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Countdown2Noon, Please Touch Museum’s signature New Year’s Eve event for kids, is back — with even more confetti! Photo courtesy of the museum
Countdown2Noon, Please Touch Museum’s signature New Year’s Eve event for kids, is back — with even more confetti! Photo courtesy of the museum
12/22/24 - By Nicole O'Donnell

It's almost New Year's Eve in Philly and we've got all the festive things to do with kids to make it a memorable start to the new year.

Ring in 2026 with your kiddos before bedtime! There are plenty of family-friendly New Year's Eve festivities around Philly, from fireworks and balloon drops to community celebrations at playspaces and parks. Get ready for lots of laughter and fun as you wave good-bye to 2025 together. 

Looking for ways to keep busy leading up to the big ball drop? Check out or list of 35+ Things To Do over Winter Break and browse our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events to make sure you've hit all the holiday highlights this season.

Several options on our New Year's activities list provide prime seating for the Rivers Casino New Year's Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront. Some events are ticketed, so make plans before they sell out!

 

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Ring in 2024 in style with Parties on Ice at the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Photo courtesy Delaware River Waterfront
Ring in 2024 in style with Parties on Ice at the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Photo courtesy Delaware River Waterfront

Things to Do on New Year's Eve in Philadelphia

New Year’s Eve Kids Countdown with PopUpPlay featuring Firework

Penn's Landing
Enjoy activities with PopUpPlay, including make-and-take crafts and games (while supplies last), a New Year’s countdown, gymnastics courses from National Kids Gym, puppet making, and the Digger and David Puppet Theater (a roaming puppeteer), scooter races and catapults, a scavenger hunt, a dance party with live video feed on the Pier’s jumbo screens, black light room, and special balloon drop to countdown to the New Year. READ MORE

Kids' New Year's Eve Countdown in Franklin Square

Center City
Count down to 2025 in Franklin Square. The event begins with crafts from 5-6pm and concludes with the Square Drop from atop SquareBurger at 6pm. You can also watch the New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront from Franklin Square, which will remain open until 8pm. READ MORE

Countdown2Noon

Fairmount Park
Ring in 2026 on the dance floor at the Please Touch Museum, where a kid-friendly New Year's Eve celebration includes performances, activities, and a countdown to a 12pm ball drop in Hamilton Hall. READ MORE

Kith +Kin - New Years Concert With Music With Gina

Brewerytown
Get ready to ring in the new year with a festive concert filled with live music and dance party vibes at Kith + Kin! Join Gina and Mr. John's Music for an unforgettable celebration, where singing and dancing will surely make 2026 one amazing start. READ MORE

Rutabaga New Year's Eve Bash

East Falls
Storyteller Thembi Palmer shares her new book, plus enjoy festive playtime, snacks, drinks for grown-ups, and a walk to Ainslie street for a 6pm ball drop. READ MORE

New Year’s Eve Party on Ice

Philadelphia
Ring in 2026 in style with Parties on Ice at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, featuring two great parties that include amazing views of the New Year's Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront. READ MORE
A 400 pound PEEPS chick descends for a countdown to the new year at Bethlehem's PEEPSFEST. Photo courtesy of ArtsQuest/Just Born PEEPSFEST
A 400 pound PEEPS chick descends for a countdown to the new year at Bethlehem's PEEPSFEST. Photo courtesy of ArtsQuest/Just Born PEEPSFEST

Things to Do on New Year's Eve in the Suburbs

New Year's Eve Family Jam

Ardmore, PA
Kids can get ready to dance and sing as Alex & The Kaleidoscope takes the stage at The Ardmore Music Hall. The event activities include a countdown to noon, festive arts and crafts, and family dance party.   READ MORE

Sesame Place New Year's Eve Fireworks

Langhorne, PA
Celebrate the new year with fireworks set to Sesame Street music. Elmo, Abby Cadabby, The Count and the rest of the gang are ready to join in the fun. This impressive display occurs after the Neighborhood Street Party Christmas Parade. READ MORE

Jazzberry Jammin' New Years Event

Easton, PA
The Crayola Factory celebrates 2026 with its Jazzberry Jammin' New Year's Eve celebration. Families enjoy a silent disco, mid-day countdowns, character appearances, and colorful activities. READ MORE

PEEPSFEST

Bethlehem, PA
December 30 & 31
Bid farewell to 2025 with all things PEEP® at Peeps Fest. This family-friendly event is now entirely outdoors and features live music, crafts, scavenger hunts, and even a Leaning Tower of PEEPS®. The PEEPS® Chick Drop will take place each day at 5:30pm. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at Legoland Discovery Center

Plymouth Meeting, PA
You’re invited to ring in the New Year before the clock strikes midnight at a Noon Year’s Eve Celebration. Be sure to arrive before Noon to celebrate with a LEGO® Ball Drop in MINILAND Philadelphia! Grab a complimentary noise maker (*while supplies last*) and help us bring in the new year with a glass of sparkling apple cider. READ MORE
Battleship New Jersey offers incredible views of the Fireworks from across the bridge. Photo courtesy of R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
Battleship New Jersey offers incredible views of the Fireworks from across the bridge. Photo courtesy of R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

Things to Do on New Year's Eve in New Jersey and Delaware

New Year's Eve Fireworks from Battleship New Jersey

Camden, NJ
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

New Years Eve at Millennium Skate World

Camden, NJ
Roll into 2025 with a family skate at Millennium Skate World. There are three chances to party, 11 am to 2 pm, 2:30 to 5:30 pm, and 6 to 9 pm. READ MORE

Zoo Year's Eve

Wilmington, DE
Celebrate the New Year a little early as the Brandywine Zoo counts down to noon! Games, crafts, and a sparkling cider toast await at this special celebration. Dress for the weather as the festivities are outdoors. READ MORE

First Night Morris County

Morristown, NJ
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

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About the Author

Nicole O'Donnell
Nicole O'Donnell is a marketing and social media expert with over 20 years of media experience and a proud mom to twin girls. A fan of writing, yoga, and exploring Philly, Nicole loves sampling the city's best treats with her girls in tow.
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