New Year Eve (Outside)
NYC Kid-Friendly New Year’s Eve Events (2025–2026)
Manhattan
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
December 31 | 12:00 PM & 2:00 PM
Celebrate with a kid-approved ball drop, music, and dancing led by a live DJ. This popular event fills up quickly and is perfect for younger children.
Cost: $17 per child; infants free
Sloomoo Institute
December 31 | 12:00 PM
Kids can ring in the New Year surrounded by slime, sensory play, and a festive confetti toss. A high-energy experience for children who love hands-on fun.
Cost: Tickets start at $39
Time Out Market New York – Union Square
December 31 | 11:00 AM
A free family celebration featuring a puppet show followed by a balloon drop inside the market.
Cost: Free
Milk & Cookies Comedy Show (Family Edition)
December 31 | 4:00–5:30 PM
A stand-up comedy show made for families, with clean humor and lots of laughs for both kids and adults.
Cost: $20–$30
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library
December 31 | 5:00–6:00 PM
Children can create origami fortune cookies and reflect on the year ahead in this calm, creative library program.
Cost: Free
Inwood Hill Park
December 31 | 1:00–2:30 PM
An outdoor nature-based celebration with a campfire experience and wigwam exploration—perfect for families who want to end the year outside.
Cost: Free
Davis Center at Central Park
December 31 | 1:30–5:00 PM
Ice skating with a live DJ, festive lighting, and a celebratory atmosphere to welcome the New Year.
Cost: Skating fees apply
Brooklyn
Adams Street Library
December 29 | 11:45 AM–12:45 PM
An early countdown with crafts and activities designed especially for young children.
Cost: Free
Threes Brewing (Family Event)
December 31 | 1:00 PM
A midday balloon drop and family-friendly cider toast in a relaxed setting.
Cost: Free
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-at-threes-brewing-gowanus-tickets-1977412589285
Prospect Park Drone Show
December 31 | 10:00 PM–12:00 AM
A spectacular drone light show fills the night sky to welcome the New Year—great for older kids who can stay up late.
Cost: Free
Brooklyn Bowl
December 31 | 12:00 PM
A Taylor Swift-themed dance party for kids, complete with music and movement.
Cost: $22
Bronx
Tremont Library
December 31 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Storytime, crafts, and a balloon drop make this library celebration perfect for younger children.
Cost: Free
Staten Island
South Beach Library
December 30 | 3:30–4:30 PM
Kids can make their own noisemakers and get ready to ring in the New Year.
Cost: Free
Staten Island Museum
December 31 | 11:30 AM–2:30 PM
A lively daytime celebration featuring dancing and a balloon drop inside the museum.
Cost: Admission
Queens
The Brass Owl & Queens Room – Family New Year’s Eve Celebration
December 31 | 1:00 PM & 3:30 PM
A festive family event with bubbles, crafts, and balloon drops, timed perfectly for little ones.
Cost: Ticketed event
Tips:
Book early: Many family NYE events sell out weeks in advance.
Check age ranges: Some events are better suited for toddlers, while others work best for school-age kids.
Think daytime: Noon ball drops and early celebrations offer all the excitement—without the late night.