New Year's Eve Weekend in Dallas-Fort Worth: Countdown to 2026

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The Fort Worth Museum of Science and Industry is dropping tons of confetti at their Noon Year's Eve Party. Photo courtesy of the museum.

Looking for the best things to do in Dallas on New Year's Eve weekend to ring in 2026? Here are some events and activities to add to your list for this holiday weekend.

New Year's Eve is here, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate with the kids. For a NoonYear's Eve Celebration, try the Dallas Arboretum, the Sci-Tech Discovery Center in Frisco, or the Fort Worth History and Science Museum. Looking for a party vibe? Hooky Entertainment in Addison and Southlake, The HUB in Allen, and Round Two in Bishop Arts are all hosting family-friendly experiences that end at a reasonable hour. 

As far as the rest of the holiday weekend goes, you can check out Japanese culture and art at the Ikebana Art Showcase in Plano, take a Polar Plunge in Little Elm, or enjoy a Glow Swim in Irving. Not ready to see the holiday season end? The Dallas Zoo lights, ICE! at the Gaylord, and the Trains at NorthPark Center are running until Sunday, January 4, 2026. 

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 Los Angeles: Countdown to 2026

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Welcome the new year with a 12pm slime party at the SlooMoo Institute. Photo by Elaina Bellis courtesy of BFA.com

Looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles on New Year's Eve weekend to ring in 2026? Here are some events and activities to add to your list for this holiday weekend.

Get out your party hats, folks; it's time to celebrate making it through another year. When celebrating New Year's Eve with little ones, a daytime countdown like Noon Year's Eve at the Discovery Cube LA is the way to go. The New Year's Eve fireworks of Marina del Rey's New Year's Eve Fireworks + Glow Party are timed to both 9pm and midnight. 

For me personally, nothing beats New Year's Eve at Disneyland for greeting the New Year with joy. And to start 2026 in the most Southern California way possible, grab a spot on Colorado Blvd to watch the Rose Parade usher in the new year with a cavalcade of flower-strewn floats: this year's Grand Marshall is LA's own Magic Johnson!  

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!