New Years Eve with kids in the US
 

I am wondering where to celebrate New Years eve with a 11 and 13 year old this year. We are travelling from New York to Washington around then and we are in dubio if we should stay and do time square. Or celebrate it in Philly or in Washington DC.

So what is going on in Philadelphia or Washington DC with New Year Eve which is a public celebration?

We come from the Netherlands which has a bit of another tradition. Last year we where in down town San Diego and that was a bit of a disappointment. But that was also because of the rains... ;)

You do NOT want to do the New York CIty Times Square crowd, not as adults, less so with children. On your feet for 12+ hours, no food or drink or toilets. People literally wear adult diapers to make it through. It would be a nightmare for children; they might not even be allowed in.

Boston has a less hectic, more family-friendly First Night celebration with fireworks:

https://www.firstnightboston.org/

I've never been in Philadelphia for New Year's Eve but there are some things to do that the children might like (fireworks on the waterfront, watch from aboard a Navy battleship, etc.):

http://www.visitphilly.com/articles/...-philadelphia/

If you are in Washington DC, Old Town Alexandria right across the Potomac River (where I used to live) has family-friendly celebrations organized... some of it requires advance tickets:

https://www.firstnightalexandria.org/

Hope that helps. Can recommend Boston or DC/Alexandria, definitely do not recommend NYC, don't know about Philadelphia.

Agreed that you have to be a special sort of masochist to want to do NYC Times Square New Year's Eve.

The best way to experience Times Square New Year's Eve is to watch it on TV.

Many hotels are also quite expensive on NYE.

I always enjoyed Pittsburgh's fireworks and activities. It's an all day event for children as well, so parts have a no drinking policy.

When I was in DC New Year's was more of a gala/party night vs big public celebration (maybe because of how large the 4th of July is). In addition to Alexandria, Annapolis also has a good first night celebration. Baltimore also has a decent celebration around the harbor.

My wild card suggestion for you, especially with the kids - the Hershey's Kiss Drop in Hershey, PA: http://www.hersheynewyears.org

Feeling you on last year in San Diego - we had reserved a special thing at LEGOLAND for their Kids' New Year Eve. Got poured on in the park but still enjoyed fireworks from the hotel.