Can’t find a babysitter for New Years Eve? Don’t sweat it! There are lots of fun events happening here in the Fraser Valley worth raising a glass of sparkling apple juice for.
And if you’re one of ‘those parents’ who’d prefer to watch the ball drop in the company of your wee ones, you’ve come to the right place.
Many of these festive fetes start early, so you can have the best of both worlds – you get to celebrate with your children and then enjoy some adult time for the real countdown later on.
Here are 7 family friendly New Years Eve Activities in the Fraser Valley for 2015.
1.The Great Escape ~ Abbotsford
Looking for a family friendly outing on New Years Eve – one that starts and finishes early? If so, head on over to The Great Escape in Langley for a Family New Years Eve Buffet n’ Play Bash. In addition to letting your little party animals burn off some energy, you’ll be able to tuck them into bed long before the countdown begins.
Advanced reservation required!
Cost: $19.95 for children over 4 years and adults; $10.95 for children 2& 3 years old.
2.Fraser Valley First Night 2016 ~ Abbotsford
Once again, the Abbotsford TRADEX is throwing a big bash this NYE — Fraser Valley First Night 2016.
This festive family fete will have fireworks, a balloon drop, West Coast Amusement Carnival Rides, Face Painting, Bouncy Castles, Live Entertainment, Crafts, a Rock Wall, Mini Golf and much more. All food offered will be at a reduced cost the make the family event easier on parents’ wallets. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Cost: Pre-purchase $12 for 4 & up. Day of tickets: $15. Admission includes an all access pass.
3. Winter Ice Palace ~ Surrey
If you’re looking for a daytime activity, Cloverdale Arena will be open on New Years Eve from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. for the 18th Annual Winter Ice Palace skate. This will tire your wee ones out so you can enjoy some adult time later on.
Every December, Cloverdale Arena is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with an old fashioned pond and holiday displays. This is an event the whole family can enjoy!
Cost: Admission (2+ years): $4.50
Skate Rentals: $3.25
Helmet Rentals: $1.75
4. Christmas Train ~ Surrey
Bundle up your clan in toques and woolly sweaters; grab some hot chocolate climb on board the Bear Creek Park Christmas Train for an adventure through the festive forest. Santa is waiting at the station to meet and greet guests — little ones will receive a candy cane and an activity bag to take home. Toot, toot!
This enchanting ride runs on NYE from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Adults & Children $8.50 each + tax.
Bonus: Receive a $5 gift certificate for Churches Chicken with every adult ticket
5. Castle Fun Park ~ Abbotsford
If you’re in it for the long haul this NYE with your family, Castle Fun Park is offering loads of fun for all ages up until the wee hours of the night.
While you await the balloon drop at midnight, you are invited to watch a movie on their 120″ screen with surround. There will be plenty of popcorn, face painting, and the chance to win a door prize, hot cocoa and cookies. You could also pass the time by playing a round of mini- golf courses, or by partaking in the: Go Karts, batting cages, Laser Maze, bumper cars & over 200 arcade games!
Before the clock strikes midnight capture a moment with a snap shot of you and your friends and family in their new Photo Super Booth!
New Year’s Eve hours are 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Cost: As always, just pay for what you play.
7. Heritage Holidays at the Fort ~ Langley
Before going into 2016, take your family on a blast to the past at the Fort Langley National Historic Site for Heritage Holidays at the Fort.
This daytime event runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on NYE, offering your little ones the opportunity to make heritage holiday memories at Vancouver’s only Fort. There will also be scavenger hunts with candy cane prizes, heritage crafts, chestnut roasting, holiday photo stations and a hot chocolate tasting.
Cost: Regular admission fees apply; free for annual pass holders.
7. Cloverdale Lanes ~ Surrey
Clover Lanes presents Bowling NYE event from 9 p.m. to midnight on Jan. 31. Cost of admission includes 3 hours of laser bowling, appetizers, 2 drinks and champagne at midnight – cocktails are obviously for adults only. This is a great activity if you have older children and teenagers joining you.
Cost: $45 per person.
And there you have it Valleyites, 7 fun and local family events happening in the Fraser Valley for New Years Eve 2015. How do you plan to ring in the new year.
