Where to Go in California with Kids for New Year: A Practical Guide
26.12.2025
Reading time: 6 minutes
New Year holidays in California offer different formats for families: theme parks, nature trips, city activities, and indoor experiences. Each option suits different ages, budgets, and expectations. This guide helps families understand these formats and choose where to go in California with kids for New Year.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Destination
When traveling during New Year with children, families usually face the following factors:
- higher holiday prices
- crowded popular locations
- late-night celebrations
- limited child-oriented events
Theme Parks During New Year
Disneyland Resort (Anaheim)
Disneyland is a large, full-day theme park with strong holiday theming. During New Year, it offers a festive but crowded experience that requires time and planning.
What happens during New Year:
What happens during New Year:
- evening fireworks
- holiday parades and decorations
- extended operating hours
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios focuses on movie-themed shows and attractions. Its New Year program is smaller in scale and more oriented toward visual entertainment.
What happens during New Year:
What happens during New Year:
- themed shows
- countdown-style events
Outdoor and Nature-Based Options
National Parks (Yosemite, Joshua Tree)
National parks offer a quieter New Year focused on nature rather than celebrations. Families plan activities independently and control their schedule.
Things to do in California outdoors during New Year:
Things to do in California outdoors during New Year:
- winter hiking
- snow play (weather dependent)
- stargazing
Lake Tahoe (California Side)
Lake Tahoe is a winter destination centered on snow sports and resort activities, with some local holiday events.
Typical New Year activities:
Typical New Year activities:
- skiing and snowboarding
- resort-based family programs
- fireworks in some areas
City-Based Activities for Families
San Diego
San Diego offers a mild climate and a mix of daytime attractions rather than one central New Year event.
Places to visit in California with kids:
Places to visit in California with kids:
- San Diego Zoo
- Balboa Park museums and gardens
- early evening family events
San Francisco (Daytime Activities)
San Francisco works best for daytime visits with children, focusing on educational and cultural attractions.
Fun things to do in California here include:
Fun things to do in California here include:
- interactive museums
- waterfront walks
- short educational visits
Indoor, Time-Limited Experiences
Indoor activities can complement holiday plans for families who want predictable timing and weather-independent options.
Anvio as an Example of Indoor Interactive Activities
Anvio represents location-based VR centers offering short, scheduled group sessions. These experiences are not holiday events but structured activities that fit into a New Year itinerary.
What happens in this format:
What happens in this format:
- small-group VR sessions
- fixed session length
- indoor setting
FAQ
Is California suitable for New Year travel with kids?
Yes, if activities match children’s age and energy level.
What are the calmest options?
Nature trips and indoor session-based activities.
Are there child-oriented New Year events?
Some cities offer daytime or early evening celebrations.
Is advance planning necessary?
Yes, especially for popular destinations and accommodation.
Yes, if activities match children’s age and energy level.
What are the calmest options?
Nature trips and indoor session-based activities.
Are there child-oriented New Year events?
Some cities offer daytime or early evening celebrations.
Is advance planning necessary?
Yes, especially for popular destinations and accommodation.
How to Decide Where to Go
When choosing where to go in California for New Year with children, consider:
For families building a varied holiday plan, including an indoor experience such as Anvio can be a neutral, practical addition alongside outdoor and city-based activities, without relying entirely on traditional New Year events.
1815 Hawthorne Blvd Ste. 202, Redondo Beach, CA 90278, 2 level
- preferred activity pace
- tolerance for crowds
- children’s attention span
- overall travel flexibility
For families building a varied holiday plan, including an indoor experience such as Anvio can be a neutral, practical addition alongside outdoor and city-based activities, without relying entirely on traditional New Year events.
1815 Hawthorne Blvd Ste. 202, Redondo Beach, CA 90278, 2 level