December is coming to an end. Parents everywhere are looking for the best way to ring in the new year with their kids. Celebrating with your little ones doesn’t have to be boring. It’s important to include them in the fun too! You will be creating incredible memories with your family. From crafts to karaoke, I will be sharing great ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve with kids.
Check out these fun ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve with kids. Make sure to subscribe to my newsletter via email to stay updated on the latest posts. Also, follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for more amazing content. This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I’ll earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. This only applies if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for your support!
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Kids
- Have everyone share their favorite memory of the year.
- Make a list of goals for the new year.
- Create a time capsule. (FREE Printable)
- Make a blanket fort in the living room.
- Watch the countdown on tv.
- Pop a balloon every hour until noon or midnight.
- Create a scavenger hunt around the house.
- Have a dance party. (Bluetooth speaker)
- Go for a family hike.
- Host a game night with friends. (Taboo: Kids vs Parents | Jenga)
- Create a fashion show
- Write out a 2026 family bucket list.
- Set up a DIY photo booth.
- Create a signature New Year’s Eve mocktail.
- Make a DIY balloon drop.
- Host a movie night with friends.
- Attend a Noon Year’s Eve party.
- Host a fancy New Year’s Eve dinner with family or friends.
- Create New Year’s Eve countdown activity bags.
- Make crafts to celebrate the new year.
- Play glow in the dark games. (Capture the flag | Glow sticks)
- Make a year-in-review slideshow.
- Create a treat station.
- Have a coloring contest. (FREE Printable)
- Bake a cake or cookies.
- Go ice skating.
- Light sparklers.
- Plan a staycation.
- Watch fireworks.
- Have a karaoke contest. (Bluetooth karaoke wireless microphone)
NOON Year’s Eve & Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Events in Tampa Bay for Kids
The Shops at Wiregrass
Celebrate Noon Year’s Eve 2026 with a fun-filled family event featuring expanded green space, plenty of shade, and comfortable seating. Kids and parents alike can enjoy loads of bubbles, exciting entertainment, and a spectacular foam cannon countdown to ring in the New Year early. The celebration includes a lively Noon Year’s Eve sing‑along with Mr. Tommy & GiGi, plus the Spheres Liquid Fireworks Bubble Show and Foam Cannon Countdown, as seen on America’s Got Talent. Families can snap photos with “Willow Wiregrass,” the Elfette on the Shelf, enjoy glitter tattoos, strike a pose at the selfie station, make some noise with festive noisemakers, and be dazzled by a strolling stilt‑walking disco ball. Please note that bubble and foam activities are safe but may get kids a bit wet. Bringing a raincoat, towel, change of clothes, and eye protection for sensitive eyes is recommended. Bring the whole family and kick off 2026 with music, laughter, and unforgettable fun for all!! theshopsatwiregrass.com
- Location: 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543
- Hours: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Cost: FREE
Armature Works
Let the countdown to the New Year begin! If midnight is too late for the little ones, stop by Armature Works for a spectacular Noon Year’s Eve celebration featuring an extravagant fireworks show at noon. Enjoy a large petting zoo, Bailey’s Circuit Monster Truck, games, bounce houses, live music, and much more. Bring the whole family for a day full of excitement to ring in 2026 early. armatureworks.com
- Location: 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
- Hours: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Cost: FREE
Glazer Children’s Museum
Ring in the New Year at the Glazer Children’s Museum with countdowns, family play projects, and celebrations throughout the day. Celebrate with countries around the world with balloon drops on the hour! glazermuseum.org
- Location: 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
- Hours: 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
- Cost: General Admission $24.95 | Florida Resident $19.95 | Babies Under Age 1 Play Free | 5 Admission Up to 4 Guests for EBT, SNAP, & WIC Card Holders
MOSI
Get ready to press start on New Year’s Eve. Quantum Countdown: Level Up to 2026, presented by PNC, is a family-friendly celebration designed for connection, play, and imagination. Step into a video game–inspired world of science and discovery. Then, explore hands-on activities that encourage you to learn, build, and share together. mosi.org
- Location: 4801 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33617
- Hours: 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
- Cost: $15 for Ages 3-17 & $20 for Ages 18+ | Countdown Add-on is $10 per person
Playgrounds of Tampa
Enjoy Open Play from 9 am – 2 pm for a fun Noon Year’s Eve event. There will be kid’s crafts, a raffle prize and the balloon drop at noon! playgroundsoftampa.com
- Location: 4535 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33611
- Hours: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Cost: $16.95 + tax for ages 3-12 | $13.95 + tax for ages 0-2 | $13.95 + tax for siblings (plus initial full-price admission) | $2.00 + tax for Parents & Caregivers
ZooTampa
Ring in the New Year at ZooTampa at Lowry Park during the New Year Celebration in the Africa Circle. Enjoy a countdown every hour featuring festive foods, live DJ, kid-friendly activities, and fun giveaways. zootampa.org
- Location: 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
- Hours: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Cost: Adult (ages 12+) $51.95 | Child (ages 3-11) $41.95
The Lost Pearl, Tampa’s Pirate Ship
