade games, and watch a balloon artist work his magic. The party starts early to end with a bang at the Big Apple ball drop and toast at 9:00pm.
Speakeasy Roaring 20s Bash at the Westin
Where: The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa; 5480 Grand Pacific Dr., Carlsbad
Dance away the last few hours of of the year and raise a glass to the New Year at The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa’s family-friendly “Speakeasy” New Year’s Eve Bash! Costumes are encouraged — come dressed to impress in your finest 1920s attire and get ready for a fabulous night that the whole family will enjoy, complete with live entertainment, costume contests, and prizes for Best Dressed Family and Best Dressed Couple. The party kicks off at 6:30pm with a buffet dinner, champagne and sparkling wine, and a decadent dessert bar.
While adults shake it on the dance floor to spins from a live DJ, the little ones can keep the fun going with face painting, ping-pong, foosball, billiards, and an exclusive Gamer Room at the dedicated Kids Party Zone. Guests can also expect the clock to strike midnight twice at this bash — kids ring in the New Year with an exciting balloon drop for the East Coast at 9pm, while adults celebrate with a complimentary champagne toast and main drop at midnight here on the West Coast.
New Years Eve Family Party
Where: Living Coast Discovery Center; 1000 Gunpowder Point Dr., Chula Vista
Join the Living Coast Family to watch the ball drop together under the stars! Bundle up for wild animal encounters, night hikes, and tons more. This is sure to be a New Year’s party your family will never forget! Your event ticket includes: two drink tickets (champagne, beer, or wine for adults with proper I.D.), wildlife animal encounters, DJ music and dancing, trivia and other family-friendly games, interactive photo booth, crafts for all ages including their famous recycled-dog toy, hot chocolate bar, and cookie decorating. Plus, enjoy live coverage of the Times Square Celebration at midnight (9pm PST/12am EST). Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance, as they won’t be available at the door day of.
The NYE Grape Drop
Where: Temecula Town Square Park; 41000 Main Street, Temecula
Though not technically in San Diego, Temecula is about an hour’s drive northeast and a fun way to get out of town for New Year’s Eve! Party like it’s 1999 (or any year!) and watch the Temecula grape drop at Town Square Park twice: once with the East Coast at 9pm, and once with the West Coast at midnight. There will be plenty of free activities for kids, food vendors, and live music by Danielle Arribe from 6:00-6:45pm, the Frienz Band from 7-8 pm, City Beat Band 8:30-10pm, and Midnight Ride from 10:30pm-12:15am. Radio host Mama Mia from 101.3 will emcee the evening as adults and kids alike ring in the new year at the park.
Skating by the Sea
Where: Hotel Del Coronado; 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado
Glide into the new year by bundling up and ice skating by the sea with the entire family. Make a day of it by eating dinner at the outdoor patio and gazing at the lights and holiday decorations that adorn the gorgeous Hotel del Coronado. Skate to holiday music, and afterward, little revelers can sip on hot cocoa and take in the lights. Tickets are $30 per person for skating; be sure to purchase tickets in advance on the Hotel Del’s website.
Looking for more adult-friendly happenings this NYE? Check out our roundup of the best New Year’s Eve parties in San Diego!
