Family Friendly New Years Eve Tampa

If you have kids you know that New Years Eve is not really a family friendly event in most cases. You have people who are having a great time drinking way too much and smooching all over their girlfriend/boyfriend. I can really understand how this might not be the greatest event to take your child to. Here are some ideas for some family friendly/more friendly events so that you can still go out and take the kids.

Lowry Park Zoo

For a really family friendly even try Noon Years Eve at Lowry Park Zoo. The zoo is obviously a safe bet for a kids location, and they have moved up the festivities for earlier in the day (9:30am-1pm). This event is being held in conjunction with radio Disney. Even if you don't have a blast I'm sure your children will. This would be a really great event for younger children that can't make it until midnight or for young ones that will end up staying at home while you go out and party the night away without them.

Outback Bowl 2009

For new years we will be also enjoying Outback Bowl festivities in Ybor city on 7th. The event starts at 5:30 pm and concludes with a fire work display at 8:30. This is early enough to get out of the Ybor area before the party crowd comes out. The floats are supposed to be professional styles so it should be a really great event that you can enjoy along with your children.

Busch Gardens

If your kids can hold out until midnight for the fireworks then Busch Gardens might be the location for your new years eve plans. They are having special park hours and will stay open until 1am. This is somewhere you can have a lot of fun before watching a spectacular fireworks display. This would probably be better for children that are old enough to enjoy the rides at Busch Gardens. Otherwise, paying for the ticket might not be worth it.

Channel Side

If you are looking for a good free fireworks display that would be family friendly I would suggest Channel Side. There is a bridge that runs between Harbour Island and Channel Side that is blocked off for the event. I know from experience that this is an excellent location to view the Channel Side fireworks.

First Night

If you are willing to travel a little outside of Tampa then St Pete offers a specifically family oriented event down town called First Night. Take a look at their website for more details.