Updated for 2025
Depending on the age of the children in your family, you may not be able to wait for midnight to celebrate the New Year. And in Southern California, that’s no problem. There are lots of Things to do on New Year’s Eve with Kids in Los Angeles!
There are lots of fun ideas for families to celebrate, because New Year’s Eve with Kids is very special and New Year’s Eve in LA is super fun!
New Year’s Eve Events for Families in Los Angeles
Ring in the New Year – East Coast Countdown Celebration
Ice at Santa Monica
1324 5th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Ice at Santa Monica invites families to its special New Year’s Eve event, Ring in the New Year – East Coast Countdown Celebration, happening on Wednesday, December 31st from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. Families will appreciate the earlier countdown to midnight (East Coast time) while enjoying the fun and delight of ice skating under the stars. Tickets are available online. (Ticket price includes admission, skate rental, and processing fees but does not include sales tax.)
Noon Year’s Eve at the Cube
Discovery Cube Los Angeles
11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar, CA 91342
Families are invited to celebrate Noon Year’s Eve at Discovery Cube Los Angeles. “The SUPER event features heroic adventures, apple cider toasts, your favorite science exhibits, live music, and mega balloon drops at Noon and 3pm.” Tickets are available online. (Note – don’t delay. There is a set capacity for this event; be sure to purchase tickets before they’re sold out.)
(Discovery Cube Los Angeles is an advertising partner.)
Toddler New Year’s Eve Party
Robertson Branch Library
1719 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035
Robertson Branch Library is celebrating New Year’s Eve on Wednesday, December 31st at 10:30 am. The fun includes books, music, dancing, and refreshments. (Recommended for babies and toddlers.)
Kids’ New Year’s Eve
LEGOLAND California Resort
One LEGOLAND Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92008
If you’re looking to get out of town for New Year’s, then LEGOLAND might be the place for your family. Celebrate New Year’s Eve the LEGOLAND way, where “midnight” comes early so no one misses their bedtime. The festivities include live music, a special countdown, and “an early fireworks display illuminating the sky and welcoming in the new year.” Tickets are available online.
Related: Rose Bowl Parade Frequently Asked Questions
Gloria Molina Grand Park’s NYELA Countdown to 2026 – Let’s Celebrate!
200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Gloria Molina Grand Park’s NYELA event is the “Biggest Free New Year’s Eve Celebration on the West Coast.” This free event takes place from 8:00 pm December 31st to 1:00 am January 1st, 2026, and features live musical performances on two stages, interactive art installations, and a “midnight countdown spectacle.” Families will be amazed by the “signature Midnight 3D Light Show Spectacular lighting up the iconic City Hall to celebrate 2026.” This is an all-ages event. Details and reservation information are available online.
Ring in the New Year at Lomita Library
24200 Narbonne Ave., Lomita, CA 90717
Celebrate the New Year at Lomita Library on Wednesday, December 31st from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Children (ages 5-12) will learn about New Year traditions from around the world. The fun also includes books, games, decorating a party hat, and making New Year’s resolutions. Advance registration is required as attendance is limited.
Annual New Year’s Eve Musical Revue
Santa Monica Playhouse
1211 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
The Santa Monica Playhouse invites you and your family to celebrate the New Year with the “56th anniversary of this rousing, family-friendly Rudie-DeCarlo in-person multi-media New Year’s event with live Playhouse artists and special guests streaming from around the globe joining in the singing, dancing, humor and other delights culled from 6 decades of audience favorite Santa Monica Playhouse productions.” “From finger-snapping 40s jazz to foot-stompin’ country rock, Jewish patter songs to romantic ballads, this show has it all! Add champagne, sparkling apple juice, hats, tiaras, noisemakers, streamers and surprises and you have a not-to-be-missed New Year’s Eve celebration.” On New Year’s Eve there will be two shows — one at 7:00 pm (perfect if you’re attending with younger children) and a later show at 10:30 pm which includes a midnight meet-and-greet with the cast and a “special surprise guest – downhome dive – the Hebrew Hillbilly – superstar Shelley Fisher!” All ticket prices include champagne and/or sparkling non-alcoholic cider and “sweet nibbles” which are available 30 minutes before showtime. Tickets are available online. (7:00 pm show: $49.50 for adults; $34.50 for children 12 younger; $44.50 for students, teachers, seniors, and military. 10:30 pm show: $59.50 for adults; $44.50 for children 12 and younger; $54.50 for students teachers, seniors, and military.)
