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Things to do on New Year’s Eve – Fun Ways to Celebrate with Kids!

Last Updated: 5/13/2025

The countdown to the New Year is on, and we all love a good celebration! Your New Year’s Eve may look a little different than it did before you welcomed children into the family. Whether you are planning on keeping your little ones up until midnight for an apple juice “cheers” or you would rather follow their normal bedtime routine, there are plenty of things to do on New Year’s Eve to make the day memorable.

Countdown Early!

Confetti and noisemakers

There are several services online that offer a midnight countdown earlier in the day. Younger children probably do not completely understand the concept anyway, but they are sure to comprehend the fun of “3-2-1, Happy New Year!”

Recreate the midnight countdown, but just at noon so that you can put your kids to sleep at their normal bedtime. You can still go all out for the celebration, and they will never know the difference. Then you’ll have the night to either get to bed early yourself or stay up for the festivities.

A few places that typically have Noon Year’s Eve Celebration events include Libraries, Indoor Play Areas, and Museums. Plan ahead because registration is often required.

Friday, December 27

  • FREE Noon Year’s Eve Party @ Geauga County Public Library {Find Out More}

Saturday, December 28

  • FREE Noon Year’s Eve @ South Euclid-Lyndhurst Branch Library {Find Out More}

Sunday, December 29

  • FREE ChurchLights New Year’s Celebration {Find Out More}

Monday, December 30

  • FREE Noon Year’s Eve @ Chagrin Falls Branch Library {Find Out More}
  • FREE Noon Year’s Eve @ North Olmsted Branch Library {Find Out More}

Tuesday, December 31

  • Zoo Year’s Eve @ the Akron Zoo {Find Out More}
  • Noon Year’s Eve @ Tower City Center {Find Out More}
  • Noon Year’s Eve @ Adrenaline Monkey {Find Out More}
  • Noon Year’s Eve @ The Yard on 3rd {Find Out More}
  • Noon Year’s Eve @ SouthPark Mall {Find Out More}
  • FREE New Year’s Eve Nature Celebration @ The West Woods {Find Out More}
  • 2024 Ball Drop @ Acres of Fun {Find Out More}
  • Zoo Year’s Eve @ Akron Zoo {Find Out More}
  • FREE Noon Year’s Eve @ Green Branch Library {Find Out More}
  • FREE Noon Year’s Eve @ Tallmadge Branch Library {Find Out More}
  • FREE Tuxes and Tiaras Noon Year’s Eve for Tots @ Portage Branch Library {Find Out More}

Play the Day Away at Scene 75

Scene 75 has a little bit of everything and your family will love it here. They offer so many activities it’s hard to choose what to do. There are go-karts, an arcade, bowling, laser tag, a 4D movie theater, bumper cars, and more! You can make it part of a day trip and grab some food in Cleveland after as well.

Scene 75
3688 Center Rd., Brunswick, OH 44212
Website

You may be interested in: More fun things to do in Cleveland

Go Ice Skating Lock 3

Ice Bumper Cars at Lock 3 Park in Akron Ohio
Ice Bumper Cars at Lock 3 Park in Akron Ohio

 The ice rink is very large and lined with cool lights and music plays in the background. Bring your own ice skates from home or rent some for a small fee. They even have the option to rent bumper cars or ice bikes! For New Year’s Eve, they also have special fireworks, music, lights, and more!

Lock 3 – Open 11 am-6 pm on New Year’s Eve.
200 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308
Website

You may be interested in: More fun things to do in Akron

Splash the New Year Away at Castaway Bay Indoor Waterpark

There is nothing more fun than indoor waterparks in the middle of winter and Castaway Bay brings this to a whole other level. They have a massive indoor park with many other fun attractions to do when you’re not soaking! During New Year’s Eve, they offer a special Noon Year’s Eve mini party in Club Castaway. 

Castaway Bay
2001 Cleveland Rd. W, Sandusky, OH 44870
Book Now

Choose an Outdoor Activity

Frozen Blue Hen Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Frozen Blue Hen Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

It might be cold on New Year’s Eve, but that’s a perfect reason to get bundled up and get outside! Check out your local area’s winter activities. Ice skating, sledding, or skiing would all be ideal ideas for fun for the entire family.

Then, you have a great excuse to make hot chocolate and build a fire before the countdown later that night. Your little ones will be tuckered out from the day of activity and you will be ready for a night in.

Fun Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Home

Grab Inexpensive Party Supplies

Plastic horns and confetti poppers are the perfect addition to any New Year’s celebration. There is just something about balloons that makes everything more fun. You can bet your kids will have a blast with this simple addition.

You might want to hide the horns the next day, but you will have a blast at the moment.

Have a Movie Marathon

If you have children who are a little bit older, you can make your mission last until midnight. So why not make the most of the countdown?

Find some New Year-themed treats to make, mix up a few mocktails, or pull out the sparkling cider and get into your coziest pajamas. Then pick out a series that you have been wanting to watch together. The Harry Potter Series or a Disney Princess theme is sure to be a hit!

Plan a Family Game Night

Pull out the board games and a deck of cards. Then order your favorite dish for the entire family. You can let everyone pick their most beloved game and alternate as you wait for the clock to strike midnight.

Throw a batch of cookies in the oven for dessert and you are all set for a night of fun! You can turn on the ball drop and pause your games for the official countdown.

You may also be interested in:

  • Things to do on Winter Break – Unique ideas to keep the kids entertained
  • Best Things to do in Ohio with Kids – Fun options across the state!

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