Family-Friendly New Year's Celebrations Around Philly

SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA — If you haven't yet finalized New Years Eve plans, now's the time. And there are an abundance of family friendly ways to celebrate around the greater Philadelphia region.

We've rounded up a selection of some of the best below, including events that cater to more adventurous party-goers and those who idea of a perfect celebration is sneaking off to dreamland early.

Ardmore Music Hall Family Jam

The local concert venue offers a unique "countdown to noon" family celebration. It features live music, a dance party, face painting, balloon art, a photo booth, and much more.

Doors open at 10 a.m., and the show begins at 10:30 a.m.

Here's how organizers describe the event: "Audiences clap along, sing, dance and improvise with the band, actively participating in the concerts creating a profound sense of community and connection. Songs like “Insect Tourists”, “Crocodile” and “Dino Dig” are not only a blast to sing and dance to but also teach us fun facts about the world around us. And “Mama’s In The Kitchen”, “Love Is All It Takes” and “Tell Me A Story” are sure to bring families together in a joyous moment of musical magic."

The featured performer is Alex and the Kaleioscope. Tickets are $20 to $25.

Sesame Place New Year's Eve Fireworks

Beginning at 6:25 p.m., Sesame Place in Langhorne will hold a fireworks celebration. 2020 marks 50 years of Sesame Place, and the celebration will include all of the kids' favorite characters.

Organizers say: "Rock out with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster and Count von Count, as their music fills the air and the sky is covered with colorful bursts of brilliance. Be sure to watch us paint the sky red (and green and blue) from inside the park. This impressive display will certainly give you something to celebrate this New Year."

Longwood Gardens live performances

Longwood will host a series of live performances beginning at 2 p.m. on Tuesday. The gardens are open until 10 p.m.; access to the special performances is free with admission. The schedule is as follows:

• Organ sing-alongs with Marc Cheban on the hour from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Rob Dickenson and the Brandywine Christmas Minstrels: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Galena Brass: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Old Towne Carolers: 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Plenty Pepper Steel Band: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Longwood Gardens tickets are sold in time slots based on arrival time.

Bucks County Children's Museum New Year's Eve Carnival

The Bucks County Children's Museum is offering three separate countdown times, at 11 a.m., noon, and 1 p.m.

A carnival with games, crafts, and prizes for the whole family will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Access is free with admission. The museum closes at 3:30 p.m.

Kids Countdown in Franklin Square

Franklin Square in Philadelphia will hold a free celebration and dance party for kids from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The SquareDrop from the top of the SquareBurger will take place at 6 p.m.

Franklin Square also offers a good view of the 6 p.m. fireworks show over the Delaware River.

Dave and Busters Family Party

From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Dave and Busters in Philadelphia will offer a full buffet for both kids and adults. There are special areas for fireworks viewing at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 to $50.

Meanwhile the Plymouth Meeting Dave and Buster's is throwing a Noon Year's Eve party with a breakfast buffet, dancing, ginger ale toast, and more; tickets are $26.99.

Noon Year's Eve at the Franklin Institute

Live science shows, magic milk fireworks experiments, noisemakers, discussions of the science of fireworks, and more highlight this family New Year's celebration at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.

A "ball pit explosion" will celebrate the New Year when the clock strikes noon.

Access to the celebration is free with general admission.

Legoland Discovery Center's Bricktacular

Legoland's Holiday Bricktacular display of winter themed creations is on full display on New Year's Eve. A Lego ball drop and balloon will be held at noon, free noise makers will be given out, glasses of sparkling apple cider will be available, and Lego build challenges will be happening all morning. Tickets here.

Kennett Square's earlier celebrations

Kennett Square's New Year's Eve party gets kicked off early at 6 p.m. with a Laser Light Show. Live music, food trucks, drinks, and more highlight the event. The rising of a lighted mushroom 100 feet above the street will commence at 8:45 p.m., early enough for families to get home before things get too out of hand.

For those looking to stay out a bit later, live music from The Funsters will take place from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.