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

Forget a regular old ball, Hammonton is dropping their Giant Blueberry to ring in 2026! Photo courtesy of Main Street Hammonton
Forget a regular old ball, Hammonton is dropping their Giant Blueberry to ring in 2026! Photo courtesy of Main Street Hammonton
12/22/24 - By Laurie Rein

If all-night celebrations are a thing of the past for you and your family, you can still make the most of New Year's Eve with family-friendly festivities throughout New Jersey.

We've rounded up New Year's Eve events the whole family can enjoy together, from indoor theme park adventures to New Year's Eve fireworks and First Night celebrations. 

Looking for pre-New Year's entertainment? Keep busy with these Staycation Ideas, and be sure to check our Family Activity Calendar for more happenings. Happy New Year, New Jersey!

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

Enjoy all the perks of a New Year's Eve celebration without actually witnessing midnight at a family-friendly afternoon celebration. iPlay America's New Year's Eve Balloon Drop features character visits, prizes, and an afternoon countdown. Party (early) at the shore at Jenkinson's Noon Years Eve Celebration, complete with indoor and outdoor entertainment.

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

Avoid the hustle and bustle of crowded venues, and make New Year's Eve a fun-filled family night in. Learn about countdown bags, cozy party ideas, and more with How to Celebrate New Year's Eve with Kids at Home. You can even make it a movie night with 75 Best Movies for Kids: Top Family Movie Night Ideas.

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iPlay America has New Year's fun for the whole family; enjoy rides, games, food, and more. Photo courtesy of iPlay America
iPlay America has New Year's fun for the whole family; enjoy rides, games, food, and more. Photo courtesy of iPlay America

Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Events in New Jersey (2025–2026)

New Year's Eve Fireworks from Battleship New Jersey

Camden
Watch New Year’s Eve Fireworks over the Delaware River from the historic deck of Battleship New Jersey. Enjoy music, food concessions, and bar service. READ MORE

Hammonton New Year's Eve Bash & Giant Blueberry Drop

Hammonton–FREE
The countdown to the new year is on in Downtown Hammonton. Enjoy fireworks and the famous Giant Blueberry Drop. Music and dancing round out the fun. READ MORE

Ring In the New Year at Dave & Buster's Freehold

Freehold
Ring in 2026 at Dave & Buster’s. Enjoy unlimited fun with hundreds of arcade games,  delicious bites and drinks. The countdown celebration includes party favors and cheer. READ MORE

Early New Year's Eve at Dave & Buster's Woodbridge

Woodbridge
Welcome 2026 with a celebration the whole family will love. Join Dave & Buster's for an unforgettable Family New Year’s Eve experience packed with fun, games, food, and more festive excitement. READ MORE

First Night Morris County

Morristown
First Night Morris County, in its 34th year, is the biggest and brightest New Year’s Eve celebration in New Jersey, providing a magnificent, family-friendly, substance- and alcohol-free celebration in the heart of Morristown. READ MORE

First Night OCNJ

Ocean City
With over 70 shows and activities taking place at over 20 venues, there is something for everyone at this annual event. Don't miss rides, ice skating, inflatables, Pete the Cat Show, karaoke, live bands and more. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Family Celebration at iPlay America

Freehold
Ring in a new year full of action at iPlay America for the Ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration from 7PM to 1AM and enjoy a night of rides, games, party favors, DJ, giveaways, and more. READ MORE

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

Noon Year's Eve at Jenkinson's

Point Pleasant–FREE
Kick off an early New Year's celebration at both Jenkinson’s Pavilion and Jenkinson’s Aquarium. The fun includes an Aquarium mermaid show, an animal show on the Pavilion, Mini Princess Palooza and a ball drop with princesses at 4pm. READ MORE

Kids' New Year's Eve Celebration at Casino Pier Arcade

Seaside Heights–FREE
Ring in the New Year early with a day full of family fun at Casino Pier Arcade. First Night Ocean County is a kids’ New Year’s Eve celebration packed with exciting entertainment and magical memories. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve: Asteroid Drop at Edelman Fossil Park & Museum

Mantua
Countdown to the new year - prehistoric style. Be part of the first-ever Noon Year’s Eve: Asteroid Drop at Edelman Fossil Park & Museum, where the excitement blasts off before bedtime. READ MORE

Kids and Family Noon Year’s Eve Party Featuring The Rock & Roll Playhouse

South Orange
Usher in 2026 a little early with your kiddos at a fun-filled kids and family celebration. Join SOPAC for a joyful, music-packed event as The Rock and Roll Playhouse brings the timeless songs of The Beatles to life in a lively, interactive concert perfect for young listeners and their grown-ups. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Balloon Drop Bash at iPlay America

Freehold–FREE
Celebrate New Year's Eve before bedtime at iPlay America, with party favors, prizes, a visit with Mickey and Minnie Mouse and a countdown to the new year balloon drop. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at United Skates of America

Jackson
This fun-filled afternoon includes skating, pizza, noise makers, character visits and a countdown to noon. Appearances by Stitch, Angel and Sonic add to the fun. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
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