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show and Glow Party
Burton Chace Park
13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Celebrate the New Year with fireworks in Marina del Rey. There will be two ten-minute fireworks shows — one show happens at 8:59 pm as you watch the east coast countdown to midnight, and the second countdown happens at 11:59 pm for the west coast countdown to midnight. (Note – The fireworks shows can be viewed from almost anywhere in Marina del Rey, including the waterfront restaurants.) In addition, the family-friendly Glow Party starts at 7:00 pm and features family-friendly activities including a DJ, face painting, a photo booth, on-site food trucks, live entertainment, and more. Free admission.
Noon Year’s Eve Party
LA Central Library
630 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071
No need to stay up until midnight. Instead, visit the Central Library and celebrate the New Year at noon! The Noon Year’s Eve Party starts at 11:00 am and will feature dancing, crafts, party favors, and a countdown to 12 (noon). Recommended for children 11 and younger.
New Year’s Eve Grape Drop
Old Town Civic Center
41000 Main St., Temecula, CA 92590
If New Year’s Eve means heading out of town, then celebrate in Temecula with their annual New Year’s Eve Grape Drop. The free, family-friendly fun is available from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm and includes live music, kids’ activities, and food vendors. Have fun with an East Coast countdown at 9:00 pm “with a grape drop in the form of an exciting drone show!” Details are available online.
New Year’s Eve Around the World
Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618
Your family can celebrate the New Year at Pretend City Children’s Museum on Wednesday, December 31st from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Families will enjoy music, festive activities, and the opportunity to learn about different cultural traditions. Confetti drops are planned for 12:00 pm (when Pakistan will celebrate the New Year) and 2:00 pm (when Greece will celebrate the New Year). This special event is expected to sell out. Families are encouraged to book your tickets online to make sure you don’t miss out.
Noon Year’s Eve Party
Lincoln Heights Branch Library
2530 Workman Street, Los Angeles, CA 90031
Lincoln Heights Branch Library is hosting a Noon Year’s Eve Party starting at 11:30 am. “Explore traditions around the world, make festive crafts, practice some cool dance moves, and join in a traditional New Year’s Eve countdown to 12…noon!”
EVE at Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
Spend Wednesday, December 31st enjoying Universal Studios Hollywood! “Fill your day with heart-pounding rides, shows and attractions, and then keep the thrills going into the night. Have fun and celebrate with multiple party areas featuring music, dancing, photo ops and a midnight countdown celebration with fireworks.” (Note – on New Year’s Eve you can celebrate with extended hours until 2:00 am.) Tickets and details are available online.
Family Storytime: Noon Year Countdown
Diamond Bar Library
21800 Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Families are invited to countdown to 12 (noon) at Diamond Bar Library. Enjoy a family storytime featuring books, songs, crafts, and a special countdown to the “Noon” Year! Advance registration is required as attendance is limited.
New Year’s Eve at Disneyland
1313 Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, CA 92802
Many families believe the best place to ring in the New Year is at the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Spend New Year’s Eve at Disneyland with all sorts of holiday daytime fun including A Christmas Fantasy Parade (at 12:45 pm and 3:00 pm) and It’s a Small World Holiday Lighting (at 5:00 pm). Then, celebrate New Year’s Eve with “festive fireworks, uplifting music and much more. It’s a perfect way to celebrate new beginnings of any kind!” Details and tickets are available online
Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration
Old Town Music Hall
140 Richmond St., El Segundo, CA
Old Town Music Hall is hosting its Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration on December 31st beginning at 9:00 pm. The evening will feature the debut performance of the Old Town Music Hall Jazz Band, “an ensemble of some of the finest local musicians specializing in the irresistible sounds of the 1920s-1930s. From hot jazz to swinging standards, it’s a nostalgic celebration of classic American music.” The evening will also include “film clips featuring fun variety performances, and a silent short comedy film with live accompaniment on our Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ.” Families will also enjoy complimentary desserts. Tickets are available online.