Batten down the hatches, we are setting sail into the New Year all day with our Cannonball Countdown Cruises! Why only celebrate at midnight? Ring in the new year with your favorite scallywags on the Lost Pearl. The perfect way to celebrate for those young pirates with early bedtimes, without missing any of the celebrations. Whether we’re waiting for the clock to strike 12:00, 2:00, 4:00 or 6:00, your little ones will have a great time cruising into the new year. Say “Happy New Yarrgh’s Eve” as we celebrate with our one-of-a-kind countdown and cannon ball drop, party and prepare for a toast of complimentary champagne or sparking juice as we wait for the countdown to hit zero. tampapirateship.com
- Location: 333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602 (Tampa Convention Center: Pirate Water Taxi Stop 7 Dock)
- Hours: Boarding: 10:45 am | Cruise Time: 11:00 am
- Cost: Adult (ages 13+) Starts at $40 | Child (ages 2-12) Starts at $35 | 2 and under: Starts at $12
Great Explorations Children’s Museum
Kick off 2026 with a day packed with family fun, highlighted by big confetti cannon explosions as we count down to noon! Kids can unleash their creativity by making their own party hats, noise makers, and wish bottles, then hit the disco dance room to show off their moves. Interactive games like underwater fireworks and Pin the Hand on the Clock will keep everyone entertained. Enjoy pizza courtesy of Papa John’s and refreshments. greatex.org
- Location: 1925 4th Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida, 33704
- Hours: 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
- Cost: Members: $12 per person | Non-Members: $18 per person
Skate World of Tampa
Bring in the new year early with a skate party. There will be a balloon drop, party favors, games, food, noisemakers, dancing with characters and more! unitedskates.com
- Location: 7510 Paula Dr. Ste A, Tampa, FL 33615
- Hours: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Cost: $12 per person or 4 for $40
Little Explorers Palm Harbor
Join Little Explorers PH saying goodbye to 2025 in style with the classic countdown to 2026. 90-minute sessions of dancing, fun, and a balloon drop! littleexplorers.com
- Location: 35225 US Hwy 19 N, Palm Harbor, FL 34684
- Hours: 9:00 am – 2:15 pm (3 sessions available)
- Cost: $22.95
AdventHealth Center Ice
Say goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026! Reserve your tickets ahead of time! ahcenterice.com
- Location: 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
- Hours: 12:30 am – 1:30 pm | 1:45 pm – 2:45 pm | 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm | 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm | 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm | 6:45 pm – 7:45 pm
- Cost: $20.26 rate includes 2 admissions and 2 skate rentals for 1-hour of public skating.
Dave and Buster’s – Tampa/Brandon
Ring in 2026 with a celebration the whole family will love! Join us for an unforgettable Family New Year’s Eve experience packed with fun, games, food, and more festive excitement. From thrilling arcade action to delicious bites and sparkling drinks, we’ve got everything you need to welcome 2026 in style … without staying up till midnight! daveandbusters.com
- Location: 10209 Estuary Lakes Dr, Tampa FL 33619
- Hours: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Cost: $33.79 + Processing Fee
Pin Chasers
Celebrate the New Year at Pin Chasers with the whole family! Enjoy 3 hours of family and fun at your favorite Pin Chasers location! Price includes unlimited bowling, party favors, and a $5 arcade card for all kids! Stay for a special countdown to the New Year at 3 pm! pinchasers.net
- Location: 6816 Gall Boulevard, Zephyrhills, FL | 4847 N Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL | 5555 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL
- Hours: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
- Cost: $12.99 per person
Florida Children’s Museum
Play your way into the New Year at Florida Children’s Museum! Put on your most stylin’ jammies and join us for a day of NYE activities, all counting down to a ball drop at noon. explorefcm.org
- Location: 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33815
- Hours: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Cost: $20 per person | Florida Resident $16 per person
Main Event Wesley Chapel
Main Event’s “When the Clock Strikes FUN” Family New Year’s Eve Celebration invites families to ring in 2026 with nonstop activities, tasty food options, exciting games, and surprises throughout the venue. Guests can enjoy unlimited fun, enter exclusive VIP raffles with major prizes, and even take a shot at winning “Free Laser Tag for a Year.” With entertainment around every corner, it’s a high‑energy way for all ages to welcome the new year together. mainevent.com
- Location: 2839 Creek Grass Way, Lutz, FL 33559
- Hours: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Cost: VIP Adult (13+) + 1 Child (2-12) is $35.00 | Additional Child VIP Ticket (2-12) $18.95
Watch the video below to see how to make these paper plate noisemakers to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Make sure to follow me on YouTube for more fun content!
You can find these adorable books about New Year’s Day on Amazon (As an Amazon Associate, I’ll earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. This only applies if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for your support!), your local library or visit your local book shop.
- It’s New Year’s! by Kylie Wyman
- Happy New Year, Spot! by Eric Hill
- Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution by Pat Miller
- The Night Before New Year’s by Natasha Wing
- P. Bear’s New Year’s Party by Paul Owen Lewis
- Felíz New Year, Ava Gabriela! by Alexandra Alessandri
- The Lucky Grapes: A New Year’s Eve Story by Tracey Kyle
- New Year’s Resolutions in the Animal World by Julia Zheng
- Shante Keys and the New Year’s Peas by Gail Piernas-Davenport
- We all celebrate the New Year by Hannah Swift & Dreaming Kid
Check out these New Year’s Day digital products from my ETSY shop. Kids, teens and adults will love these worksheets.
Looking for more New Year’s Day and winter activities for your little ones? Visit my Pinterest board or check out these fun ideas:
