New Year's Eve Weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids: Countdown to 2026

Celebrate the new year before dark with crafts, confetti, and a dance party at the Westchester Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this New Year's Eve weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Families can have a bricktacular New Year's Eve at Legoland New York, featuring an early countdown and Lego ball drop, plus all the other festivities throughout the day. Or enjoy cupcake decorating, a DJ dance party, and a confetti-filled ball drop and countdown to 2026 at the New Year's Eve Kids' Countdown at the Westchester Children's Museum. 

If you're not too tired after all the fun, explore the outdoors on a guided First-Day Hike through Rockwood Hall in Rockefeller State Park Preserve, or kick off maple sugaring season at Muscoot Farm's FREE Backyard Sugarin'.

Best Indoor Water Parks near New Jersey for a Warm Weather Getaway in 2026

The Kalahari Resort in the Poconos offers big-time thrills in its huge indoor water park.

Looking for a unique way to beat the winter blues? Enjoy some summertime fun even in the coldest months at a multitude of indoor water parks in and near New Jersey, where the temperature is kept at a balmy 84 degrees year-round.

My family especially loves indoor water parks because they are fun for mixed age groups, even grown-ups! We've made a list of indoor water parks near New Jersey that can be reached in 3 hours or less by car, give or take your starting address and traffic, of course. 

So, go dig out your bathing suit from behind your coats and mittens, and get ready to take the plunge at one of these exciting indoor water parks. If you're looking for more seasonal fun, we've rounded up 35 things to do with NJ kids this winter, plus a slew of winter day trips.

New Year's Eve Weekend in New Jersey with Kids: Countdown to 2026 and More Fun Things To Do

Climb aboard the Battleship New Jersey for the best view of the Delaware River fireworks on New Year's Eve. Photo courtesy of Battleship New Jersey

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey over New Year's Eve weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for the holiday weekend.

It's time to kiss 2025 goodbye and look forward to a fresh new start in 2026. Celebrate New Year's Eve family-style with low-key events like Noon Year's Eve at Jenkinson's in the daytime, featuring entertainment and a balloon drop, or see the nighttime New Year's Eve fireworks in Sea Isle City. Plus, kick off the first weekend of the new year with some fresh air during a Storytime and Craft at the Liberty State Park Nature Center.

Read on for all our top picks for the weekend ahead!

30 Things We Are Excited to Do with Orlando Kids This Winter

Speed down the hills at Snowcat Ridge for thrilling snow tubing and family fun at this winter snow park! Photo courtesy of Snowcat Ridge

Start 2026 by creating special memories with your family with the help of our guide of fun things to do this winter in Orlando. From manatee sightings and strawberry picking, to a theme park festival and Scottish Highland Games, no matter where you are around Central Florida, there is no shortage of fun things to do in winter. 

Don't forget to ​subscribe to our FREE newsletter as well for the best events, ideas, and happenings in the area delivered right to your inbox!

15 Free Things To Do Indoors in Philadelphia: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days

Learn all about fire safety and the history of firefighters in Philly at the Fireman's Hall Museum.Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

If you're looking to escape the elements, an indoor playground is a great option to entertain stir-crazy kids on rainy or snowy days. No need to break the bank—the Philadelphia area has several free indoor play spaces where children can climb, explore, learn something new, or relax with a good book. We've rounded up the best indoor venues in Philly with free activities for kids where you never have to worry about the price of admission.

To get more free fun at home and around Philly delivered to your inbox sign up for our newsletters, and discover all the free events and activities near you in our Free Things To Do with Philly Kids Guide

25 Free Things To Do Indoors in Atlanta: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days

Babyland General Hospital offer free admission for kids to see where the beloved Cabbage Patch Kids are "born."

Free indoor activities in Atlanta are a must as temperatures drop and winter comes in full force! And as the winter weather (or spring's rainy weather) settles in, having reliable FREE things to do indoors in your back pocket is crucial. Free things to do indoors in Atlanta help parents keep the party going no matter what's happening outside, without a hit to the wallet. Here are some of our favorite free things to do with kids when its rainy, icy, snowy, or some type of combination that haunts Atlanta. Just make sure you can safely drive there!

For more free fun in Atlanta, check out our Free Things To Do with Kids Guide and sign up for our newsletters to get info delivered straight to your inbox.

27 Free and Fun Activities in New Jersey January 2026

Rancocas Nature Center is a great spot for a free winter hike. Photo by Lisa Warden

Looking for FREE January events in New Jersey? Read on for dozens of great options. 

January is the perfect time to keep little ones warm and busy on a post-holiday budget with FREE and fun cold-weather festivals, including the Mount Holly Fire and Ice Festival, complete with ice sculptures and chili tasting. Or, enjoy hot chocolate, inflatables, and crafts at Wicoff House Museum's Annual Snowfest. And you'll find plenty of admission-free weekly activities for families, like the Live Animal Talks at Jake Branch County Park.

Mark your calendars with these great no-cost holiday events that take place nearly every day of the season. For more winter fun, check out our Event Calendar and Winter Activities Guide.

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