New Year’s Eve at Noon
Pennypickle’s Workshop – Temecula Children’s Museum
42081 Main St., Temecula, CA 92590
“Celebrate the New Year Pennypickle-style… at noon instead of midnight!” The Professor’s very special party takes place on Wednesday, December 31st from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. The event is quite popular and is expected to sell out, so don’t delay in reserving your spots. Pre-register by calling 951-308-6376. $12 per person, ages 2 and up. (Note – the museum will only be open during the hours of this event and will close at 12:30 pm.)
New Year’s Eve with The Roots
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Families with older kids (i.e. young adults) might enjoy ushering in the new year at Disney Concert Hall. On New Year’s Eve, The Roots, “one of the most versatile groups in hip-hop history” and house band for The Tonight Show, will be ringing in 2026 with two shows on Wednesday, December 31st. Performances take place at 7:00 pm and 10:30 pm. Additionally, pre-concert festivities, including a complimentary champagne toast and Novena Carmel’s DJ set, are happening one hour before each concert. Details and tickets are available online.
New Year’s Eve Presented by Night Dive
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
The Aquarium of the Pacific is hosting an adults-only New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31st from 8:00 pm to 1:00 am, January 1st, 2026. Attendees will be treated to an “unforgettable evening full of music, magic, and marine life.” Café Scuba will be open and offering a special New Year’s Eve menu. Plus, you can take part in the “ultimate confetti countdown to 2026.” Advanced tickets are required and are available online. (Note – This is an adults-only event, perfect for celebrating with your young adult, college-age kiddos. Must be at least 18 years old.)
Noon Year’s Eve
The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation (MOXI)
125 State St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
If you’re looking to get out of town, head up to Santa Barbara on New Year’s Eve. MOXI is hosting its Noon Year’s Eve event on Wednesday, December 31st. Families will “enjoy a museum-wide celebration throughout MOXI’s interactive exhibits, including the Seaside Sock Skating rink and new exhibits on the second floor.” Plus, families can take part in the “lively countdown to 2026 with ice races, glittery crafts and noisemaker-making, and a rooftop dance party.” Details and tickets are available online.
New Year’s Eve Pull My Finger: Family Friendly Comedy Show
The Crow – Bergamot Station Arts Center
2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica, CA
New Year’s Eve Pull My Finger: Family Friendly Comedy Show is happening on Wednesday, December 31st starting at 5:00 pm. (Doors open at 4:30 pm.) If you love the sound of your children’s laughter, then this is the place for you. “It’s our mission over here at The Crow to make your kids laugh! Join us for an interactive improv show with professional comedians.” All-ages are welcome, though the show is described as best for families with children ages 4-11. Tickets are available online.
Noon Years Eve Countdown
Graham Library
1900 E. Firestone Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90001
Graham Library is hosting a Noon Years Eve Countdown on December 31st from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. “Explore traditions around the world and ring in the ‘Noon Year’ as we celebrate with festive crafts, followed by a count down at noon!” (Recommended for children ages 3-12.)
2026 Noon Year’s Eve Celebration
Southern California Children’s Museum
459 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101
“Ring in the New Year… Before Naptime” at Southern California Children’s Museum’s Noon Year’s Eve Celebration happening on Wednesday, December 31st from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Children will have the chance to decorate a party hat to wear for the special countdown to 12:00 noon, which will be celebrated with a confetti release. “We’ll toast to the new year with sparkling cider, and celebrate all the adventures to come.” This special celebration is designed for families with children 6 and younger. Tickets are available online. ($18 per person, children under 1 are free)
New Year’s Eve at Knott’s
Knott’s Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620
Families will enjoy a festive New Year’s Eve experience at Knott’s Berry Farm. You’ll enjoy extended hours and live entertainment including a family-friendly comedian, live bands, swing dancing, and more. Then, “count down the final moments of 2025 with festive music, party hats, and noisemakers, before a spectacular display of fireworks lights the skies above Knott’s ablaze at the stroke of midnight.” Details and ticket information are available online.
Noon Years Eve
City Terrace Library
4025 City Terrace Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90063
Families with children ages 2-12 are invited to celebrate Noon Years Eve at City Terrace Library. Families will learn about traditions from around the world that celebrate the New Year. Children will also make a party hat (and some noise) as they celebrate 2026!
Fullerton’s First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration
Downtown Fullerton Plaza
125 E. Wilshire Ave., Fullerton, CA 92832
The city of Fullerton is hosting its biggest celebration of the year on Wednesday, December 31st. It’s the city’s annual First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration. This family-friendly event begins at 7:00 pm and features live music, a kids’ lane, food, fun, and a fireworks show at midnight. Check the website for more details as they become available.
