New Year’s Eve is usually when you want to drink and dance the night away, but sometimes you might not get that chance. Maybe clubs are too expensive, traffic is too heavy, or nobody could baby sit.
If you are looking for an alternative to that New Year’s party, try a yearend celebration instead. Around Charlotte, there are some places that give special day and night events that are more family friendly.
Here are some of the fun things I’ve found to do on New Year’s Eve.
Click on the titles for more information.
#1 Abari New Year’s Eve Bash!
Abari Game Bar in NODA is offering free play on all pinball machines on New Year’s Eve. Players will enjoy beer, games, food, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. They will also get to try the newly debuted mystery machine.
The event last from noon on New Year’s Eve, till 2a.m. New Year’s Day, and kids are allowed with guardians until 5p.m.
#2 Laser Quest: New Year’s Eve Sparkling Countdown
The Charlotte Laser quest branchis hosting its special year end event from 9p.m. to 1a.m. New Year’s Day. Friends and family can end the year playing exciting rounds of laser tag and other specialty missions, and then welcome 2017 with a sparkling cider toast at midnight.
Package reservations are $25 in advance and $30 for the day, and are recommended by the staff.
#3 Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville: New Years at Noon
Busy parents looking for a fun New Year’s with the kids can head up to Huntersville for Discovery Place’s great New Year’s Day party.
Let your kids enjoy creating noise makers and decorations at stations throughout the museum. Then at 11:45 p.m., take them to Huntersville town center for the Big Fun dance party, followed by the New Year’s Big Balloon Drop at 12:30 p.m.
It will be fun for the whole family!
#4 Sparkle and Glow New Year’s Eve
Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens are throwing their annual New Year’s event during the Holiday at the Gardens celebrations. Families are invited to see New Year’s traditions from all over the world.
There will be 20 to 30 minute Glow Hooper performance at Hillside Theatre. Guest can receive limited amount of mason glow jars to follow the luminary path, but floating luminaries won’t return this year due to fire hazards.
Food trucks and live music will be provided, as well as carriage rides for an added fee. For an additional $20, there is also a sparkling wine tasting.
The festivities last from 6p.m. until 9p.m. and are free with Holiday at the Garden admission.
Please click here for additional ticket information and prices.
#5 Dave and Buster’s
Every New Year’s, the Dave and Buster at Concord Mills remains open at its normal hours. That means a whole night of fun for the whole family. Parents and kids can eat, drink, and play well into next year from 10a.m. until 2a.m.
There are two great New Year’s packages which includea buffet with unlimited soft drinks, and Power Cards to play in the Million Dollar Midway.
Just make sure you get there early. By 9p.m., there is a required $20 cover charge that comes with a $5 VIP power card.
Bonus: The Speed Park at Concord Mills
On New Year’s Eve, Speed Park will be open at its regular hours from 10 a.m. until 9p.m. Play a game of mini golf, climb up the spider web, drive go-karts, or go ice skating with friends and family for one last day of fun in 2016.
They also offer group rates for the whole family.
What are your plans for tonight?