Family Friendly New Year's Eve Fun in Connecticut (Fairfield County)

Finding a babysitter on New Year’s Eve is harder than getting your one year old to eat spaghetti without getting it in her hair.  And harder than getting your eight year old to clean her room.  (Well, maybe it’s not quite that hard…)

Happily there are many New Year’s Eve activities in Fairfield County that are great for the whole family – no sitter necessary! 

Noon Year's Eve Party, Fairfield Public Library

Warm up for New Year’s Eve early with the Fairfield Public Library! You’ll sing, dance, make resolutions and party as we get ready for 2017! For families with children in grades K-5. Drop-in program. 11 a.m. to Noon
1080 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824, (203) 256-3160

Public Skate at Stamford Twin Rinks, Stamford

Enjoy the fresh air and stretch your legs! Stamford Twin rinks is hosting a public skate on New Year’s Eve. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1063 Hope Street, Stamford, CT  06907 203.968.9000

Nutmeg Bowl New Year's Celebration, Fairfield

Head to Nutmeg Bowl for a fun New Year's Eve celebration that includes 2.5 hours of bowling (including shoe rentals), as well as hats, noisemakers, food and soft drinks, and games and prizes. Check in begins at 6:30 pm. 
802 Villa Avenue, Fairfield, CT 06825, 203-367-7741

New Year's Eve Family Fun at the Maritime Aquarium, Norwalk

The Maritime Aquarium never disappoints, even on an average day. This New Year's Even they are going all out with a magician, a "Bubble-ologist," juggling, photo booths, and more. Regular IMAX are included with the day's admission. The Aquarium opens at 10 a.m. All the bonus New Year’s Eve offerings are from 3 to 7 p.m.
10 North Water Street, Norwalk, CT 06854, (203) 852-0700
 

Outdoor Public Skate at Westport PAL rink, Westport

Skating is great; skating in the sunshine is even better!  Westport’s PAL rink is outdoors, and in nice weather, it’s a sure hit.  Open New Year's Eve Day, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m..
260 Compo Road South, Westport, CT 06880 203.226.7465

First Night Celebration, Westport

Westport continues the tradition of holding a town-wide "first nigh"t celebration, now in their 23rd year. Carriage rides, face painting, palm readers and music will all be featured. Starting at 3 p.m. and ending at 10 p.m., the celebration includes with fireworks at 8 p.m. over the Saugatuck River. 
Various locations. Downtown Westport and Weston

New Year's Eve All-Nighter at Game Haven, Norwalk 

Ring in 2017 at Game Haven in Norwalk, a true haven for geeks and video game lovers. Includes pizza, prizes, beverages, and tons of gaming. If you stay all night, there will even be breakfast served in the morning!  Starts at Noon on December 31 and ends at 8 a.m. January 1.
10 Cross Street, Norwalk, CT

Of course, staying in can sometimes be the best New Year’s plan.  If you’re planning on being at your house this New Year’s Eve, invite a few families over for a night of playing cards (Spoons is a favorite over here), watching holiday movies (Elf, anyone?), and toasting the start of 2017 with good friends!

Originally written by Katie McKnight and published on 12/18/2011.