New Year's Eve Weekend in New Jersey with Kids: Countdown to 2026 and More Fun Things To Do

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Climb aboard the Battleship New Jersey for the best view of the Delaware River fireworks on New Year's Eve. Photo courtesy of Battleship New Jersey

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey over New Year's Eve weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for the holiday weekend.

It's time to kiss 2025 goodbye and look forward to a fresh new start in 2026. Celebrate New Year's Eve family-style with low-key events like Noon Year's Eve at Jenkinson's in the daytime, featuring entertainment and a balloon drop, or see the nighttime New Year's Eve fireworks in Sea Isle City. Plus, kick off the first weekend of the new year with some fresh air during a Storytime and Craft at the Liberty State Park Nature Center.

Read on for all our top picks for the weekend ahead!

New Year's Eve Weekend in New York City with Kids: Best Ways to Count Down to 2026

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The big ball drop in Times Square is an unforgettable New Year's Eve sight, if you can handle the crowds! Photo by Michael Hull

Looking for the best things to do in New York City this New Year's Eve weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this New Year's holiday weekend.

It's time to ring in 2026, and you don't have to stay up until midnight on Wednesday to get in on the fun. Teens can count down to the New Year by making origami fortune cookies at the NYPL, families can take a first-day hike in Central Park or Prospect Park to start the year on the right foot, or watch the Coney Island Polar Bear Club members take their annual frigid dip in the Atlantic.

We've got picks for fun lasting all through the long weekend below, plus more fun on our list of fun things to do between Christmas and New Year's. It's also the last chance to check out many of our favorite holiday happenings.

New Year's Eve Weekend in Atlanta with Kids: Count Down to 2026!

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Start 2026 with furry performers at Mutts Gone Nuts, a showcase of the most talented, hysterical four-legged performers! Photo courtesy Mutts Gone Nuts

Looking for the best things to do in Atlanta this New Year's Eve weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend! 

It's New Year's Eve weekend of 2025, which means it's the last call for popular holiday events like Lights of LIFE in Marietta and Holidays at the Georgia Aquarium. On New Year's Eve, families welcome 2026 with plenty of kid-friendly (i.e. early) events like Zoo Year's Eve and Noon Year's Eve at Skyline Park. This weekend also brings other fun for animal lovers like Repticon in Lawrenceville and Mutts Gone Nuts in Sandy Springs. 

However you choose to celebrate, have a happy New Year from everyone here at Mommy Poppins!

New Year's Eve Weekend in Orlando with Kids: Count Down to 2026!

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Start 2026 off with an epic New Year's fireworks display at the Magic Kingdom. Photo courtesy of Disney

Looking for the best things to do in Orlando this New Year's Eve weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your holiday weekend list!

This New Year's Eve weekend in Orlando features a host of thrilling activities for the whole family. Ring in 2026 with early New Year's Eve celebrations at Brevard Zoo, Millie Moo's, Monkey Joe's, and more. Older kids can enjoy New Year's Eve fireworks at Sunset Walk, Mount Dora, and Avalon Park. And start the New Year enjoying the beautiful outdoors at a First Day Hike in one of Florida's amazing state parks. Whatever you choose, have a happy New Year and know Mommy Poppins will be with you in Orlando for all your family adventures!

New Year's Eve Weekend in Philly with Kids: Count Down to 2026

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Ring in 2026 by attending the annual Mummers Parade on January 1! Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

Looking for the best things to do in Philly on New Year's Eve and New Year's Weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Skate into the New Year with a bang! Bid farewell to 2025 and join the fun at the New Year's Eve Fireworks Celebration, complete with views of the fireworks presented by Rivers Casino. Enjoy early countdown celebrations, plus more fireworks displays at Peepsfest or Sesame Place.

New Year's Day brings the time-honored tradition of the Mummers Parade, a celebration that has delighted and entertained Philly for more than 120 years. After the New Year's ball has dropped, a lot of the holiday events come to a close, so check your list twice and make sure you don't miss a thing.

New Year's Eve Weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids: Countdown to 2026

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Celebrate the new year before dark with crafts, confetti, and a dance party at the Westchester Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this New Year's Eve weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Families can have a bricktacular New Year's Eve at Legoland New York, featuring an early countdown and Lego ball drop, plus all the other festivities throughout the day. Or enjoy cupcake decorating, a DJ dance party, and a confetti-filled ball drop and countdown to 2026 at the New Year's Eve Kids' Countdown at the Westchester Children's Museum. 

If you're not too tired after all the fun, explore the outdoors on a guided First-Day Hike through Rockwood Hall in Rockefeller State Park Preserve, or kick off maple sugaring season at Muscoot Farm's FREE Backyard Sugarin'.