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Long Island New Year’s Eve Guide 2025 for Families: Kid-Friendly Events, Fireworks & More

The Long Island Children's Museum's New Year's Eve party has themed activities, a ball drop, and a confetti-filled dance party. Photo courtesy LICM
The Long Island Children's Museum's New Year's Eve party has themed activities, a ball drop, and a confetti-filled dance party. Photo courtesy LICM
12/22/24 - By Jaime Sumersille

Discover family-friendly events, fireworks, early countdowns, and fun ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2025–2026 on Long Island with kids of all ages.

No matter how old your kids are, there are plenty of family-friendly New Year's Eve events across Long Island to help you welcome 2026. Our top picks for daytime New Year's Eve celebrations include roller skating, ball drops, and gaming.

At night, head to a downtown area for a Times Square feel as Farmingdale, Lindenhurst, Huntington, and Patchogue light up their Main Streets with celebrations.

Find more fun in our Family Activity Calendar and Holiday Fun Guide. And be sure to subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

What Are the Best Things To Do with Kids on New Year’s Eve on Long Island?

We know that not all families are into the big booming firework shows on New Year's Eve, so we've rounded up a bunch of earlier celebrations, holiday light shows, outdoor community festivities, and day trips for you to peruse.

At-Home New Year’s Eve Ideas If You Don’t Want to Go Out

Set the scene to welcome 2026 while being cozy at home. From a family movie night to traditions from around the world, we have 22 parent-tested ideas on how to make the most of your at-home celebration.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Events on Long Island 2025–2026

Fishes & Wishes: New Year's Eve Celebration at the Long Island Aquarium

Riverhead
Ring in the new year at the Long Island Aquarium's Fishes & Wishes New Year’s Eve celebration with resident animals, festive foods, dancing and more - all family style. READ MORE

Family New Year's Eve Party at Bayville Winter Wonderland

Bayville
Bayville's Winter Wonderland boasts two New Year's Eve celebration options. Choose from parties in Shipwreck Tavern or Beaches & Cream. Both festivities include early evening New Year's countdowns.  READ MORE

Dave & Buster’s New Year's Eve Celebrations

Westbury & Islandia
Head to one of two Dave & Buster's locations on Long Island for a pre-midnight New Year's Eve celebration that includes unlimited gaming. READ MORE

Early Countdown Events for Kids Who Can’t Stay Up Till Midnight

Noon Year's Eve Party at Huntington Library

Huntington–FREE
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
Celebrate Noon Year's Eve together with a craft, balloon drop, dancing, and a snack at the Huntington Public Library. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve Party at the Merrick Library

Merrick–FREE
Too young to stay up until midnight on New Year’s Eve? Join the Noon Year’s Eve party at the Merrick Library - complete with a cascading balloon drop down the atrium as the clock strikes noon. READ MORE

Farmingdale Village New Year's Eve Celebration

Farmingdale–FREE
Welcome in 2026 with a family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration on the village green in Farmingdale. Enjoy live music at the gazebo and sip free hot cocoa while waiting for the ball to drop earlier than midnight. READ MORE

Countdown to 12 at Long Island Children's Museum

Garden City
Get ready to “O-FISH-ally" welcome 2026 at the Long Island Children's Museum with a countdown to noon and more events.  READ MORE

Family Noon Year's Eve Party at United Skates of America

Seaford
Skate into the new year with this mock countdown Noon Year's Eve party at United Skates of America with Stitch, Minions, Hello Kitty and Poppy Troll! READ MORE

Noon Year’s Eve at the Long Island Explorium

Port Jefferson
Gather your little ones for a morning filled with excitement, creativity, and festive fun at the Long Island Explorium. This unique Noon Year's Eve event offers an unforgettable experience for kids and their parents to ring in the New Year together, well before bedtime. READ MORE

Family New Year's Eve Balloon Drop at Gr8Skates

Shirley
Watch the balloons drop at Gr8Skates in Shirley during a family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration. Multiple sessions are offered all day long. READ MORE

Nautical New Year's at The Whaling Museum

Cold Spring Harbor
Did you know the New Year's Eve ball is based on an old nautical timekeeping tradition? Join The Whaling Museum for a countdown to 12 noon, and enjoy festive self-serve crafts all day during gallery hours. READ MORE

Long Island NYE Family Fireworks, Drone Shows, Festivals & Outdoor Fun

Midnight on Main in Patchogue

Patchogue
Head to the intersection of West Main Street and West Avenue in Patchogue for an all-ages dance party as you await the ball drop and fireworks show in Patchogue.  READ MORE

The Spectacular New Year’s Eve Drone Show at the Huntington Holiday Spectacular

Huntington
Huntington Village is hosting a sky-high celebration from the team behind the Huntington Village Business Improvement District’s beloved Huntington Holiday Spectacular events. Keep your eyes on the skies as an impressive drone show launches just before midnight. READ MORE

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About the Author

Jaime Sumersille
Jaime Sumersille, a mom of two boys in Bellmore, has been writing for Mommy Poppins for over a decade. She’s always exploring Long Island’s beaches, parks, and new attractions, and loves sharing those experiences on the site. Jaime enjoys adding her family’s perspective to Mommy Poppins’ mission.
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