Celebrate NYE Early at D & B
Multiple Locations including
Dave & Buster’s Torrance
21880 Hawthorne Blvd. Suite 360, Torrance, CA 90503
Dave & Buster’s is hosting a family-friendly, early New Year’s Eve Celebration from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Ring in 2026 with a special event the whole family will enjoy! “From thrilling arcade action to delicious bites and sparkling drinks, we’ve got everything you need to welcome 2026 in style … without staying up till midnight!” This is an all-ages event. (Note – a late night, adults-only New Year’s Eve celebration is also planned at many Dave & Buster’s.) Tickets are required and are available online. (Children under 2 don’t need a ticket.)
Noon Year’s Eve
Library Park
321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia, CA
The City of Monrovia invites families to its Noon Year’s Eve event on Wednesday, December 31st from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. All ages are welcome at this fun, free, family-friendly celebration. Check the website for more details as they become available.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve On the Lanes
Bowlero
Multiple Locations including
8731 Lincoln Blvd., Westchester, CA 90045
Celebrate New Year’s Eve on the Lanes at Bowlero. Multiple options are available, from “family-friendly daytime outings to late-night celebrations, our New Year’s Eve bowling packages offer something for every crowd.” Families can choose the package that best meets your family’s needs which means “one reservation, zero stress, and an unforgettable countdown ahead.” All New Year’s Eve bowling packages include unlimited bowling and shoe rental as well as a food menu and beverages that differ depending on the package. “The Daytime Bash and Sunset Bash packages are perfect for early celebrations with kids, offering two hours of bowling, kid-approved food, and non-alcoholic toast options.” The Daytime Bash is available from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm and 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The Sunset Bash Package is available from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Details and reservation information are available online.
New Year’s Eve Family Fun Night
Thousand Oaks Inn
75 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Thousand Oaks Inn is hosting its New Year’s Eve Family Fun Night on Wednesday, December 31st from 6:00 pm to Midnight. The family-friendly event features a buffet dinner, games, music, a magic show, a caricaturist, and a special countdown to midnight. This is an all-ages event. Tickets are available online.
Noon Year’s Eve Party
Stough Canyon Nature Center
2300 Walnut Ave., Burbank, CA 91501
Stough Canyon Nature Center is ringing in 2026 with a Noon Year’s Eve Party on Wednesday, December 31st. This special event will feature games, arts and crafts, and snacks. Plus, there will a fun countdown to 12:00 pm with a memorable balloon drop! Registration is available online.
4th Annual New Year’s Eve Spectacular
Ojai Valley Museum
130 W. Ojai Ave., Ojai, CA
If you don’t mind driving a bit, celebrate the new year at Ojai Valley Museum. The Museum will be hosting its annual New Year’s Eve Spectacular on December 31st from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, and celebrating east coast-style with a 9:00 pm ball drop. The fun includes food, games, music, dancing, performers and more. Last year’s event sold out so don’t delay in purchasing your tickets. Details and tickets are available online.
Noon Years Eve – Bluey’s Balloon Drop and NYE Glow Party
Castle & Crown
2012 W. Burbank Blvd., Burbank, CA 91506
Castle & Crown is hosting two special New Year’s Eve events this year. Bluey will be the special guest at Castle & Crown’s Noon Years Eve celebration happening on Wednesday, December 31st from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Children will enjoy face painting, crafts, pizza, and a special balloon drop at 12:00 pm.
For older kiddos, Castle & Crown is hosting a NYE Glow Party from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Rumi will be the special guest at this celebration, which will also feature music, crafts, glow sticks, and pizza. Details and tickets are available online. (Tickets are $35 each.)
PCH Explorers Noon Year’s Celebration
2nd & PCH
6400 Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA
2nd & PCH is hosting a special Kids Club Noon Year’s Celebration on Wednesday, December 31st from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Ring in 2026 early, at noon! The fun includes crafts, face painting, bingo, a dance party, photobooth, and “countdown to Noon Year with a Bubble Party.” RSVP online for this free event.
Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
MomsLA is your source for Things to do with Kids in Los Angeles
Disclaimer: MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.
