5 Ways To Celebrate A Family Style NYE In Brooklyn

Christine Bush -

Don’t write off a fun and festive New Year’s Eve celebration just because you have kids! Even if you can’t swing a babysitter this year, Brooklyn is bursting with some fantastic ways to rock a family style NYE. Here are five of our favorites:

Courtesy Brooklyn Children Museum

Countdowns & Crafts

New Year’s Eve is nothing without proper headwear. Thankfully, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum (145 Brooklyn Avenue) is here to help. Bring kids out to the museum on Thursday (11:30am – 12:30pm or 2:30 – 3:30pm) to learn about New Year’s traditions, make a festive hat, and count down to 2016. The program is geared toward children ages 2.5 to 5, and is free with museum admission.

Courtesy Hill Country Barbecue

Country Jams, Face Painting, & Tasty Vittles

Get some down-home barbecue, toe-tapping music, activities for the kids, and an early 6pm countdown from our neighbors at Hill Country Barbecue (345 Adams Street) on Thursday. The restaurant’s special New Year’s Eve FamJam kicks off at 4pm, so dust off those boots and Stetsons and get ready for some fun.

Christine Bush/City Kid Corner

There’s No Place Like Home

There’s no reason you can’t rock a family style NYE from the comfort of your own home! Snag some cheesy party hats, noise makers, and confetti from a neighborhood dollar store, fill your fancy glasses with seltzer, and count down with one of the on demand specials that Netflix is currently streaming. Kids can choose from Care Bears, Inspector Gadget, King Julien, and more.

Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Celebrating With Coney

Coney Island isn’t just for summer anymore! Starting at 9pm on NYE, the boardwalk is shining bright with fireworks and a countdown to the digital ball drop on the Parachute Jump. There will also be live music, food and free admission to some of the rides. For more information, check out our sister site, Sheepshead Bites.

Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Prospect Park Pyrotechnics

Last, but certainly not least, is the famous Prospect Park fireworks celebration. Starting at 11pm, look for music and hot chocolate near Grand Army Plaza, but the real show starts at midnight, when the sky will come alive with one of the city’s best fireworks displays. Set up camp anywhere from 9th Street to Grand Army on Prospect Park West, or inside the park along West Drive to see the show.

Know of any other great ways to celebrate a family style NYE? Share the details with us in the comments below.